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The Val d'Aran shows the world the beauty of its natural environment
The 9th stage of the Tour de France has become a big festival that has gathered 25,000 people passing through the Valley and its route was broadcast live on television entirely in more than 60 channels.
Since the arrival of the first vans and coaches yesterday at noon, until the departure of the runners today at 11:55 they have been 24 hours of sport, tributes, swinging tourists and festive atmosphere in an unprecedented event that has vibrated the city of Vielha and all the Val d’Aran. People, volunteers and local businesses, hopeful to show the world its unique landscape and tourist attractions, have warmly welcomed the Tour de France.
To all of them, and sponsors and collaborators –councils of Naut Aran and Vielha, Lleida Provincial Council, Baqueira Beret, Agència Catalana de Turisme and the Secretaria de l’Esport of the Generalitat de Catalunya-, The Aranese government wants to thank the efforts made during the last previous months, without whose participation would not have been possible to take on this challenge.
Show to the public
From the parking of the military in the Aranese capital it has been able to follow the different events that were shown to the public from the podium and screens of the impressive village: welcome and parliaments of the authorities-Luis Carlos Medina, vicesíndic the Conselh d’Aran; Juan Antonio Serrano, Mayor of Vielha; Gerard Figueras, secretari General de l’Esport of the Generalitat de Catalunya; Jose Antonio Boya, conselhèr de Territori and Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour of France; start of the junior cadets and the advertising caravan; firm cyclists and finally the expected start of the 9th stage of the Tour.
Then, the followers of Betren, Escunhau, Garòs, Arties, Gessa, Salardú, Baqueira Tredòs have been able to greet the squad on its way through the Aranese town’s to the first ports of the day. From the Bonaigua, where they have faced a first class rise runners have left the Val d’Aran to enter the Pallars Sobirà and follow the Alt Urgell on the road to Andorra, the end of the stage.
Characterized by choosing emblematic places of scenic beauty, the Tour de France has chosen this beautiful stage for its spectacular natural setting, great attractions, and for being very mountainous, making it particularly attractive for cyclists. Not surprisingly, the ninth stage, with more than 100 km by the Catalan Pyrenees, has been broadcast live on television entirely.
“We are convinced that the challenge of organizing a stage of the third largest world sporting event, will serve to show the beauty of the Aran Valley and to make it known as a destination with an excellent tourist offer all year to our visitors”, said Anna Diaz, Conselhèra of Tourism of the Val d’Aran.
Best images selection in this link.
Tribute to Luis Ocaña in Vila
The Aranese village of Vila, a town where Luis Ocaña lived when he was young, has used the event to pay a warm tribute to the winner of the Tour in 1973. Its mayor, Juan José Grijalba Escalona, with the family of the athlete and the directors of the Tour Christian Prudhomme and Bernard Hinault, opened early in the morning, “Eth corneret of Luis Ocaña” a small memorial to the cyclist, especially revered by the French.
Culmination of an attractive program of events
The Val d’Aran has turned into the celebration of this event, in recent months organizing events of various kinds, from the popular “La Fête du Tour” to the tribute to seven Spanish winners of the race, with the placement of a commemorative monolith in the Port of Portilhon, which has already become a referent place for cycling fans. Across the valley are deployed posters and banners announcing the stage, which was presented in Toulouse, Vielha and Barcelona.
The Aranese citizens have actively participated in the event, placing reproductions of the monolith in establishments participating children in a school drawing contest and even with original initiatives as a cake shaped bicycle exposed in a pastry in Vielha. In addition, it has been activated the microsite Aran Total Bike where can be found all the information necessary for the practice of cycling in the valley.
The Tour de France in Aranese land
The third most important sporting event in the world committed to the Val d’Aran at its 9th stage, with a very mountainous route of spectacular natural environment and great tourist attraction.
The Val d’Aran is about to offer a reception worthy of one of the most important sporting events in the world to the caravan of the Tour de France, which is already on his way to Aran lands. Host city of the event for the first time in its history, Vielha will be the starting point of the ninth stage of the cycling competition next July 10, an itinerary of 184.5 km that will cross five mountain passes to finish in Arcalis (Andorra).
Characterized by choosing emblematic places of scenic beauty, the Tour de France has chosen this beautiful stage for its spectacular natural setting, great attractions, and for being very mountainous, making it particularly attractive for cyclists. Not surprisingly, the ninth stage, with more than 100 km by the Catalan Pyrenees, is one of those chosen to be broadcasted live on television entirely.
