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The Tour de France in Aranese land

The third most important sporting event in the world committed to the Val d’Aran at its 9th stage, with a very mountainous route of spectacular natural environment and great tourist attraction.

The Val d’Aran is about to offer a reception worthy of one of the most important sporting events in the world to the caravan of the Tour de France, which is already on his way to Aran lands. Host city of the event for the first time in its history, Vielha will be the starting point of the ninth stage of the cycling competition next July 10, an itinerary of 184.5 km that will cross five mountain passes to finish in Arcalis (Andorra).

Characterized by choosing emblematic places of scenic beauty, the Tour de France has chosen this beautiful stage for its spectacular natural setting, great attractions, and for being very mountainous, making it particularly attractive for cyclists. Not surprisingly, the ninth stage, with more than 100 km by the Catalan Pyrenees, is one of those chosen to be broadcasted live on television entirely.

From Vielha to Bonaigua

The parking of the former military barracks in the Aranese capital will host the kick-off of the stage at 10am on Sunday July 10. The route through the Aranese territory is about 20 kilometres from the county road C28 from Vielha to Port de la Bonaigua, stretch of about one hour.

In the Val d’Aran, the Tour will pass through the picturesque villages of Betren, Escunhau, and Casarilh, pedaling to the right of the Garonne and crossing it up to Garòs where it will leave Mijaran to follow, yet in Naut Aran, on the left bank of the river across Arties, Gessa, Salardu, Tredòs, and Baqueira.

From the ski resort will arrive at Port de la Bonaigua, where runners will face a first class climb, 13.7 km to 6.1%, leaving the Val d’Aran to enter the Pallars Sobirà and follow the Alt Urgell on the road to Andorra, the end of the stage.

Animation in the village

An animated village will be installed next to the starting line to receive and entertain fans, tourists and accredited media. There may be photographed next to the photocall of the Tour, enjoy animations with children dressed in costumes and browse in the exhibition of products and typical dishes of the Aranese cuisine. In addition, it will be a tourist information point of the Conselh Generau d’Aran.

It will also be used to publicize the unique environment of the Val d’Aran: the beauty of its landscape, the excellence of Baqueira Beret ski resort, the richness of its Romanesque heritage, the museum diversity, the delicacies of its cuisine, the fun adventure activities and the attractive proposals offered by the valley throughout the year.

The Tour de France, the third largest sporting event in the world – with 2000 accredited journalists from 600 different media and belonging to 190 countries- marks the international projection of the Val d’Aran and helps to make it becoming one of the best European tourist mountain destinations, both in winter and summer.

Culmination of an attractive program of events

The Val d’Aran has turned into the celebration of this event, in recent months organizing events of various kinds, from the popular “La Fête du Tour” to the tribute to seven Spanish winners of the race, with the placement of a commemorative monolith in the Port of Portilhon, which has already become a referent place for cycling fans. Across the valley are deployed posters and banners announcing the stage, which was presented in Toulouse, Vielha and Barcelona.

The Aranese citizens have actively participated in the event, placing reproductions of the monolith in establishments participating children in a school drawing contest and even with original initiatives as a cake shaped bicycle exposed in a pastry in Vielha. In addition, it has been activated the microsite Aran Total Bike where can be found all the information necessary for the practice of cycling in the valley.

Deploying of services

Given that attendance of 25,000 spectators along the stage is planned, the law enforcement will mobilize about 700 agents. In addition, the Conselh Generau has released a document with traffic cuts on Sunday in the C28 and the internal public transportation between Vielha and Baqueira will also suffer restrictions on Sunday morning.

On the other hand, there have been enabled four zones of temporary parking in Vielha for this weekend available from Saturday 9, the old football field, college Garonne, field Mijaran next to the church (N-230) and Gravera Barba (C-28, between Betren and Escunhau).

7 July, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, BTT 0

The Quilha deth haro closes Les festivals

Until June 29, the feast of Sant Pere, the town of Les holds its annual local festival, which began last Friday with the Crèma deth Haro. During these days have taken place popular meals, traditional dances offered by Es Corbilhonets de Les, the pilgrimage on Saturday to the chapel of Sant Blai, an Habaneras concert and a concert by the Corau Quate Sons in the church of Les, within other acts.

There has also been held various sporting events such as Football tournament and rafting trips for children. Tuesday takes place a mountaineer day for youth with vias ferrata, adventure park and an orienteering race organized by the active tourism company, Deportur.

