Hotels in Vielha

The centre of adventure sports in the Val d'Aran, Vielha offers incredible connections into the Pyrenees. This tiny city is loaded with lively, rustic restaurants, serving up excellent regional cuisine for resident hikers, skiers and adventure-makers. There are several attractions in-town as well, but the main draw here is the spectacular lake and mountain-studded surrounding.

You can choose from a wide range of hotel options in Vielha, spanning centrally located budget accommodation to hotels with picture-postcard views.

Neighbourhoods of Vielha‎

Explore Vielha’s sprawling neighbourhoods‎:

• Plaça Sant Orenç: This centrally located neighbourhood is home to many hotels and restaurants, a number of outdoor shops and local government offices. It’s also where you’ll find some of the more refined eateries in town.
• Carrèr Major: The road that runs along the Arriu Nere river is among the prettiest locations in town and home to a number of excellent tapas bars and sleeping options. There are excellent views of the valley along the river
• Centre Escolar Vielha: Further to the east of town, this residential area houses a number of budget hotels and bars which cater to the skiing crowd. There are a number of indoor entertainment options just north of the Garonne, including indoor ice rinks and children’s centres.

What to see and do in Vielha‎

Vielha is primarily a hub for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike and explore the area or ski at resorts like Baqueira/Beret and Pyrénées Heliski – Vielha. Nevertheless, there are a number of fine attractions in town. The Museo del Valle de Arán offers a number of historic displays detailing the region's history from the Bronze Age. The Gothic Glèisa de Sant Miquèu church is a wonder to behold, especially inside with its 12th-century Christ icon. Vielha's true attractions remain in the natural landscape. It's close to the Mirador de Vielha viewpoint, Moncorbison and the immensely tranquil Bassa d'Oles park area. Other stand-outs include Forau d'Aigualluts waterfall and glacier, Circ de Colomèrs lake and the river-rafting centre, Noguera Ribagorçana. If you’re travelling with little ones, they’re sure to love Aran Park, a wildlife centre in the mountains.

What to eat in Vielha‎

Vielha has a vibrant food scene which covers everything from regional mountain delicacies to international restaurants, mostly French. The French dish Magret de Canard, duck breast with salad, for instance, is popular. You'll still find Catalan classics like escalivada (grilled vegetables) escudella (stews) and ollada (meat and vegetable stew). Traditional dishes tend to be hearty and heathy, consisting of everything from rich game stew to bread soup and potatoes. You’ll also find fine tapas and pintxo bars in town.

Typical events and festivals in Vielha‎

Vielha celebrates a number of festivities throughout the year, including Christian staples like Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) and Navidad (Christmas). In September, Vielha hosts Festa Major de Vielha, a five-day long celebration with parties, feasts and children’s activities in honour of the town’s patron saint. In August, Vielha hosts the local festival, the Battle of the Flowers. The town also celebrates San Juan in June, among other national holidays.

How to move around in Vielha‎

Vielha’s town centre is compact and easily traversed by foot, but you will have to take a bus or car to visit the sprawling resorts and hotels far from the centre. The local bus network is fine, but you may want to rent a car if you’re looking to explore this magnificent region.

The climate in Vielha‎

Vielha has an Oceanic climate with year-round rain. The average annual temperature here is 9.1°C. Summers can get warm with maximum temperatures of 22.9°C, but in general they stay around 17°C. Winters are cold with lows dipping below 0°C.

More interesting facts about and sights in Vielha‎

Vielha is in the Parc National d'Augüestortes, a stunning natural park of waterfalls, towering peaks and post-glacial lakes. Take your time to explore this rich region and observe the abundant wildlife of chamois, beavers and eagles.