GENERAL

Vielha is the capital of the Aran Valley, 2,000 metres above sea level among the peaks of the Pyrénées. It is a charming and traditional town set in spectacular surroundings, with a historic old town and modern amenities including quality restaurants, shopping and accommodation. It is just 25 minutes outside Baqueira Beret one of the prettiest ski resorts in the Pyrénées.

Vielha has an attractive old town with narrow, cobbled streets that are a pleasure to explore, full of old churches and tapas bars. One of the finest sites is the Church of San Miguel, with its distinct Gothic and Romanesque features. It's also well-worth visiting the Museum of Aran Valley, a beautiful sight in itself in an old stately home.

The newer part of the town has plenty of shops and entertainment, with a large leisure centre and places to eat. The shops consist of larger brands as well as numerous little local stores, selling crafts and other souvenirs from the valley. There is a good choice of Spanish and Catalan cuisine, with an emphasis on the delicious fresh produce of the region.

The Aran Valley is one of the most picturesque in the Pyrénées, with fertile, green hills full of scenic walking trails. There are pre-organised walking and hiking tours available, which can last for several days and explore the stunning hidden lakes, old monasteries and flora and fauna of the area.

Vielha holidays are also a popular choice for winter ski breaks, with several ski resorts a short distance away. A particular favourite is Baqueira Beret a 25 minute drive outside the town. The resort is one of the Pyrénées' hidden gems, with excellent pistes, run and trails suited to beginners and intermediates, making it ideal for family holidays. The resort also has enchanting aprÚs-ski, with the novelty of superb Mediterranean cuisine in the snowy landscapes of the mountains.

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