Planted of the new haro

With the “Quilha deth haro” ceremony, in which the new haro will be plant and will preside over the Plaza Mayor throughout the year, the holidays come to an end. The “quilha” is performed manually, using the same technique used by primitive man to lift the menhirs: it rises from the ground with the help of ropes tied to the trunk, stairways and wooden bars and iron.

The whole ceremony is steeped in symbolism. The haro is planted with its roots looking at the sky, imploring to attract divine forces to the ground. Also, the town just married couples crowned the new haro with offerings of flowers: a crown, a bouquet and a cross, all symbol of fecundity and fertility, which are placed on top of haro.

28 June, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

Hèsta d'Aran 2016, 25th anniversary of the restoration of Aranese government

On Friday June 17 is celebrated the Hèsta d’Aran, local festival of the Val d’Aran, where is commemorated the restoration of the current Consèlh Generau d’Aran, an event which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

During the day, it is tradition to hold a reception at the headquarters of the Consèlh Generau d’Aran, after which a procession with the standards of the constituencies or terçons that form the Aranese territory today (Pujòlo, Arties and Garòs, Castiero, Marcatosa , Lairissa and Quate Locs) parade to the Sanctuary of Nostra Senhòra de Mijaran. There takes place the religious ceremony followed by the official ceremony and a performance of Aranese dances.

The Plenum of the Consèlh Generau d’Aran, in an extraordinary session on 30 May in Arròs approved an institutional declaration of the 25th anniversary of the Conselh Generau d’Aran restoration. Among the scheduled events, yesterday was held a memorial at the Catalan Parliament.

An historic landmark

The Catalan Parliament approved on June 28 of 1990 the first Special Law of the Val d’Aran. This was a momentous event in the history of this territory, which over time has repeatedly expressed loyalty to its institutions and willingness to exercise self-government and management of public affairs.

This will was evidenced by its inhabitants, when on June 26, 1979, all members of the Aran corporations elected in the first democratic elections, created in the church of Cap d’Aran the Intermunicipal Management Committee for Reinstatement of Aran Institutions to establish areas of collaboration with the Catalan institutions. This led to the establishment of the provisional Consèlh Generau d’Aran, on September the 2^nd of the same year.

The Estatut d’Autonomia, approved in the Catalan Parliament in 1979, determined a first recognition of the historical and linguistic rights of Aran, with the first additional provision, which stated that in the framework of the Spanish Constitution and the Estatut, shall be recognized and updated the historical peculiarities of the internal administrative organization of the Val d’Aran.

Hèsta d’Aran program

11: 00h Reception of the síndic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera, to the authorities and guests at the headquarters of the Consèlh Generau d’Aran (Vielha). The event will have the presence of the Catalan government president, Carles Puigdemont.

11: 30h Parade of standards carried by the representatives of each Terçon to the sanctuary de Nostra Senhòra de Mijaran.

12: 00h Mass in the sanctuary de Nostra Senhòra de Mijaran.

13: 00h Institutional act of the Hèsta d’Aran in the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Mijaran.

– Flag-raising

– Parliaments of authorities

– Aranese dances

20:00 Alisé Sans, Aranese singer in concert in the plaça dera Església (Vielha).

16 June, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

Have fun this weekend in the Val d’Aran

Another weekend to full with activity with all the actions that we purpose you and that will make your stage in the Val d’Aran a culturally rich, healthy, funny and restorative experience.

Sport

La Fête du Tour

We start with the popular riding, “La fête du Tour”, which will take place on Sunday the 5th. It consists on a biking tour Vielha- Portilhon-Vielha in which can participate cyclists of all levels and that will finish with a tour around the streets of Vielha. The act is part of the activities organized by the Consèlh Generau d’Aran to mark the passage of the Tour de France 2016 by Aran lands.

Salidas de marcha nórdica

If you are fond of this sport, you can sign up for the free-guided outings that take place every Saturday in June. The call is at 10 am in the church square of Vielha. In addition, this Friday at 18:30 you can attend the introductory course in the Casau Sant Miquèu.

Aquatic activities

Any of the Val d’Aran water adventures is a unique experience in contact with nature, where you can appreciate the strength and bravery of the Garonne and breath-taking sceneries along the entire route.

Exhibitions

Nature week

The Val d’Aran has joined the “Setmana de la Natura” a campaign to promote throughout Catalonia activities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting nature and territory. Within the project the exhibition “Libélulas en la Val d’Aran” is framed with 53 photographs of the 33 species of dragonflies that live in the Valley, an initiative in memoriam of the photographer Toni Estany, author of the snapshots.

