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Pools of thermal water in Arties

Photo Visit Arties

You can enjoy the pools of public use of thermal water in Arties. The enclosure will be open every day from 10 a 20h at a prix of 3 €.

The two pools, one of 5 x 6 meters and another of 2 x 8 meters, are located next to the Banhs d’Arties, an ancient complex with three hot springs sulfurized-sodium unutilized since the 80s. In the new facility, independent of the ancient, swimmers can enjoy natural thermal water at a temperature of 39 ° C.

The complex also has changing room and a garden for the enjoyment of swimmers. The exhibition, which will be equipped with caretaker and rescuer, will be closed overnight.

arties-inauguracion-piscinas-termales-10

Photo Visit Arties

The pools are on the track linking Garòs with Arties, along the Garonne River. The municipality of Naut Aran, promoter of the project, has appealed to respect the basic rules of conduct: using bathing costumes, showering before swimming, do not go with animals and not eat or drink inside the enclosure, while maintaining the calm of the environment.

5 July, 2018 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

The Museu dera Nhèu, a unique thematic centre in Europe

Located in the town of Unha, just seven kilometres from the ski resort of Baqueira Beret, the Musèu dera Nhèu of the Val d’Aran joins a documented thematic exhibition on snow with worldwide references that make it a unique space in Europe.

The Musèu dera Nhèu is a harmonious combination of audiovisual and interactive resources and graphics and written historical documents, can address the phenomenon of snow from the scientific perspective, ethnographic and sport, with the help of an extensive collection of testimonials items ranging from a mockup of Baqueira Beret until the first models of skis.

Coto Çò Baile an eighteenth century building, hosts this centre created in 2006, with 500 m2 of permanent exhibition on three floors and four sections on meteorological phenomenon; the harshness of life in these areas; snow sports; and ski resorts. The centre is complemented by another 150 m2 in the building of Social Casal intended for exhibitions and conferences. During the winter there ara guided visits that it is necessary to arrange in the municipality of Naut Aran.

What is snow?

Crystals and snow of the cohesion, avalanches, glaciers or the animals adaptation to the snow are some of the topics covered on the first floor, with a scientific vision and displayed via touch screens and audiovisual media. This section has been made with the cooperation of the Val d’Aran Prediction Center of Avalanches, under the Conselh Generau d’Aran , which participated in developing of the content.

When the snow was suffered

The second thematic section focuses on the lifestyle of some territories conditioned by a certain geography and meteorology. Hardness winters, architecture adapted, clothing, legends and beliefs, popular sayings … With the old fire place of the house as part of the scenery, it is recreated a traditional kitchen with utensils from contributions from individuals and the Museum of Vielha, including old sleds and vintage clothing.

Gold snow

The beginnings of skiing and the different types of sports and snow activities, winter fashion and ski equipment are part of this third section which shows how the Val d’Aran has become a winter tourist destination unique for its conditions, with heavy snow and of very good quality, which has been the cradle of outstanding athletes. It also includes an audiovisual and a permanent exhibition of materials given in part by Baqueira Beret.

Ski resorts

The final section gives an overview of the history and present of the main ski resorts in the world and in Catalonia, with special mention of Baqueira, consolidated as one of the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees in terms of services, facilities and ski area and on which you can see an interesting audio-visual.

12 December, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Monographic, Breaking news 0

The autumn's cuisine in the Val d'Aran

At this season we get good fresh new ingredients like mushrooms or beans, which are incorporated in the Aran restaurants menu. Foie gras, duck breast and confit, the typical Olha aranesa, boar civet and the bolhs and pates are just a small example of the cuisine that can be tasted at this time.

During the months of September and October mushroom enters its peak season, an increasingly present product in the recipes of local dishes of the Val d’Aran, accompanying newly introduced products such as sturgeon and caviar, or strengthening the special flavor and texture of game meat in dishes like Wild boar stew.

We cannot forget Era Mongetada, the great gastronomic and cultural festival that is celebrated in the towns of Bossòst and Garòs the All Saints weekend, to worship to one of the main products of the Valley gastronomy.

And as we like parties, another celebration, the Snowfest, will close this period in late November to give way to the snow and to the hibernal season: Baqueira in all its glory … but we’ll tell you this in another post!

26 September, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Monographic 0

The Val d'Aran receives Òscar Cadiach

The Aranian government, represented by the Síndic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera and the Tourism councilor, Anna Diaz, will host a reception for the alpinist Òscar Cadiach. The event took place last Monday, September 4 in the Press Room of the Conselh Generau d’Aran.

When reaching the peak of Broad Peak (8.047 meters) on July 27, Cadiach became the first Catalan to crown the fourteen eight thowsand without oxygen. The expedition, which allowed him to make history within the Catalan and worldwide mountaineering, was supported by Tourism of Val d’Aran. As a sign of gratitude, the climber visits the Val d’Aran, which will dedicate a reception where the images of his arrival at the top will be displayed.

31 August, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

Shopping route by the Val d'Aran

From the large commercial axes to the small traditional establishment

The Val d’Aran offers an attractive and unique commercial offering from which tourists can, from finding necessities, to browse among an assortment of unique details to take as a souvenir of their stay.

The route of the Aran stores depends critically on three main areas: Vielha, Bossòst and Les, but should not forget the vintage shops that have survived in each of the picturesque villages. Some of them, roadside, flaunt their affability for the traveller. Other, more hidden, will be sought between the streets under roofs of stone, wood and slate.

Among them, stand out the establishments specializing in meat products, sausages and pates, handcrafted made according to the recipes inherited from grandparents and great-grandparents butchers. And, of course, there are the traditional “Horns” baking bread to firewood and traditional pastries made with the classical conquilhons and tronquets between them.

In many localities there are also inherited businesses where the family tradition is maintained. Era Bordeta and Bagergue surprise visitors with excellent artisan cheeses, Garòs and Bausen with a limited production and high quality honey and Casarilh with the first craft Aranese beer, incorporating the natural resources of the valley.

Excellent souvenirs are also the pieces manually woven in wool of Val d’Aran native sheep, wicker baskets handmade and unique pieces of Aranese pottery that you can find in some of the many smalls shops of the villages.

29 August, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Breaking news 0

Paseos a caballo, un clásico del verano aranés

The Escuela de equitación de la Val d’Aran offers all kinds of activities for horse lovers.

Located in Vielha, in addition to being a learning center, it is a dynamic area of this sport in the valley, offering various possibilities adapted to all levels.

• Horseback riding trips for 1, 2 or 3 hours. For expert horsemen or for beginners without level.
• One and two day trips and routes
• Pony walks on the Pla de Beret and Vielha
• Summer courses
• Pupilage of horses

In summer, touring the valley on horseback can become one of the most enjoyable experiences: from horseback riding when nature is displayed in all its splendor, to the quiet walks that allow you to know the Aranese villages.

7 August, 2017 dpt21 Sin categoría, News, Blog, Present 0

Theatrical visits in Joanchiquet ecomuseum

The Joanchiquet de Vilamòs ecomuseum has launched this year a program of theatrical visits that will take place on 26 July, 9 and 23 August and 6 September with two daily sessions.

At 13 o’clock, “Joanchiquet, tanto gusto!”, Culinary thematic, ends with a tasting of Aranese pot on the part of the assistants, product offered by the Marca de Garantía, in collaboration with Torisme de Val d’Aran. The second session, at 18 hours, is titled “Vajilla de plata, cencerro de vaca“, and consists of a walk through the lively house with the stories of the Rufina.

Rufina Monge, the protagonist, is a real inhabitant of the house between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Through its interpretation, the visitor will be able to see first hand the traditional Aranese heritage, the customs of the time and the stories that hide this interesting building.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the reception of the Museum of the Val d’Aran and the same day at the Ecomuseum of Joanchiquet de Vilamòs and are priced at € 5.

25 July, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

The Val d'Aran embellish the territory to receive summer visitors

The paths and trails of the Val d’Aran are practically ready to be enjoyed by the hikers who visit the valley this summer.

The Consèlh Generau has set up a brigade for sanitation of the nearly one hundred kilometers of trails that form part of the historic network of hiking and mountain biking trails in the Val d’Aran.

The works include the cleaning and repair of the roads, as well as of its margins and stone walls if necessary and will be extended until the middle of July.
The works, carried out by a team of twenty people, have been planned according to the needs of the various sporting events that take place in the valley (walks, races, rallies, etc.), to their destiny towards the hermitages or “santets”, and the use of the inhabitants of the Val d’Aran.

The specialists of the Consèlh Generau have finished yet the works in the paths:

Bassa d’Arres y guardader d’Arres.
Camino de Mont – Moncorbau
Camino de Mont – Vilac
Camino Pont d’Arròs – Begòs
Camino de Vilamòs a la iglesia de Sant Miquèu
Camino de Ribèra de Mont – Salient
Camino de Vilamòs – Begòs.
Camino de Pradets a pasarela del Refugi de la Honeria
Camino de pista Saubaga a Bossòst.
Camino de Vilamòs – Benòs
Camino de la Beusa, Gausac
Camino de Arró – Vilamòs. Mejoras en la pavimentación

Paving Improvements

On another hand, last week the works of paving with bituminous mixture in hot were carried out Es Bòrdes crossing, as well as works of improvement of the firm and road safety in the highway of Benós-Begós. In addition to facilitating mobility in the face of greater influx of visitors in summer, these rehabilitations lead to an improvement in the quality of life and safety for the residents of these towns.

Works in the Sanctuary of Montgarri

FFinally, it is worth mentioning the rehabilitation and improvement actions in the church of Nuestra Señora de Montgarri carried out by the Consèlh Generau. The works will improve the pavement to eliminate architectural barriers and will facilitate access to the church choir, leaving the Romanesque portico free of entrance to the church before the north facade. Also, various elements will be relocated to provide a better view of it to visitors.

