Welcome to the Catalan Pyrenees, a unique and beautiful region in whichall visitors will find the emotions their spirits seek. The great northern strip of Catalonia formed by the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees stretches from Cap de Creus on the coast to Val d’Aran far inland.These are spectacular landscapes dominated by soaring mountain peaks,deep valleys where great rivers are born, alpine meadows and firwoods. Givefree rein to all the emotions that will be awoken as you delight in all thepossibilities the Catalan Pyrenees offer.Excellent communications, quality tourist facilities, accommodation andcuisine, not forgetting the richest natural, historic and monumental heritage,guarantee an unforgettable stay.Relax… thrill… escape… and rediscover yourself… all this and more awaits inthe Pyrenees; enjoy it.

The Pyrenees above all.

INTRODUCTION 3

VAL D’ARAN

ALTEMPORDÀ

CERDANYAALTA

RIBAGORÇA

PALLARSJUSSÀ

PALLARSSOBIRÀ

ALTURGELL

SOLSONÈS

BERGUEDÀ

RIPOLLÈS

GARROTXA

Pyrenees brand counties

RELAXForget about everything, breathe in deeply, take

your time, find the heart of the mountain and the

peace of the gentle valleys. Enjoy an authentic,

unforgettable experience, walking around villages

and along paths, letting the Pyrenees take you

over, body and soul.

The rich natural heritage of the Pyrenees includes more than 60 spaces of natural interest, 10specially protected areas and some of Catalonia's most outstanding natural parks.A cradle of cultures and a repository where old customs and traditions are conserved, the Pyreneesare an ideal destination for those seeking to relax and slowly savour the essences of a region thathas lost none of its authenticity. Marvel at the beauty of the landscape; follow Pyrenean footpaths;discover over a thousand years of history in villages and monuments; these are just some of themyriad possibilities Europe's second-highest mountain range offers visitors.

Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake National ParkIn the very heart of the Pyrenees, Aigüestortes offers visitors over 40,000 hectares of natural beauty, magnificent woodsand meadows, majestic snow-capped peaks and the most important lake zone in southern Europe, with over 200 lakes.

Alt Pireneu Natural ParkCreated in August 2003, the Alt Pireneu Natural Park is the largest in Catalonia, covering anarea of 60,000 hectares. Straddling the Pallars Sobirà and Alt Urgell counties, the park containsthe last of original mountain forests and is the habitat of exceptional fauna and flora.

Cadí-Moixeró Natural ParkCovering an area of 41,342 hectares, this park contains the mountains of El Cadí and Moixeróas well as the Mount Pedraforca Area of Natural Interest. The park's main attractions are itsgeological, plant and animal diversity.

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Cap de Creus Natural ParkCatalonia's first maritime-terrestrial park protects the cape Cap de Creus peninsula and its marineenvironment. Situated at the most easterly point on the Iberian Peninsula, the park, which coversa terrestrial area of 10,813 hectares and 3,073 marine hectares, contains 4 integral reserves.

Albera Massif Natural Area of National Interest A transitional zone between the Pyrenean mountains and the Mediterranean plains, the Albera Massifforms an ecological and landscape unit of great quality that stretches from El Pertús right down to the sea.

Empordà Wetlands Natural ParkCatalonia's second-most important wetlands occupy 4,800 hectares in 9 municipal boroughs.Particularly outstanding in this true birdwatcher's paradise are the integral reserves of Illade Caramany, Les Llaunes and Els Estanys.

La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural ParkThe most important volcanic region in the Iberian Peninsula is formed by over 40 volcanoes,inactive but not extinct, and a score or so lava flows. Holm oak, oak and beech forests andover 1,000 flowering plants also inhabit this unique landscape.

Val d’Aran lake zoneThe Val d’Aran is an Atlantic valley crossed by the River Garonne, which has its source inAquitaine and reaches the sea at Bordeaux. Here, the mountains form a natural barrier, with30% of the area at an altitude of over 2,000 metres.

Hiking for all Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici Lake National ParkA unique environment Surprising nature

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AIGÜESTORTES AND SANT MAURICILAKE NATIONAL PARK

CADÍ-MOIXERÓNATURAL PARK

LA GARROTXA VOLCANICZONE NATURAL PARK

ALBERA MASSIF NATURALAREA OF NATIONAL INTEREST

EMPORDÀ WETLANDSNATURAL PARK

CAP DE CREUSNATURAL PARK

VAL D’ARANLAKE ZONE

ALT PIRENEUNATURAL PARK

A UniqueLandscape

Parks and beauty spots

Aigüestortes-Sant Maurici LakeNatural ParkCadí-Moixeró Natural ParkPedraforca MassifCape Cap de CreusMount AlberaEmpordà wetlandsLa Garrotxa Volcanic ZoneVal d’Aran lakesAlt Pirineu Natural Park