Photography in relief

For photo enthusiasts also recommended this photographic exhibit in relief “La fotografia esteroscòpica a les comarques de Lleida 1895-1960”, in the temporary exhibitions space of Sant Joan d’Arties church.

Shows

Musical manía

The school Tschaikovsky de Balh e Musica de Vielha presents in the hall Era Audiovisuau the show “Musical manía”, with performances of the musicals Mamma mia, Grease, Cats, The phantom of the opera and other more. A good alternative for Saturday afternoon.

Touristic visits

Tour Monolithe

The monolith in tribute to the Spanish winners of the Tour de France and has become a must-see place for cycling enthusiasts and also for those who want to enjoy the best views of the valley from the port of Portilhon. A unique opportunity to be photographed with this newly opened monument and immortalise the sporting event of the summer. And if you will pass by the tourist offices of the Val d’Aran in Aran Park, Salardu, Bossòst, Les and Vielha you can also take a selfie souvenir with the Photocall of the Tour!

Do you want some more? In this link you will find more propositions. Enjoy it!

https://www.visitvaldaran.com/diez-propuestas-para-disfrutar-de-la-val-daran-esta-primavera/

3 June, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

The Pedals de Foc Non Stop hosts the Open Spain MTB Ultramarathon

The 11th edition of the PDF Non Stop a raid starting and finishing at the Val d’Aran, hosts for the second consecutive year the Championship of Spain of MTB Ultramarathon. With a individual participation and a distance of nearly 220 kilometres and 6,200 metres positive, the test which will be held from 17 to June 19, has become an international referent in the marches in its class, for its hardness and beauty.

The circular itinerary follows the mythical route of Pedals de Foc organized by Pedales del mundo and consists of performing the circuit without stopping or up to 2 days. The route passes through the Pyrenees districts of Alta Ribagorça, Pallars Sobirà, Pallars Jussà as well as the Val d’Aran, where it crosses the towns of Montgarri, Bagergue, Unha, Gessa, Arties, Garòs, Casarilh, Betrén and Vielha. Right now they have already covered all the places available, although the organization has opened a waiting list on which they shall report through the Facebook page of Pedals de Foc Non Stop.

Discovering nature from the handlebars is one of the most enthralling experiences you’ll enjoy in the Val d’Aran. In the new microsite, Aran Total Bike, linked to the website of Torisme de Val d’Aran, is centralized all the information on mountain biking, cycling, DH and enduro, with routes of different levels, cycling events, news and specialized companies in the valley. (Photos by PDF Non Stop)

Categories

Non Stop Gold: Start and finish in Vielha without stopping (220 Km)

Non Stop Silver: Start and finish in Vielha (220 Km), stop in Espot (km 150) Saturday night.

General information

Start: 17 of June 5:00h Passeig de la Llibertat, Vielha

Finish: Passeig de la Llibertat, Vielha

Total distance: 218 km

Total positive slope ascent: 6.200 m

Total negative slope descent: 6.200 m

Maximum high: 2.268 m (Collado de Portella Blanca)

Minimum high: 973 m (Llesp, Valle de Boí)

Middle high: 1.600 m

Ground: 61% forest track, 31% motorway, 8% road

Longer mountain pass: Coll de Triador (2.140 m)

Harder mountain pass: Coll de Serreres (1.355 m) 3,8 km / Coll de Peranera (1.595 m).

31 May, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, BTT 0

The Val d’Aran, a cult place for the amateur bykers

The Conselh Generau d’Aran paid tribute yesterday to the seven Spanish winners of the Tour de France in a ceremony chaired by the síndic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera, which featured three of the seven cyclists: Miguel Indurain, Oscar Pereiro and Pedro Delgado as well as relatives of Luis Ocaña.They have excused their presence for work Carlos Sastre and Alberto Contador and Federico Bahamontes for a last minute unexpected event. This tribute is within the events organized by the 9th stage of the Tour.

The honourees had been received by the síndic at the headquarters of the Conselh Generau in a private ceremony at 11 am. Then, the procession has gone to the lookout of Portillon for the official inauguration of the commemorative monolith with their names, which had the presence of sportive director of the Tour de France, Thierry Gouvenou and members of the Aranese government.

Also each of the winners have a milestone in each of the seven major curves of the Aranese side of the Portillon, with their name and the date of the edition that they had been proclaimed Tour winners. The day has ended with a press conference and a visit to Aran Park. Today’s tribute will be followed by other popular cycling activities, within them the popular riding that will take place the 5^th of June.

With an unprecedented traced so far in the history of the race, the ninth stage of the Tour de France 2016 will start in Vielha next July 10 and will have a distance of 184.5 km through five mountain passes. Aranese stage is one of those chosen to be broadcasted live on television entirely.