From Vielha to Bonaigua
The parking of the former military barracks in the Aranese capital will host the kick-off of the stage at 10am on Sunday July 10. The route through the Aranese territory is about 20 kilometres from the county road C28 from Vielha to Port de la Bonaigua, stretch of about one hour.
In the Val d’Aran, the Tour will pass through the picturesque villages of Betren, Escunhau, and Casarilh, pedaling to the right of the Garonne and crossing it up to Garòs where it will leave Mijaran to follow, yet in Naut Aran, on the left bank of the river across Arties, Gessa, Salardu, Tredòs, and Baqueira.
From the ski resort will arrive at Port de la Bonaigua, where runners will face a first class climb, 13.7 km to 6.1%, leaving the Val d’Aran to enter the Pallars Sobirà and follow the Alt Urgell on the road to Andorra, the end of the stage.
Animation in the village
An animated village will be installed next to the starting line to receive and entertain fans, tourists and accredited media. There may be photographed next to the photocall of the Tour, enjoy animations with children dressed in costumes and browse in the exhibition of products and typical dishes of the Aranese cuisine. In addition, it will be a tourist information point of the Conselh Generau d’Aran.
It will also be used to publicize the unique environment of the Val d’Aran: the beauty of its landscape, the excellence of Baqueira Beret ski resort, the richness of its Romanesque heritage, the museum diversity, the delicacies of its cuisine, the fun adventure activities and the attractive proposals offered by the valley throughout the year.
The Tour de France, the third largest sporting event in the world – with 2000 accredited journalists from 600 different media and belonging to 190 countries- marks the international projection of the Val d’Aran and helps to make it becoming one of the best European tourist mountain destinations, both in winter and summer.
Culmination of an attractive program of events
The Val d’Aran has turned into the celebration of this event, in recent months organizing events of various kinds, from the popular “La Fête du Tour” to the tribute to seven Spanish winners of the race, with the placement of a commemorative monolith in the Port of Portilhon, which has already become a referent place for cycling fans. Across the valley are deployed posters and banners announcing the stage, which was presented in Toulouse, Vielha and Barcelona.
The Aranese citizens have actively participated in the event, placing reproductions of the monolith in establishments participating children in a school drawing contest and even with original initiatives as a cake shaped bicycle exposed in a pastry in Vielha. In addition, it has been activated the microsite Aran Total Bike where can be found all the information necessary for the practice of cycling in the valley.
Deploying of services
Given that attendance of 25,000 spectators along the stage is planned, the law enforcement will mobilize about 700 agents. In addition, the Conselh Generau has released a document with traffic cuts on Sunday in the C28 and the internal public transportation between Vielha and Baqueira will also suffer restrictions on Sunday morning.
On the other hand, there have been enabled four zones of temporary parking in Vielha for this weekend available from Saturday 9, the old football field, college Garonne, field Mijaran next to the church (N-230) and Gravera Barba (C-28, between Betren and Escunhau).
The Quilha deth haro closes Les festivals
Until June 29, the feast of Sant Pere, the town of Les holds its annual local festival, which began last Friday with the Crèma deth Haro. During these days have taken place popular meals, traditional dances offered by Es Corbilhonets de Les, the pilgrimage on Saturday to the chapel of Sant Blai, an Habaneras concert and a concert by the Corau Quate Sons in the church of Les, within other acts.
There has also been held various sporting events such as Football tournament and rafting trips for children. Tuesday takes place a mountaineer day for youth with vias ferrata, adventure park and an orienteering race organized by the active tourism company, Deportur.
Planted of the new haro
With the “Quilha deth haro” ceremony, in which the new haro will be plant and will preside over the Plaza Mayor throughout the year, the holidays come to an end. The “quilha” is performed manually, using the same technique used by primitive man to lift the menhirs: it rises from the ground with the help of ropes tied to the trunk, stairways and wooden bars and iron.
The whole ceremony is steeped in symbolism. The haro is planted with its roots looking at the sky, imploring to attract divine forces to the ground. Also, the town just married couples crowned the new haro with offerings of flowers: a crown, a bouquet and a cross, all symbol of fecundity and fertility, which are placed on top of haro.
5 ideas para divertirte el puente de San Juan en la Val d’Aran
1.Conoce nuestras tradiciones: las Fiestas del Fuego
Declaradas por la Unesco Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad junto a las demás Fallas del Pirineo, las Hèstes deth huec de Les y Arties se han conservado hasta la actualidad y constituyen uno de los principales reclamos turísticos de ambas localidades aranesas.
