01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Stroll through Vielha’s old town
he best way to get to know Vielha e Mijaran is to stroll through Vielha’s charming old quarter, where, accompanied by the constant background murmur of the waters of the Nère river, you’ll pass striking mansions with gothic windows, as well as traditional mountain houses built of wood, stone and slate. On its narrows streets with their medieval feel, you’ll find pintxo bars and traditional restaurants
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Visit the Crist de Mijaran
This carved wooden sculpture in the Romanesque style, dating from the twelfth century, is displayed at the Glèisa de Sant Miquèu de Vielha. It was once part of a larger group of sculptures that represented the Descent from the Cross, a product of the Erill la Vall workshop’s mature period, and considered by many to be one of the finest examples of twelfth century Romanesque sculpture in the world. Other highlights of the church are its Gothic altarpiece, and Gothic narthex, beneath its elegant bell tower.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Visit the villages that make up the municipality
Whether on foot, by car, or making use of public transport, don’t miss the chance to visit the small traditional villages by which the town of Vielha is surrounded, with pretty rural churches and their characteristic slate bell towers rising up over the rooftops. These are picturesque mountain communities that despite the passage of time, and changes to the lives of their inhabitants, have remained practically unaltered. On their streets you’ll find welcoming restaurants serving traditional cuisine where you can try some of the region’s most characteristic dishes.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Take a trip to the Uelhs deth Joeu waterfalls and the Plan dera Artiga de Lin
One of the most popular excursions in the Val d’Aran, due to the sheer beauty of its surroundings, which feature some of the most breathtakingly spectacular landscapes in the Pyrenees, with leafy forests, spectacular waterfalls, rugged mountain peaks and green meadows.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Take a trip to the Saut deth Pish waterfalls
An excursion to a place of extraordinary beauty, the Val de Varradòs, to discover the Saut deth Pish waterfalls. The combination of the cascades, a small Alpine hut, the Siesso forest and a mountain lake make this one of the most photogenic and memorable views in the Val d’Aran – and indeed the whole of the Pyrenees.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Try the local cuisine
In Vielha e Mijaran you’ll find an amazing range of warm and friendly restaurants where you can try delicious traditional dishes, made from the best local ingredients, skilfully combined with the flavours of contemporary cooking. Some of the typical local dishes that every visitor should try include the traditional “òlha aranesa”, a richly flavoured stew made of game such as wild boar and deer, as well as many different dishes based on duck, such as duck breast fillets or confits that will satisfy the most demanding palates.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
An evening of pintxos
Any time is a good time to try one of these tiny but exquisite creations, spiked on cocktail sticks. They’re gastronomic marvels created by local chefs, who, drawing on Basque influences, have introduced this culinary art into the best kitchens in the region.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
Skate at the Palai de Gèu
Whether you’re a veteran skater or just want to have fun while also getting some exercise, taking to the ice makes for a perfect afternoon. And at the Palai de Gèu it couldn’t be easier, with all the equipment you need available to rent.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
A picnic lunch
What better way to enjoy the open air than lunch or a snack in pristine natural surroundings. Vielha e Mijaran boasts numerous picnic areas, fully equipped with tables, benches, shade, water and barbecue facilities, all situated in places of extraordinary beauty.
More information01 |10 unmissable things to do and places to visit
A stroll through Vielha’s shopping district
where in only a small area between the town’s main avenues you’ll find an impressive variety of shops, as well as all the biggest sports brands of the moment, whether in winter or summer. And for those who want to take home a gastronomic souvenir of their stay in Vielha e Mijaran, there’s nothing better than a visit to a small independent food shop, where you’ll find delicious traditional specialities such as cured meats, craft beers, cheese and caviar, as well as sweet treats such as jams, honey, tronquets and coquilhons, produce from the region’s farms or made by local artisans. The hard part is resisting temptation.
More information02 | Nature
Nature
With mountain scenery dominated by the legendary peaks of Montcorbison (2,176 m) and Sarrahèra (2,630 m), Vielha and the surrounding villages make a perfect base for walking tours. Strolling along the Camin Reiau trail allows walkers to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains, while popular hikes such as the one that takes you up to the Port de Vielha mountain pass (2,424 m) offer everything you need for an unforgettable mountain holiday.
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