28 May, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, BTT 0

"La Fête du Tour", popular riding in the Val d'Aran

On Sunday June 5th will be held in the Val d’Aran a popular cycling tour, “La fête du Tour”, an act that is part of the activities organized by the Consèlh Generau d’Aran to mark the passage of the Tour de France 2016 by Aran lands.

The activity is a popular bicycle tour from Vielha- Portilhon-Vielha in which can participate cyclists of all levels. Different starting points will be established so that each participant can choose the distance that best suits his fitness. In each starting point the group will meet and wait for the last cyclist to continue the tour.

Itinerary:

– 9: 00h Departure from Vielha. Consèlh Generau d’Aran square.

– Up to Gausac until Plan Batalhèr (Varicauva) to Es Bordes.

– Es Bordes – Bossòst (Portilhon roundabout)

– Rise through the port of Portillon where we can see the new kilometric landmarks and the monument to the Spanish winners of the Tour.

– Portilhon – Bossòst

– Bossòst – Pont d’Arròs

– Pont d’Arros – Vielha

– 11: 30h Arrival at the parking of the military where all participants will meet for the Vielha streets tour, where families with children you can participate.

– Final in the Conselh Square Generau d’Aran where will be distributed shirts of the 2016 Tour de France to all participants.

Starting points:

– Vielha

– Bossòst

– Pont d’Arròs

– Vielha (popular Tour)

Inscriptions: Vielha Tourism office.

24 May, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, BTT 0

The Val d'Aran turns to the Tour de France passing through Vielha

This evening will be presented in Toulouse the aranese stage of the Tour and the new microsite dedicated to cycling.

The Conselh Generau d’Aran will pay tribute to seven Spanish winners on 27 May.

The Conselh Generau d’Aran is presenting this afternoon the ninth stage of the Tour de France 2016 to be held by Aranese lands. The event, to be held in the office of Tourism Val d’Aran and Baqueira Beret in Toulouse, has the presence of Luis Carlos Medina, vicesindic d’Aran and conselhèr of Sports and Youth; Anna Diaz, conselhèra of Tourism and Economic Development and Jose Antonio Boya, conselhèr of Territory of the Conselh Generau d’Aran.

During the presentation organizational details and operating devices provided for the event will be announced, as well as a new microsite, Aran Total Bike, linked to the website of Torisme de Val d’Aran. In this web site, with 84 sections in 4 languages, will be centralized all the information on mountain biking, cycling, DH and enduro, with routes of different levels, cycling events, news and specialized companies in the valley.

Tribute to the Spanish winners of the Tour

Also, within the events organized by the 9th stage of the Tour, the Conselh Generau d’Aran will pay tribute to seven Spanish winners of this competition in a ceremony that will take place on 27 May, chaired by the síndic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera.

The official inauguration of the commemorative monolith will take place on May 27th.

The event will feature four of the seven cyclists: Miguel Indurain, Federico Bahamontes, Oscar Pereiro and Pedro Delgado as well as relatives of Luis Ocaña, which will be officially received by the síndic at the headquarters of the Conselh Generau in a private ceremony at 11 am. They have excused their presence for work Carlos Sastre and Alberto Contador.

The official inauguration of the commemorative monolith with their names will take place at 12 o’clock noon on the lookout of Portillon where also each have a milestone in each of the seven major curves of the Aranese side of the Portillon, with their name and the date of the edition that they had been proclaimed Tour winners. The day will end with a press conference and a visit to Aran Park.

The tribute of May 27 will be followed by other popular cycling activities prior to the stage of the Tour and the same day July 10 in Vielha, actions will be implemented with the participation of schoolchildren in the Val d’Aran.

19 May, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present, BTT 0

Countdown to the Trail Carlac 2016

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Foto: Elena Mate, Trail Carlac

One of the most beautiful environments for trail running, the Baish Aran, will host from 17 to 19 June 2016 the Trail Carlac, a racing career with five tests developed in the area of Quate Lòcs (Bausen, Bossòst, Canejan y Les) en la Val d’Aran, una de ellas nocturna, novedad de este año.

This genuine event, which celebrates its fourth edition this year, seeks to recover ancient courses in order to establish a base camp for all racing fans mountain and revitalize this still unspoiled area and its people, making known the Aranese territory and its culture and heritage.

Carlac forest, which gives its name to the race, is a lush ancient beech forest that surrounds the idyllic village of Bausen. Moreover, the different tests go through the castle Les Pijoèrt, defence tower of the eleventh century used by the Baron of Les, declared a cultural monument of national interest. Artisanal trophies are differentiated for the three tests, each representing an important element of culture and tradition of the area.