Se celebran la noche de San Juan, el 23 de junio, coincidiendo con el solsticio de verano, y marcan el inicio de la temporada estival. Durante la velada se quema un tronco, el Haro en Les y el Taro en Arties, en un concurrido ritual acompañado de música y danzas tradicionales donde participa todo el pueblo.
2. Da la bienvenida a los nuevos ositos de Aran Park
Acércate a saludar a los cachorros de la osa Luna que han nacido este invierno en Aran Park, el Parque de Fauna salvaje de la Val d’Aran y paséate entre lobos, ciervos, linces, marmotas y otros animales autóctonos. A lo largo de un recorrido de dos horas podrás observar catorce especies diferentes de mamíferos y aves en semi libertad y finalizar con un picnic en el área habilitada junto al snack-bar.
3. Paséate por los pueblos araneses
Visita la recién acreditada vil·la florida de Bagergue y los demás pueblos de la Val d’Aran. Piérdete por sus pequeñas calles, entra en sus edificios románicos, degusta sus productos y platos típicos y disfruta de la amabilidad de sus gentes. De norte a sur, de este a oeste, todas y cada una de las localidades aranesas están impregnadas del sabor 
de la historia y de un personal estilo alpino que los hace inconfundibles.
4. Pedalea entre la naturaleza
Descubrir la naturaleza en bicicleta es una de las experiencias más intensas que puedes disfrutar en la Val d’Aran. Dispones de todo tipo de rutas señalizadas tanto en btt cómo por carretera, paseos tranquilos junto al río enlazando pueblos o bajadas técnicas por frondosos bosques. ¡Entra en Aran Total Bike y encuentra tu itinerario!
5. Practica el Senderismo en familia
Te proponemos 10 rutas de senderismo muy amenas para realizar con tu familia por la orilla de lagos y ríos, atravesando caminos de mineros y contrabandistas o descubriendo santuarios escondidos. De baja dificultad y cortas distancias os permitirán disfrutar de los más bonitos paisajes con toda tranquilidad y la mejor compañía.
Encuentra más propuestas en https://www.visitvaldaran.com
“Natura oculta”, responsible ecotourism in the Val d'Aran
In order to publicize the interesting diversity of natural species of the Val d’Aran and the surprising habitat that surrounds them, the responsible ecotourism initiative, “Natura oculta” brings together an interesting range of activities and outputs guided through the territory. In addition to disclosing the beauty of the natural environment of the valley, the program affects the sustainability of the destination as a guarantee of added value for the visitor.
From mid-June to late September, they can be carried out workshops about medicinal plants and bird watching tours to see the small mammals that hide in the Aranese forests, educational visits showing monumental trees and vegetation of wetlands mountain and even mycological conferences. In this link you can download the complete program of activities organized through the Departament de Medi Ambient del Consèlh Generau d’Aran.
Responsible Tourism Destination
From Torisme of Val d’Aran is strongly recommends responsible tourism, with judicious use of natural resources, respect for native fauna and silence of the environment, proper disposal of waste, careful with fire and promotion of hiking, bicycle and public transport.
The Val d’Aran was the first mountain destination to receive the accreditation of Biosphere Responsible Tourism in January 2014. With this certification adds value to the environment, as one of the great assets of the territory and the local cultural heritage preserved over the centuries.
The result of this effort was also recognized with the Val d’Aran as a finalist in the National Geographic Legacy Awards in March 2015, in Destination leadership category, which rewards those leaders destinations that demonstrate best practices in protecting nature and culture, and working with visitors to raise awareness about environmental protection.
Hèsta d'Aran 2016, 25th anniversary of the restoration of Aranese government
On Friday June 17 is celebrated the Hèsta d’Aran, local festival of the Val d’Aran, where is commemorated the restoration of the current Consèlh Generau d’Aran, an event which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
During the day, it is tradition to hold a reception at the headquarters of the Consèlh Generau d’Aran, after which a procession with the standards of the constituencies or terçons that form the Aranese territory today (Pujòlo, Arties and Garòs, Castiero, Marcatosa , Lairissa and Quate Locs) parade to the Sanctuary of Nostra Senhòra de Mijaran. There takes place the religious ceremony followed by the official ceremony and a performance of Aranese dances.
The Plenum of the Consèlh Generau d’Aran, in an extraordinary session on 30 May in Arròs approved an institutional declaration of the 25th anniversary of the Conselh Generau d’Aran restoration. Among the scheduled events, yesterday was held a memorial at the Catalan Parliament.
