GUIDE TO BAGERGUE
Did you know that Bagergue is the highest inhabited village in the Aran Valley and experiences exactly the same amount of sunlight in both summer and winter? In this guide to Bagergue, we’ll tell you about all the must-see attractions in this beautiful village, considered one of the most charming in Spain, among other distinctions!
EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS OF ANETO
Leaving the main road, after a beautiful journey of just under 2 km, you’ll find Bagergue, a hidden village nestled among the mountains with its black slate roofs, flower-adorned balconies, and exceptional views of the Aneto glaciers.
Like Arties and Garós, Bagergue is part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, ranking first in 2019. It even made it onto the list of the most beautiful villages by the British magazine The Times!
A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Whether you’re staying in Bagergue or just visiting, you can’t miss a stroll through its well-maintained and peaceful streets. Walking among centuries-old traditional houses with wooden balconies and very thick stone walls – designed to protect its inhabitants from the cold – you’ll reach the historic center, which, due to its magnificent state of preservation, is part of the Architectural Heritage Inventory of Catalonia. Furthermore, Bagergue has earned the highest distinction in the “Viles Florides” activity – flowery villages – thanks to the multitude of flowerpots and flowery balconies that bring color to the streets with every step.
CHURCH of SAINT FÉLIX
Like other villages in the valley, Bagergue has its own Romanesque church, the Church of Saint Félix – also known as Saint Feliu Church. The nave of this Romanesque temple dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and as an interesting fact, the church’s cross is a replica, as the original is housed in the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
ETH CORRAU MUSEUM
Another must-visit is the Eth Corrau Museum, an authentic rustic-style barn that houses a collection of over 2,500 pieces of traditional Aranese craftsmanship – many of which are centuries old – which help us better understand the ancestral customs and daily life of the Aran Valley.
HORMATGES TARRAU CHEESE FACTORY
Now it’s time to sit down and enjoy exquisite Aranese cuisine. Just steps away from the Eth Corrau Museum, you’ll find the Hormatges Tarrau cheese factory, the highest in the Pyrenees. Here, the Tarrau brothers will explain the techniques for making and aging their Aranese cheese – one of the most renowned in the valley! The result is a delicious cheese with a unique aroma and flavor that pairs well with practically any wine. Take advantage of your visit to purchase some of their own-made cheeses, perfect for snacking in your FeelFree apartment or as a souvenir.
UNHA, A WALK TO THE NEIGHBORING VILLAGE
Right next to Bagergue is Unha, a small village that you can reach by taking a stroll from spring to autumn along a beautiful path parallel to the Unhola River. Although it’s a short and very scenic journey – just 1.5 km through the forest with the river accompanying you all the way – there’s a considerable slope in the first stretch, so it’s important to check the route beforehand, especially if you’re with children.
Once in Unha, we recommend visiting the Snow Museum with a fantastic exhibition that traces the history of winter sports in Baqueira, as well as the adaptation of the locals and local wildlife to the valley’s climate during heavy snowfalls.
EXCURSIONS FROM BAGERGUE
Various hiking routes depart from the village. If you decide to descend to the village of Unha, you can continue the route passing through Salardú and Gessa until you reach Arties, where between May and October, you can enjoy a bath in its natural sulfur hot springs. Another highly recommended route leads to the Ribera de Varradós, with its famous 25-meter-high waterfall on the left and Lake Varradós on the right.
DEER ROARING AND MUSHROOM COLLECTING
In the autumn, when the leaves of the forests turn golden and copper, the deer roaring begins, one of the most striking natural spectacles you can experience in the great outdoors. From early September to the end of October, male deer emit a very characteristic deep sound and engage in disputes with other deer to conquer females. Bagergue is one of the key points in the valley to listen to and observe this phenomenon, with organized outings by specialized companies.
Additionally, if you’re a fan of mushrooms, you’re in luck! The fir and black pine forests surrounding Bagergue accumulate a lot of moisture in the soil, making it the optimal environment for various mushroom species to grow, especially in September and October. Don’t forget your wicker basket so that the spores can spread well as you walk.
ACCESS TO THE BAQUEIRA BERET SKI RESORT
Bagergue is located just 6 km from the Baqueira Beret ski resort, a paradise in any season. If you’re staying in Bagergue during the winter, we recommend reading our Baqueira Beret guide, where we explain the best areas based on your skill level and reveal some of our favorite activities, from snowmobile excursions and dog sledding to safaris, helicopter rides, or even stargazing in the Catalan sky through a telescope.
But that’s not all! Outside the ski season, Baqueira opens its chairlifts and slopes for alternative activities, including hiking, biking, or even electric biking – available for rent in Pla de Beret.
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Bagergue offers several restaurants serving typical cuisine, featuring hearty dishes like “olla aranesa” – perfect even on cool summer nights – game meats, pâtés, and homemade desserts like cheesecake or “crema catalana.”