Bossòst

Bossòst is a lively town in the Baix Aran region with shops that attract many visitors, mainly from the neighbouring country, as it is just a few kilometres from France, via the beautiful Puerto del Portilhòn.

Beyond its commercial activity, Bossòst is home to a magnificent example of Aranese architecture, the church of Mair de Diu dera Purificacion. A faithful visual document of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, this beautiful parish church is a perfect compendium of the main characteristics of this Romanesque art, with its basilica plan with three apses decorated with arcades and Lombard bands. Its bell tower, its large windows and the great iconographic richness of its doorways stand out. Inside, a detail that cannot be overlooked is the testimony of a fragment of mural painting located in the central apse, where the representation of the scene of the Epiphany can be seen: according to recent studies, these scenes date from around the 14th and 15th centuries.

The seven Romanesque chapels surrounding the village are also worth visiting. According to legend, these chapels were built by its inhabitants in the 19th century to protect themselves from the plague. Of particular note are Sant Cerat, Sant Joan Crisòstom, Soala Casteràs, La Pietat, and Sant Antoni, where locals hold a pilgrimage every June. However, the patron saint of Bossòst is Sant Ròc, and the town's local festival is celebrated on his name day, August 16.

A beautiful tree-lined promenade, Eth Grauèr, runs through Bossòst on the banks of the Garonne, where shops, bars, and restaurants are often lively. The river in this section is particularly wide and fast-flowing, offering ideal conditions for rafting and other adventure sports. Furthermore, in Bossòst, we find the only remaining sawmill in the Val d'Aran, a last testament to what was once a key activity in the valley's economy.

Another activity that played a significant role in this area of Baix Aran was mining. You can see this by seeing the remains of the Margalida mines as you climb up an unpaved track that leads through the forest of the same name, a place recently frequented by brown bears and where the Pyrenean newt breeds every summer. You'll reach this track by crossing the river over the new bridge and taking the paved track on the left, which further on continues toward Arres, while turning left into the forest.

But without a doubt , the most spectacular route from Bossòst is the climb to Port del Portilhòn. This is a particularly famous and challenging stage of the Vuelta a España, which passes through a lush fir forest. On this route, you can't miss a stop at the Coth de Baretja, from whose balcony-viewpoint there is a spectacular view of the Baix Aran: Bossòst at the foot and the Margalida forest in front. If you follow this road, you will reach France by entering through the famous village of Luchon.

Places of Interest

Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de la Purificación

The Church of the Purification or the Assumption of Bossòst, located in the Lower Aran, is one of the best-preserved examples of Aranese Romanesque. The church displays a fusion of influences, highlighting elements of Lombard Romanesque adapted to the local style. The building dates from the first half of the 13th century and combines foreign decoration with local motifs, such as the checkered jaqués and symbolic elements on the tympanum (sun, moon, chrismon).

The building has a three-nave plan and three semicircular apses, with a very horizontal volume and a large gable end in the presbytery. The bell tower, attached to the presbytery, is square and consists of four sections, with semicircular arched windows and a spire.

There are two side portals: the one on the north wall is probably the oldest, with a tympanum of the Pantocrator and tetramorphs, while the one on the south wall is later and simpler. Inside, the naves are separated by cylindrical pillars, the vaults are pointed, and the chancel features characteristic Romanesque vaults; there is also a two-level choir stall added later.

Aran Park

Aran Park is a wildlife park in the Pyrenees where you can observe animals such as bears, wolves, lynxes, marmots, and deer in the wild. The approximately two-hour walk follows nature trails with viewpoints and picnic areas.

It also has a mini-farm and services for families. The park is open from March to November and combines leisure and environmental education in a natural setting in the Pyrenees.