An historic landmark
The Catalan Parliament approved on June 28 of 1990 the first Special Law of the Val d’Aran. This was a momentous event in the history of this territory, which over time has repeatedly expressed loyalty to its institutions and willingness to exercise self-government and management of public affairs.
This will was evidenced by its inhabitants, when on June 26, 1979, all members of the Aran corporations elected in the first democratic elections, created in the church of Cap d’Aran the Intermunicipal Management Committee for Reinstatement of Aran Institutions to establish areas of collaboration with the Catalan institutions. This led to the establishment of the provisional Consèlh Generau d’Aran, on September the 2nd of the same year.
The Estatut d’Autonomia, approved in the Catalan Parliament in 1979, determined a first recognition of the historical and linguistic rights of Aran, with the first additional provision, which stated that in the framework of the Spanish Constitution and the Estatut, shall be recognized and updated the historical peculiarities of the internal administrative organization of the Val d’Aran.
Hèsta d’Aran program
11: 00h Reception of the síndic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera, to the authorities and guests at the headquarters of the Consèlh Generau d’Aran (Vielha). The event will have the presence of the Catalan government president, Carles Puigdemont.
11: 30h Parade of standards carried by the representatives of each Terçon to the sanctuary de Nostra Senhòra de Mijaran.
12: 00h Mass in the sanctuary de Nostra Senhòra de Mijaran.
13: 00h Institutional act of the Hèsta d’Aran in the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Mijaran.
– Flag-raising
– Parliaments of authorities
– Aranese dances
20:00 Alisé Sans, Aranese singer in concert in the plaça dera Església (Vielha).
Have fun this weekend in the Val d’Aran
Another weekend to full with activity with all the actions that we purpose you and that will make your stage in the Val d’Aran a culturally rich, healthy, funny and restorative experience.
Sport
La Fête du Tour
We start with the popular riding, “La fête du Tour”, which will take place on Sunday the 5th. It consists on a biking tour Vielha- Portilhon-Vielha in which can participate cyclists of all levels and that will finish with a tour around the streets of Vielha. The act is part of the activities organized by the Consèlh Generau d’Aran to mark the passage of the Tour de France 2016 by Aran lands.
Salidas de marcha nórdica
If you are fond of this sport, you can sign up for the free-guided outings that take place every Saturday in June. The call is at 10 am in the church square of Vielha. In addition, this Friday at 18:30 you can attend the introductory course in the Casau Sant Miquèu.
Aquatic activities
Any of the Val d’Aran water adventures is a unique experience in contact with nature, where you can appreciate the strength and bravery of the Garonne and breath-taking sceneries along the entire route.
Exhibitions
Nature week
The Val d’Aran has joined the “Setmana de la Natura” a campaign to promote throughout Catalonia activities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting nature and territory. Within the project the exhibition “Libélulas en la Val d’Aran” is framed with 53 photographs of the 33 species of dragonflies that live in the Valley, an initiative in memoriam of the photographer Toni Estany, author of the snapshots.
Photography in relief
For photo enthusiasts also recommended this photographic exhibit in relief “La fotografia esteroscòpica a les comarques de Lleida 1895-1960”, in the temporary exhibitions space of Sant Joan d’Arties church.
Shows
Musical manía
The school Tschaikovsky de Balh e Musica de Vielha presents in the hall Era Audiovisuau the show “Musical manía”, with performances of the musicals Mamma mia, Grease, Cats, The phantom of the opera and other more. A good alternative for Saturday afternoon.
Touristic visits
Tour Monolithe
The monolith in tribute to the Spanish winners of the Tour de France and has become a must-see place for cycling enthusiasts and also for those who want to enjoy the best views of the valley from the port of Portilhon. A unique opportunity to be photographed with this newly opened monument and immortalise the sporting event of the summer. And if you will pass by the tourist offices of the Val d’Aran in Aran Park, Salardu, Bossòst, Les and Vielha you can also take a selfie souvenir with the Photocall of the Tour!
Do you want some more? In this link you will find more propositions. Enjoy it!
https://www.visitvaldaran.com/diez-propuestas-para-disfrutar-de-la-val-daran-esta-primavera/
The Pedals de Foc Non Stop hosts the Open Spain MTB Ultramarathon
The 11th edition of the PDF Non Stop a raid starting and finishing at the Val d’Aran, hosts for the second consecutive year the Championship of Spain of MTB Ultramarathon. With a individual participation and a distance of nearly 220 kilometres and 6,200 metres positive, the test which will be held from 17 to June 19, has become an international referent in the marches in its class, for its hardness and beauty.
