The Purísima bridge, the first of the winter season, is presented in the Val d’Aran full of activities and proposals for a total disconnection. Artisan markets, cultural visits, Christmas atmosphere in crib towns, join the usual cultural, sports, gastronomic and commercial of the valley to offer our visitors an attractive program.
Christmas spirit
During these days, the Christmas atmosphere is already breathed in the streets and squares of the villages, deliciously decorated. Some, such as Arties and Bossòst, organise a popular festival to celebrate the start of the season and the lighting of Christmas.
GET TO KNOW THE VALLEY THROUGH ITS HERITAGE
With the first cold weather, a good option is to get to know the valley through its historical heritage. The Conselhèria de Cultura and Musèus dera Val d’Aran organise guided tours of Romanesque churches and temporary exhibitions. In addition, on the days of the bridge the museums are open at a time adapted to visitors.
Markets and fairs
Different markets and fairs will invade the squares of the Aranese villages with handicrafts, Christmas decorative objects and autochthonous gastronomic specialities, from the same Thursday and throughout the weekend.
From the 6th to the 8th, the Vielha Cheese Fair takes place, where you can taste a great variety of cow, sheep, goat and buffalo cheeses, many of which are unknown to the general public but renowned among gourmets. On the other hand, the village of Les celebrates Friday 7 its traditional Feria de la Purísima, which also offers typical products of the area such as cheeses, jams, honey, pâtés and an interesting sample of Aranese crafts. And on Thursday in Arties you will have a second-hand ski equipment market where you can equip yourselves for the whole season.
Christmas shopping
During these days in the valley you will surely also find moments to walk around the commercial areas of the main towns. The Val d’Aran offers an attractive and particular route of shops where you can choose some of your Christmas gifts and browse through an assortment of unique details to take with you as a souvenir of your stay.
Aranese gastronomic experiences
Living an authentic Aranese gastronomic experience is something not to be missed. The temptations are many and to the taste of all palates. Traditional recipes and more sophisticated dishes gather all the flavour of this place in the Pyrenees. You can enjoy delicious specialties based on hunting and fishing, high quality pâtés, aromatic crêpes, traditional soups, and so on. And, above all, content your stomachs with a traditional Aranese Olha, the best reconstituent in fresh days.
Sport and activities in the snow
It is still a good time to practice hiking and mountain biking in the Val d’Aran, given the weather forecasts. In addition, with thicknesses between 15 cm in 2500 and 5 cm in 1,800 Baqueira Beret will partially open the area of Baqueira in its central area and Cara Nord with a maximum extension of 15 km of tracks. Piste preparation services have been working for days to maintain the best possible conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
In the valley you can also carry out other snow-related activities. An excursion with snowshoes, for example. We advise you to find out first to make sure that the terrain is in good condition. You will find all the information in the microsites of hiking, btt and snow of Torisme dera Val d’Aran, where you can also be informed about the weather forecast.