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Foto: Elena Mate, Trail Carlac

Races

Vila de les: 11 km. Start in Les, rise to Bausen, Mirador de Les and return to Les. Ideal for those who want to initiate in racing mountain, for the young and for those who want to walk or practicing Nordic Walking.
Bosc de Carlac: 21 km. Start in Les output (631m), rising to Bausen through the Bosc de Carlac and lowering them. First urban section, rest on mountain roads and last stretch of track. A perfect half marathon to start at this distance and also recommended for those who want to make half running half walk.
Quate lòcs: 43 Km. Departure from Les to Canejan, back to Pontaut to start soaring up Bausen, climb the Bosc de Carlac to follow up the Tuc des Canaus, continue with an air section crested by the France border to reach the Borda del Cric, to start the descent towards Bossòst and the Camin d’Espaliàs to arrive to Les. A mountain marathon with all the attractions.
Trail deth Montlude. New this year. It passes by one of the most emblematic peaks of the Val d’Aran, the Montlude (2517m). First urban stretch for them, rise to the Tuc des Neres to the top of Montlude and down the lake Lauajò to Bordius, and the “Camin dera cambra” down to Les.
Foto: Elena Mate, Trail Carlac

Sprint vertical night.

2 Km. New this year. Rise to Canejan night, by the way “dera costa” with signposted route with fluorescent markers.
Challenge. This test is the big news this year. It is the sum of the time of the 3 races to be held over 3 consecutive days: Sprint Vertical Night, Trail Quate Lòcs y Trail deth Montlude. The winner of the Challenge will be the rider who have less time in total 3 races.

Registration

18 May, 2016 dpt21 News, Blog, Present 0

Festivals and traditions this weekend in the Val d'Aran

We’ll have another happy weekend in the Val d’Aran where, after the white winter, villages are waking up wanting colour and outdoor activities. Araneses and visitors can choose from festivals, fairs, competitions and traditions, all combined with the many other proposals to enjoy the valley in the spring.

Shasclada deth haro in Les et tallada del taro in Arties

As tradition, the second weekend in May the village of Les celebrates the first of the great acts of his Hèsta deth huec (fire festival), the Shasclada deth haro, which will take place on Saturday 14th.

In this edition, on the occasion of its declaration as Intangible Heritage of Unesco, at noon an exhibition dedicated to the failures of the Pyrenees will be open and you can visit it until 22 May at the Escola d’Ostalaria. (Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 to 17 h and Saturday morning.)

At 15:30 will begin the baishada deth tronc (down the trunk). The men of the village will lower the haro from the forest, a wooden trunk between 10 and 12 meters and took it into the town square, just named the Plaça deth Haro. On their way through the bridge of the Garonne River, the procession made a stop at Pont, where there will be performance of typical Aranese dances by Es Corbilhuèrs. In addition, some establishments on the way will offer a sip of sweet wine and typical Aranese cakes.

By midafternoon the haro make its entry to the Shasclada in the square of Les, to strip its bark so it could dry well and be burned during the night of San Juan, on June 24. The festival will end with a popular dinner and DJ in the square from 21h.

On Sunday will take place too the Tallada del taro in Arties.

Spring Festival in Vielha

Another spring tradition, although in this case coming from afar, will take place in Vielha. Holi, the festival of the Hindu spring, also known as the feast of love, will inundate of colour the Plaza de la Iglesia of the Aranese capital on Sunday morning, with a Bollywood dance (11h) and roll colours (12h). The exhibition will performed by the students of the Tchaikovsky School of Vielha directed by the dancer Shahida Ahmed from the Sheri Masala Club Barcelona. Moreover, those who want to initiate in this discipline can attend the master class of Bollywood dance that will take place on Saturday.

Aranese sheep fair in Vielha

And we do not let Vielha because the same Sunday al 10 am will be opened the Aranese sheep fair in the parking lot of the military in the town, where will take place an exhibition, the X morphological contest of Aranese race, an exhibition of selected male and a sheared sheep contest. In the afternoon a demonstration of cut logs will be held in various forms. Throughout the day various activities such as playgrounds, popular breakfast, a drawing of wooden figures and awards contests will happen.

The sheep of the Val d’Aran, considered of special protection because it’s facing risk of extinction, it is appreciated for its great meat potential and the quality of its wool, highly prized among artisans.

13 May, 2016 dpt21 Sin categoría, News, Blog, Present 0