The circular itinerary follows the mythical route of Pedals de Foc organized by Pedales del mundo and consists of performing the circuit without stopping or up to 2 days. The route passes through the Pyrenees districts of Alta Ribagorça, Pallars Sobirà, Pallars Jussà as well as the Val d’Aran, where it crosses the towns of Montgarri, Bagergue, Unha, Gessa, Arties, Garòs, Casarilh, Betrén and Vielha. Right now they have already covered all the places available, although the organization has opened a waiting list on which they shall report through the Facebook page of Pedals de Foc Non Stop.
Discovering nature from the handlebars is one of the most enthralling experiences you’ll enjoy in the Val d’Aran. In the new microsite, Aran Total Bike, linked to the website of Torisme de Val d’Aran, is centralized all the information on mountain biking, cycling, DH and enduro, with routes of different levels, cycling events, news and specialized companies in the valley. (Photos by PDF Non Stop)
Categories
Non Stop Gold: Start and finish in Vielha without stopping (220 Km)
Non Stop Silver: Start and finish in Vielha (220 Km), stop in Espot (km 150) Saturday night.
General information
Start: 17 of June 5:00h Passeig de la Llibertat, Vielha
Finish: Passeig de la Llibertat, Vielha
Total distance: 218 km
Total positive slope ascent: 6.200 m
Total negative slope descent: 6.200 m
Maximum high: 2.268 m (Collado de Portella Blanca)
Minimum high: 973 m (Llesp, Valle de Boí)
Middle high: 1.600 m
Ground: 61% forest track, 31% motorway, 8% road
Longer mountain pass: Coll de Triador (2.140 m)
Harder mountain pass: Coll de Serreres (1.355 m) 3,8 km / Coll de Peranera (1.595 m).
The Val d’Aran, a cult place for the amateur bykers
The Conselh Generau d’Aran paid tribute yesterday to the seven Spanish winners of the Tour de France in a ceremony chaired by the síndic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera, which featured three of the seven cyclists: Miguel Indurain, Oscar Pereiro and Pedro Delgado as well as relatives of Luis Ocaña.They have excused their presence for work Carlos Sastre and Alberto Contador and Federico Bahamontes for a last minute unexpected event. This tribute is within the events organized by the 9th stage of the Tour.
The honourees had been received by the síndic at the headquarters of the Conselh Generau in a private ceremony at 11 am. Then, the procession has gone to the lookout of Portillon for the official inauguration of the commemorative monolith with their names, which had the presence of sportive director of the Tour de France, Thierry Gouvenou and members of the Aranese government.
Also each of the winners have a milestone in each of the seven major curves of the Aranese side of the Portillon, with their name and the date of the edition that they had been proclaimed Tour winners. The day has ended with a press conference and a visit to Aran Park. Today’s tribute will be followed by other popular cycling activities, within them the popular riding that will take place the 5th of June.
With an unprecedented traced so far in the history of the race, the ninth stage of the Tour de France 2016 will start in Vielha next July 10 and will have a distance of 184.5 km through five mountain passes. Aranese stage is one of those chosen to be broadcasted live on television entirely.
"La Fête du Tour", popular riding in the Val d'Aran
On Sunday June 5th will be held in the Val d’Aran a popular cycling tour, “La fête du Tour”, an act that is part of the activities organized by the Consèlh Generau d’Aran to mark the passage of the Tour de France 2016 by Aran lands.
The activity is a popular bicycle tour from Vielha- Portilhon-Vielha in which can participate cyclists of all levels. Different starting points will be established so that each participant can choose the distance that best suits his fitness. In each starting point the group will meet and wait for the last cyclist to continue the tour.
Itinerary:
– 9: 00h Departure from Vielha. Consèlh Generau d’Aran square.
– Up to Gausac until Plan Batalhèr (Varicauva) to Es Bordes.
– Es Bordes – Bossòst (Portilhon roundabout)
– Rise through the port of Portillon where we can see the new kilometric landmarks and the monument to the Spanish winners of the Tour.
– Portilhon – Bossòst
– Bossòst – Pont d’Arròs
– Pont d’Arros – Vielha
– 11: 30h Arrival at the parking of the military where all participants will meet for the Vielha streets tour, where families with children you can participate.
– 
Final in the Conselh Square Generau d’Aran where will be distributed shirts of the 2016 Tour de France to all participants.
Starting points:
– Vielha
– Bossòst
– Pont d’Arròs
– Vielha (popular Tour)
Inscriptions: Vielha Tourism office.