GUIDE TO VIELHA and es bòrdes
The Aran Valley enchants with its spectacular mountain landscape, traditional Aranese architecture, and a wide range of gastronomic and leisure options tailored to adventurers. If you’re looking for accommodation that allows you to enjoy the Baqueira Beret slopes during the day and a great après-ski scene afterward, Vielha and Es Bòrdes might be the perfect choice.
WHAT TO SEE IN VIELHA
In a spectacular mountain landscape that accompanies you at every step, Vielha hides a rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage, top-notch cuisine with Catalan and Occitan influences, and a select array of traditional shops. In this guide, we’ll tell you what to see in Vielha during your stay at FeelFree, through our list of must-visit places.
HISTORICAL CENTER OF VIELHA
To get to know Vielha, the best approach is to take a stroll through its streets, especially those in the historical center. Crossed by the Nere River – which divides Vielha in two – the historic district consists of a collection of traditional and modern houses that, like in the rest of the valley, have preserved the essence of Aranese architecture. Take a break on one of the bridges that cross the river to enjoy the sound of the water and the pure mountain air so characteristic of the Pyrenees, or wander through the streets filled with small shops until you reach the main square – the scent of freshly made pintxos or crepes may tempt you to pause along the way.
CHURCH OF SAN MIGUEL
The main square hosts several emblematic facades such as the Town Hall, the Tourist Office, and the Post Office. Here you can also find one of its great architectural treasures, the Church of San Miguel – or Sant Miquèu – in a Romanesque-Gothic-Renaissance style. It was built in the 13th century and what particularly catches the eye is its 16th-century octagonal tower with a beautiful slate bell tower, a typical material that you’ll also see on the roofs of houses in the Val d’Aran – as it serves as excellent thermal insulation!
MUSEUMS IN VIELHA
What was once the home of General Martinhon – in the 17th century – is now the Museum of the Val d’Aran. History, tradition, and culture come together through exhibitions and activities to take you back in time, acquaint you with the roots of this region, and discover its evolution in the heart of the Pyrenees.
The textile industry also had a significant presence in the Val d’Aran. An example of this is the Wool Factory, built in the 19th century and whose machinery was powered by the Nere River. Today, converted into a museum, it is one of the witnesses of the contemporary history of the Val d’Aran.
MUSEUM OF THE ARAN VALLEY
WHERE TO EAT IN VIELHA
Between this area and the historic center of Vielha, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can enjoy a drink after dinner. There are options to suit every taste, from classic traditional Aranese cuisine taverns – you can’t leave without trying it! – to Italian restaurants, grills, pintxos bars, wine bars, creperies, and much more. Seek refuge from the winter cold in one of their cozy establishments and recharge after a long day at Baqueira Beret.
ES BÒRDES
Did you know that many of the houses in Es Bòrdes were built with stones from the ruins of the Castle of Leon? This village has a unique origin, as it emerged at the foot of the fortification of Castèth Leon after the invasion of the French in 1719. Far from being demolished, Es Bòrdes rose up, partially recovered its castle, and became one of the most modern places in the Aran Valley, where today you can still explore the ruins, traveling through time to discover the history of the region.
ARAN PARK
A 15-minute drive from Es Bòrdes is Aran Park, a park full of animals native to the Pyrenees, such as brown bears, lynx, wolves, deer, and prairie dogs. In addition, if you go with children, the facilities have a mini farm where they can enjoy with domestic animals. You can even be a caretaker for a day. Under the guidance of experienced caretakers, you can go into the bears’ den, interact with marmots, and feed the wolves and lynx – a real immersive experience recommended for all ages!
OUTDOOR SPORTS
If you’re a cycling enthusiast, one of the activities you should mark on your agenda is the Vielha Cycling Tour, an annual race held in July that allows you to enjoy the spectacular landscape of the Pyrenees while practicing your favorite sport. Choose between the medium-distance race – 90 km – or the long-distance race – 155 km – and get ready to explore mountains over 2,000 meters high, surrounded by forests, clear streams, and turquoise lakes with views of the Aneto.
If you prefer mountain races, in July, the Val d’Aran by UTMB is also held, featuring seven exceptional races ranging from 15 km to 163 km, all starting and ending in Vielha. A challenge that attracts over 5,000 runners from around the world each year, and if you decide to participate, it will undoubtedly become one of those memorable experiences.
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Vielha offers all kinds of services, from supermarkets to gourmet shops, bakeries, pharmacies, medical centers, tobacco shops, and toy stores, among others. It has three universal charging points for electric cars. Additionally, on Thursday mornings, the Vielha Market takes place – on Avinguda Pas d’Arró – where you’ll find bulk food stalls, crafts, ceramics, florists, and more.