Beautiful villages near Vielha: essential excursions in the Aran Valley

If you could only visit one beautiful village near Vielha, Arties would be one of the top candidates. It’s just over 7 kilometres from the Aranese capital and has almost everything one expects from the valley: stone houses, slate roofs, flower-filled balconies and spectacular views.

In the centre of the village you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria d’Arties and San Joan, two gems of Aranese Romanesque architecture, along with quaint squares, peaceful streets and a very welcoming atmosphere both in summer and winter.

Bagergue is one of those villages that justify a trip to the Aran Valley all by themselves. Located at over 1,400 metres above sea level, it is the highest inhabited village in the valley and is part of the association of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain”.

Its narrow streets, balconies overflowing with flowers in summer, perfectly maintained houses and the stunning natural surroundings create an unforgettable ensemble. It isn’t a large village, but every corner has something special, from its small squares to the impressive mountain views that surround it.

Just 5 kilometres from Vielha, Garòs is one of those small villages that win you over with their tranquillity. We always recommend it to travellers who want a short walk without major slopes, enjoying the valley’s atmosphere and the charm of its traditional houses.

Its Church of Sant Julià, quiet streets and the cluster of stone, wood and slate houses perfectly sum up the essence of the upper Aran. It’s not a village for “doing lots of things”, but for enjoying the slow pace, taking photos without crowds and sitting on a bench to admire the mountains.

Salardú is another of the great names when we talk about beautiful villages in the Aran Valley. Its old town preserves the traditional Aranese architecture and its Church of Sant Andreu, which houses the famous Christ of Salardú, is one of the most interesting cultural visits in the valley.

In addition to its heritage, Salardú has a very special atmosphere: bars, restaurants, small shops and a perfect environment for lovers of skiing and mountain activities. It is very close to Baqueira Beret, making it common to combine a visit here with a day at the ski resort.

Unha is small, but it has something truly captivating. Its steep streets, the Church of Santa Eulària with its distinctive tower and the fabulous views of the valley make it another one of those places where your camera won’t stop.

It’s ideal for a short visit combined with other villages such as nearby Salardú or Bagergue, making a small scenic route around the upper Aran.

If you enjoy peaceful plans and panoramic photos, Unha is well worth a stop.

Tredòs is one of those small villages that encapsulate the essence of the Aran Valley. Its historic core, with stone houses and sloping roofs, preserves traditional architecture very well and maintains a calm atmosphere for most of the year.

It’s an interesting starting point for reaching high-mountain areas such as the surroundings of Banhs de Tredòs or the routes leading into the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. If you want to combine a beautiful village with grand nature, Tredòs fits perfectly.

If you feel like going a bit further from Vielha, Bossòst is a great excuse to discover the Baish Aran. Located next to the Garonne River and very close to the French border, it’s a village with a lot of character and a very pleasant old town to stroll through.

Its Church of Santa Maria de Bossòst is one of the most interesting Romanesque temples in the valley, and the riverside walk is a classic for enjoying the afternoon. The surroundings are full of routes and viewpoints, and you can combine the visit with nearby towns such as Les or Canejan if you want to extend the excursion.

It’s a great plan for a full day: leave in the morning from Vielha, visit Bossòst and the surroundings, and return to your hotel with the feeling of having discovered another face of the Aran Valley beyond the Baqueira area.