Camino de Santiago by the Val d’Aran

With the same intention to promote hiking in the Val d’Aran, the Consèlh together with the Regional Council of Alta Ribagorça agreed last week to create a new tourist route, “Aran-Pyrenees”. The route intends to recover the Way of Santiago that unites Saint Bertrand de Comminges and Berbegal in Huesca, which has an important part of route in the Val d’Aran.

This new tourist product will encompass diverse territories: France, the Val d’Aran, Alta Ribagorça and the Ribagorza Aragonese. It has been also expressed the desire to join the Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago as it can be an important channel for the promotion of this new tourist route.

10 July, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, Hiking 0

Mountain shelters of the Val d’Aran

Conangles and Era Honería are the two cozy mountain shelters owned by the Consèlh Generau d’Aran.

They are located in areas of great scenic beauty and easily accessible, from which you can carry out beautiful excursions and routes of medium and low difficulty to know the surroundings.

Conangles

Owned by the Consèlh d’Aran, the refuge is located at the foot of the river Noguera Ribagorzana on its left bank. From the refuge two interesting itineraries leave, one of which towards the waterfall and the ‘estanys’ of Besiberri. The other path climbs above the Hospital de Vielha, dividing towards the valley of Molières, in the southwest direction, and towards the Port of Rius, in the north direction.

Location: 1.2 km from the south entry of the Vielha tunnel.
Height: 1.555 m.
Access: N-230 Lleida-Vielha Km. 150, by a track located in the large truck parking.
Capacity: 36
Services: WC, hot shower, blankets, radio station connected to the Mountain Rescue Group dels Pompièrs d’Aran, food and beverages, electric power by generator, lockers with key, rent of sheet-bag.
Routes from the refuge: Bosque de Conangles, route Molières-Conangles, Tuc des Estanhets, Val de Molières, Vuelta por el valle de Conangles.
Contact: https://www.visitvaldaran.com/item/refugi-conangles-2/

Era Honería

Owned by the Consèlh Generau d’Aran, the refuge is located at the head of the Toran Valley at 1050 m altitude. It belongs to the municipality of Canejan. The nearest town is Sant Joan de Toran at 1200 m distance. Open all year round, it allows the realization of all types of activities: hiking, classic or ice climbing, snowshoe excursions, ferrata routes, nature trips, excursions and crossings, mountain skiing and ridges.

Location: Valle del Torán, Canejan
Height: 1050 m.
Access: N230 to Pontaut. Take direction Canejan, and once arrived at this detour, continue until the deviation of San Joan de Torán. At this point continue 300 m. More along the paved road.
Capacity: 30
Services: Electric light, wifi, locker for material, bathrooms and showers with hot water, living room with fireplace, emergency radio, bar and meals.
Routes from the shelter: Paseo por el corazón del Torán, Por caminos de mineros y contrabandistas, Tuc de Betlan
Contacto. http://refugiohoneria.com/

5 July, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, Monographic, Hiking 0

Hèstes deth huec 2017

The magic of the fire returns by San Juan to the Val d’Aran

On the eve of Saint John the magic of the fire returns to Les and Arties, the villages of the valley that preserve this ancient tradition so rooted in the Pyrenees. Thanks to its designation by Unesco as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Hèstes deth huec 2017 have become one of the main attractions of the Aranese summer, and it is anticipated that the valley will occupy more than 80% next weekend.

For the Tourism and Economic Development Council of Aran, Anna Diaz, “it is a very endearing and popular tradition in which all the inhabitants of the town and also the visitors who are in Val d’Aran at these dates are involved. For this reason they are a great cultural and tourist attraction “.

Between legend and tradition

Both in Les and Arties, it survives the tradition of burning a fir trunk in the longest night of the year (the summer solstice night, on Saint John’s eve). It is a thousand-year-old tradition, which was Christianized however its origins come from a Celtic tradition.

Nonetheless, the Celtic tradition tells that burning the Taro or Haro fertilizes the mother Earth, so that good crops are foreseen.

Crèma deth Taro d’Arties

On Saint John’s night, the taro sets alight and dragged through the streets and squares of Arties, accompanied by music and the cheers of the audience on a until the first hours of the morning and let them just in front of the mayor’s house.

According to tradition, the ashes of taro protected, purified and fertilized, so they are scattered all over town to make evil spirits go away.

Find more about the Origin and development of ritual

Eth Haro de Les

In Les the stage of the ritual is the Plaça deth Haro, where about 10 pm the procession reaches the rhythm of traditional dances is Corbilhuèrs Les. After the blessing and lighting of haro by the local priest, we proceed to burn the halhes, a kind of torches made of cherry bark that are spun in circles and simulating the struggle to purify and burn the evil spirits. The ceremony ends with a dance around the haro, while is served the “vin caud” hot wine with sugar, rum and fruit that is takent with the traditional coca de Sant Joan.

Find more about the Origin and development of ritual

Program of Hèstes de Sant Joan de Les

20 June, 2017 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0