GUIDE TO BAGERGUE and tredós
Did you know that Bagergue is the tallest inhabited village in the Aran Valley and has the same hours of sunshine in summer and winter? Did you know also that Tredós is the entry point to the exciting Witch’s Path or the impressive National Park of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici? In this guide to Bagergue and Tredós, we tell you all the must-sees of these beautiful villages to make your getaway to the Aran Valley the most exciting.
EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS OF ANETO
Leaving the main road, after a beautiful journey of just under 2 km, you’ll find Bagergue, a hidden village nestled among the mountains with its black slate roofs, flower-adorned balconies, and exceptional views of the Aneto glaciers.
Like Arties and Garós, Bagergue is part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, ranking first in 2019. It even made it onto the list of the most beautiful villages by the British magazine The Times!
A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Whether you’re staying in Bagergue or just visiting, you can’t miss a stroll through its well-maintained and peaceful streets. Walking among centuries-old traditional houses with wooden balconies and very thick stone walls – designed to protect its inhabitants from the cold – you’ll reach the historic center, which, due to its magnificent state of preservation, is part of the Architectural Heritage Inventory of Catalonia. Furthermore, Bagergue has earned the highest distinction in the “Viles Florides” activity – flowery villages – thanks to the multitude of flowerpots and flowery balconies that bring color to the streets with every step.
CHURCH of SAINT FÉLIX
Like other villages in the valley, Bagergue has its own Romanesque church, the Church of Saint Félix – also known as Saint Feliu Church. The nave of this Romanesque temple dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and as an interesting fact, the church’s cross is a replica, as the original is housed in the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
HORMATGES TARRAU CHEESE FACTORY
Now it’s time to sit down and enjoy exquisite Aranese cuisine. Just steps away from the Eth Corrau Museum, you’ll find the Hormatges Tarrau cheese factory, the highest in the Pyrenees. Here, the Tarrau brothers will explain the techniques for making and aging their Aranese cheese – one of the most renowned in the valley! The result is a delicious cheese with a unique aroma and flavor that pairs well with practically any wine. Take advantage of your visit to purchase some of their own-made cheeses, perfect for snacking in your FeelFree apartment or as a souvenir.
the charm of tredós
Tredós is a picturesque village located at the upper end of the Aran Valley, on the banks of the Garonne River, which captivates with its natural charm and rich history. Among its highlights is the imposing church of Santa Maria de Cap d’Aran, a majestic example of Romanesque architecture famous for its size and housing a small crypt unique in the region. Although many of its impressive Romanesque mural paintings are scattered in museums worldwide, those that decorated its central apse are now part of the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
In addition, the village offers other fascinating places, such as the Camin dera Bruisha and the Mirador with its hermitage of Sant Estèue, which invite you to explore its rich history and enjoy spectacular views. Tredós is undoubtedly a place where beauty and cultural heritage combine perfectly.
THE WITCH’S PATH
Located in Tredòs, at the entrance of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, the Witch’s Path is a circular itinerary of approximately 2 km where the magic and legends of the Pyrenees come to life.
As you enter the forest, surrounded by oak, fir, and beech trees, the sound of a waterfall will guide you. You will cross rivers on wooden footbridges and come across scenes that seem to be straight out of a fairy tale: from the house of the tooth fairy to figures carved into the trunks, owls watching from on high, pointy hats, bubbling cauldrons and, of course, the witch’s hut.
UNHA, A WALK TO THE NEIGHBORING VILLAGE
Right next to Bagergue is Unha, a small village that you can reach by taking a stroll from spring to autumn along a beautiful path parallel to the Unhola River. Although it’s a short and very scenic journey – just 1.5 km through the forest with the river accompanying you all the way – there’s a considerable slope in the first stretch, so it’s important to check the route beforehand, especially if you’re with children.
Once in Unha, we recommend visiting the Snow Museum with a fantastic exhibition that traces the history of winter sports in Baqueira, as well as the adaptation of the locals and local wildlife to the valley’s climate during heavy snowfalls.
EXCURSIONS FROM BAGERGUE AND TREDÓS
Various hiking routes depart from these villages. If you decide to descend to the village of Unha, you can continue the route passing through Salardú and Gessa until you reach Arties, where between May and October, you can enjoy a bath in its natural sulfur hot springs. Another highly recommended route leads to the Ribera de Varradós, with its famous 25-meter-high waterfall on the left and Lake Varradós on the right.
The Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
In addition, from Tredós, you can easily get to the Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is a protected area in the Catalan Pyrenees, known for its high peaks, dense forests, and more than 200 lakes surrounded by exceptional biodiversity. An ideal destination for hiking and enjoying nature at its purest in the Val d’Aran.
The park has countless high mountain routes, with the highlight being the majestic Circ de Colomèrs route. You can walk between lakes of crystal-clear water from the glacier, protected by the surrounding mountains rising up to 3,000 metres high. An exceptional setting for easy walks and demanding hikes among the most striking mountain landscapes.
DEER ROARING AND MUSHROOM COLLECTING
In the autumn, when the leaves of the forests turn golden and copper, the deer roaring begins, one of the most striking natural spectacles you can experience in the great outdoors. From early September to the end of October, male deer emit a very characteristic deep sound and engage in disputes with other deer to conquer females. Bagergue is one of the key points in the valley to listen to and observe this phenomenon, with organized outings by specialized companies.
Additionally, if you’re a fan of mushrooms, you’re in luck! The fir and black pine forests surrounding Bagergue and Tredós accumulate a lot of moisture in the soil, making it the optimal environment for various mushroom species to grow, especially in September and October. Don’t forget your wicker basket so that the spores can spread well as you walk.
It is necessary to have a license to collect mushrooms in the Aran Valley. If you are interested, do not hesitate to let us know, and we will give you a free permit.
ACCESS TO THE BAQUEIRA BERET SKI RESORT
If anything stands out about Bagergue and Tredós, they are just a stone’s throw from the ski resort of Baqueira Beret ski resort, a paradise in any season. If you’re staying in one of these villages during the winter, we recommend reading our Baqueira Beret guide, where we explain the best areas based on your skill level and reveal some of our favorite activities, from snowmobile excursions and dog sledding to safaris, helicopter rides, or even stargazing in the Catalan sky through a telescope.
But that’s not all! Outside the ski season, Baqueira opens its chairlifts and slopes for alternative activities, including hiking, biking, or even electric biking – available for rent in Pla de Beret.
RESTAURANTS IN BAGERGUE
The Aran Valley offers several restaurants serving typical cuisine, featuring hearty dishes like “olla aranesa” – perfect even on cool summer nights – game meats, pâtés, and homemade desserts like cheesecake or “crema catalana.”
RESTAURANTS IN BAGERGUE
RESTAURANTS IN TREDÓS
