Welcome to one of the most charming areas in Spain! A region in the province of Lleida where you can discover charming spots to lose yourself in and mountain villages to explore.
In the Val d'Aran (or Aran Valley) region, there are three official languages: Spanish, French and the local dialect: Aranese. From the latter comes the name by which the county is also known, Val d'Aran.
It is part of the central Pyrenees and extends over more than 600 kilometres full of mountains that reach an altitude of more than 2,000 metres above sea level, where one of the main rivers, the Garonne, flows through the lower part. Moreover, the capital of Val d’Aran, Viella (or Vielha, as it is known by the locals) functions as a natural border with these mountains.
You probably know the Val d'Aran for the activities it offers, and in particular for the ski slopes of Baqueira, but what else is there besides snow sports? The answer is simple: there are lots of things to discover!
One of the first things you can do is to discover the Val d'Aran on foot, following the different routes that are scattered throughout the area. Among the best known, and one that you can do with the whole family, we would highlight the Uelhs deth Joeu, a simple route that will allow you to enjoy the views.
The Colomers Cirque is one of the jewels to be discovered in the Val d'Aran, of glacial origin and made up of almost fifty lakes. You can reach it on what is known as the Route of the 7 lakes, a spectacular route on which you can combine the views of nature splashed by water between the mountains.
As you can see, the Val d'Aran is magical, and its magic also lies in the Enchanted Forest of Carlac, ideal for a family outing. To get to this forest you will have to start from the village of Bausen, from where you will enter a universe of nature in which the protagonists are the thousand-year-old beech trees and where you can also visit La Tumba de Teresa, a place with a story behind that we recommend you ask the local Aranese inhabitants about and which will surprise you.
For winter sports lovers, we mentioned earlier of the ski resort of Baqueira Beret, which during the season is the main economic engine in the area due to the influx of tourists eager to surf the snow. Its ski slopes are world-renowned for the quality of their snow.
Finally, you should always set aside a few days to visit each of the villages that make up the Val d’Aran valley, which will make perfect photographs of your trip.
Without a doubt, the starting point should be in Vielha, a traditional village with views of the river crossing and with some heritage landmarks such as the churches of San Miguel and Santa Eulalia de Arrós.
There are also other Aranese gems in the form of villages such as Bossost and Salardú, where their churches will also catch your eye, and others perfect for relaxing in their thermal waters such as Les or Artiés. Special mention should be made of the village of Bagerge, where you will find beauty in its streets.
As you can see, there are many options, so don't hesitate any longer and enjoy the whole of the Val d’Aran valley.
