The Toran Valley, a valley to discover in Aran

The Toran Valley is one of the most unknown areas of Aran, full of incredible corners to discover. In this article we are going to get to know it a little more to find out what it can offer us and what places we can find in it.

Discovering an unknown area of the Aran Valley

Located at the end of the Garonne River, before it reaches the neighboring country, France, we can find this small valley that not many people reach and that is still to be discovered. Its history stems from the extraction of polo and iron at the beginning of the twentieth century and then was completely abandoned during the Civil War period.

Currently, it has been gradually recovering since the 1980s. A place full of forests of firs, beeches and where the brown bear has made its home. But what can you see in the Toran Valley? We tell you below.

Circular route to get to know the valley

If you want to visit this beautiful and unknown valley in one day, the best thing you can do is this circular route of 3 kilometers for all audiences.

The most advisable thing is to do it by car to stop at the different points. The estimated time is no more than 2 hours, but everything will depend on the stops you make along the way and how much you want to enjoy the area:

1. The departure is from Vielha, in the direction of France. Then you will have to pass Les and Canejan to reach the detour towards Sant Joan de Toran. This is the first point to stop and enjoy the landscape. You will reach the Pont de Pontaut. You can cross the river by it and continue your route.
2. The next place are the ruins of Brocard, the area of the wash house where laundry was formerly done. We recommend that you pay attention to the landscape, you will surely love how dense the vegetation is in this area.
3. One of the highlights! The waterfall of Saut d'Arbaet, a natural wonder that leaves anyone breathless. Here you surely want to spend some time immortalizing the moment.
4. The Era Honeria shelter is another place where you should stop, because you will be able to enjoy the immensity of the valley. We recommend that from here you explore on your own the different areas to enjoy the landscape.

Recommendations for visiting the Toran Valley

To explore this beautiful area of Catalonia, some advice will surely come in handy. When is the best time to visit it? What clothes should you wear? We answer your questions below:

• Best time: You can visit this area throughout the year, but if you want to enjoy it well, avoid the hottest days of summer and the times of most snow of the year. The colors of autumn make this season one of the best if you like photography. Of course, keep in mind that if it has rained a lot, the river can have a large flow and crossing it can be a little more complicated.
• Appropriate clothing and footwear: As with any excursion, we recommend wearing boots so you can walk more comfortably and, depending on the time of year, a hat for the sun and a jacket in case it cools down at any time of the day.
• To do as a family: If you wonder with whom you can do this route, do not worry. It is an area that everyone can explore, since it presents no difficulty.

As you have seen, Aran has much to offer you, even the least known areas are full of unique enclaves full of beauty. To be able to see the entire area, you can stay at Alma de Nieve Tourist Apartments, the perfect starting point for the different excursions.

Image: Père Igor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons