Page 194 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

192  NOR THERN SP AIN REGION B Y REGION

With only two access a Vielha
routes from Spain – Lleida. Road Map E5. * 5,500.
the Vielha tunnel or n Carrer de Sarriulera 10; 973 64
the road from Esterri 01 10. ( Thu. _ Fiesta del Valle
d’Aneu over the (17 Jun), Fiesta de Vielha (8 Sep),
spectac ular Port de la Feria de Vielha (8 Oct).
Bonaigua pass – the
valley has a more Surrounded by alpine peaks,
natural con nection Vielha has experienced some
with France, and locals dramatic moments in history.
speak Aranés, a variant Napoleon’s forces entered it in
of Gascon Provençal. 1810, occupying the entire Vall
The fact that the d’Aran, which was returned to
The lush scenery of the Vall d’Aran Vall d’Aran faces the Spanish crown
north means that it has a five years later. Today,
p Vall d’Aran climate similar to that found Vielha is the capital
on the Atlantic coast. Rare wild of the valley and a
Lleida. From Pallas on C28; from
France via the Pont de Rei on N618. flowers and butterflies flourish modern ski resort
Road Map E5. * 7,130. n 973 64 in the perfect condi tions that attracts
06 88. ∑ visitvaldaran.com created by the damp breezes visitors due to its
and shady slopes. picturesque
This Valley of Valleys – aran means Tiny villages have grown up setting and
valley – is a beautiful 600-sq km beside the Riu Garona, often Romanesque
(230-sq mile) haven of forests around Romanesque churches, Església de
and flower-filled meadows on notably at Bossòst, Salardú, Sant Miguel.
the north side of the Pyrenees, Escunhau and Artíes. Inside the
separated from the rest of Spain The valley is ideal for out door church is a
by towering peaks. The valley activities such as skiing and superb
was formed by the Riu Garona, walking. Well-marked trails lead wooden
which rises in the area and flows up to the surround ing peaks 12th-century Santa María de Mig
out to France as the Garonne. and glaciers. crucifix – the Mig Aran, in Vielha
St. Béat
f Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes Montréjeau Salardú
Vielha
Bagueira-Beret
Catalonia’s only national park is marked by a daz zling Arties
string of post-glacial lakes (tarns), waterfalls and
towering peaks, including the Agulles d’Amitges that
separate the two largest lakes. Chamois, beavers, otters,
Estanh
eagles and grouse all live in the park. Tòrt de Rius
1 Church in Taüll Estanys
A vibrantly coloured de Colomèrs
12th-century mural in
the church apse depicts Pantá J
Christ in Majesty, a de Senet Caldes
popular motif in de Boí
Parc Nacional
Romanesque art. d’Aigüestortes
2 Durro L a N o g u er a Rib a g o r ç ana Erill la Vall
The village of Durro has superb Boí
Romanesque churches, including
the Església de la Natividad.
Vilaller
Key L a N o g u e r a de T or
Tour route
Scenic route Benasque
Torla
Minor road
Trail Pont de Suert
Lleida Lleida (Lérida)
(Lérida) Barcelona
For hotels and restaurants see p207 and pp222–3

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