Culture, Tourism, Leisure

Marvels to discover....

...........Couserans, Comminges and Val d´Aran, three regions wich share thousands of years of history.

You are in the Central Pyrenees, on the border betwen France and Spain. Neither the altitude nor the political bordrs have ever constituted a real barrier to exchanges across this montain range. Despite geographical, historical, cultural or linguistic differences, linnks have developed over the generations which continue to this day.

The prehistoric sites, which represent and internationally recogniced archeological heritage, show that from the earliest times, these three regions were both a corridor, and a meeting place. This way a major feature in the past, as it is today.

In 72 BC, the Romans founded the city of Lugdunum Convenarum (later called Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges). Its influence spread well beyond the Pyrenees and illustrates the ancient Roman presence which profoundly marked the culture of indigenous Pyrenean populations.

In Medieval times, political and religious power in this area reached its summit, with Saint Lizier becoming a bishopric, and the powerful diocese of Comminges, which included Vielha-Val d´Aran, a major center of Occitan culture. The marvels of Romanesque architecture throughout the area demonstrate this past strength, and form a remarkable concentration of sites.

The Couserans, Comminges and Aran areas have maintained their Gascony soul. Their brilliant history has inspired a strong identity and rich heritage preserved over the generations. Gascon a variant of Occitan, is the co-official language of Val d´Aran and is still widely spoken today.

Here in the deepest valleys, amidst grandiose, untamed landscapes, and rocky peaks, in the bustle of the towns or serenity of the tiniest villages, every pathway leads to marvels to be discovered, whether cultural, or architectural, as well as winter sports, natural thermal spas, gourmet dining, or awe-inspiring landscapes...