The
Vall d'Aran is at Northwestern of
Catalonia, at north of the
Pyrenees border with
France and
Aragon. It is an Atlantic valley over 620km2 extension on the
Garona River, which flows into the Atlánico Ocean near
Bordeaux. This is the only Atlantic valley at the
Principat and emphasizes its unique climate, flora and fauna.
Its origins and history have prompted a Occitan culture and language. The native official language of the
Aranese people is
named
Aranes, a variant of Gascon, and belonging to the occitan family languages.
The valley communicates with the
Pallars by the
Port of Bonaigua and with the
Alta Ribagorça by the tunnel
of
Viella. It is surrounded by mountains over 3000m altitude, with the
Bessiberri at south and the group of mountains
of
Maladeta with
The Aneto at the Southwest. Also contains the birth of the rivers
Noguera Pallaresa and
Noguera Ribagorçana.
These natural barriers have constrained communication with the neighboring lands of
Aragon and
Catalonia,
with inaccessible ports during the winter and the difficulties the rest of the year, while access to the French territory was
easier just following the course of the river.
The current population (2007) is about 7500 inhabitants distributed in 30 clusters around the river
Garona, with
altitudes between 650m and 1430m. The capital is
Viella and is at the heart of the valley with an altitude around 980m.
Nowadays
Vall d'Aran is one of the most fashionable areas of the
Pyrenees and attractive for winter tourism, as well
as nature lovers attracted by the beauty of the landscape allowing, for almost the whole year, the practice of hiking and
mountain sports. In addition, also attracts tourists culture lovers thanks to the charm of their rural communities, the interest
of his art medieveal, the cuisine and the folklore.