The pleasuresof walking

Charming nooks and crannies The Pyrenees, step by step

Long-distance path

The Pyrenean Path. GR 11The Bons Homes Path. GR 107The Circular Patharound Val d’Aran. GR 211The Circular Patharound Borredà. GR 241The Serra del Cadí Path. GR 150The Path from Puigcerdàto Montserrat. GR 4The Path from Andorrato Fredes. GR 7The Mediterranean Path. GR 92The Transversal Path. GR 1The Central Catalonia Path. GR 3

An unbeatable destination for hikers, the Pyrenees boasts over 1,000 km of signpostedpaths enabling visitors to enjoy the pleasure of walking without problems. Providingdirect access to Catalonia's history, customs, natural beauty and heritage, the GR longdistance paths are complemented by a large number of tourist routes, a network of localpaths and a multitude of variants leading visitors to all the places of interest in the areaaround them.Walking, the perfect way to contemplate the charms of the valleys of Núria, Ribes,Camprodo to enjoy the marvels of the green routes of the Olot disused railway lines orthe Iron Route, or to discover the secrets of Catalonia's natural parks.

8 RELAX RELAX 9

The Pyrenean Path

GR 11 is the star amongst paths in the southern Pyrenees. This is a route of outstandingbeauty and landscape diversity that crosses the Catalan Pyrenees from cape Cap de Creusto Alta Ribagorça county, passing through Alt Empordà, Garrotxa, Ripollès, Cerdanya,Alt Urgell, Pallars Sobirà and Val d’Aran.

The Val d’Aran Path and the Bons Homes Path

GR 211, a circular path from which branch off such variants as the Viella Pass Route,rich in history as a communications route for the Aranese people, enables us to discoverVal d’Aran in the most natural way imaginable. GR 107, which follows the old CatharRoute along the so-called Camí dels Bons Homes path, is also an ideal route for families.

Well-maintained, with excellent accommodation facilities and other services, such asbaggage transport, these paths are a complete tourist product fully up to Europeanstandards.

The path to nature The joy of Pyrenean paths

The Kingdom ofPeace and Quiet

Pure water, pure emotion The most relaxing of baths

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The golfing heights

Every year, more and more golf lovers come to discover that the Pyrenean coursesprovide an unbeatable natural setting for playing golf. Thanks to the quality of thefacilities and the variety of courses, the Pyrenees hosts many international tournaments.Breathe in, head down, and hit the ball long and straight, for this could be your finestround.

Life-giving water is a basic element in the Pyrenean landscape. An example of the importanceand quality of the water resources in the region are the splendid Pyrenean lakes and itsvalleys, where the great Catalan rivers are born. Swimming, fishing and a relaxing stay ata spa hotel are just some of the many pleasures offered by the Pyrenees, land of pure water.

Fishing

The Pyrenees offers over 150 controlled fishing zones and around 80 refuges for lovers ofthis sport. The complete range of facilities includes trout reserves, catch and release fishingzones, high mountain lake reserves, intensive reserves and children's areas.

Spa hotels and health centres

The countless Pyrenean springs and fountains give forth waters of different compositionsand temperatures. Their properties make these waters suitable for health and beautytreatment and superbly-equipped centres with specialist staff, all under strict medicalsupervision. Spa hotels and centres that will soon have you feeling better than ever.

Aravell Golf ClubAravell – Alt UrgellHoles: 18

Club de Golf CamprodonCamprodon – RipollèsHoles: 9

Club de Golf Ribera SaladaSolsona – SolsonèsHoles: 9

Main golf courses

Golf Fontanals de CerdanyaQueixans – CerdanyaHoles: 18

Reial Club de Golf de CerdanyaPuigcerdà – CerdanyaHoles: 27

Peralada Golf ClubPeralada – Alt EmpordàHoles: 18

Torremirona Golf ClubNavata – Alt EmpordàHoles: 18

Golf Salardú Pitch & PuttSalardú – Val d’AranHoles: 9

Golf Garrotxa Pitch & PuttBesalú – GarrotxaHoles: 9

Activities

FishingSwimmingSpasGolf

Caldes de Boí Spa (Alta Ribagorça)

Tredós Thermal Baths (Val d’Aran)

La Baronia de Les Thermal Baths (Val d’Aran)

Sant Ferriol Hotel (Garrotxa)

Peralada Wine Spa (Alt Empordà)

Torremirona Spa Resort (Alt Empordà)

Golf in the very heart of nature

THRILLEnjoy nature actively, explore new, fresh

emotions. Take a tour of the Pyrenees and

delight in the endless possibilities this

destination offers. A pleasure above all.

Snow for all

The pleasure of sliding over the snow Snowshoes: the thrill of adventure Dog sleigh routes

Besides enjoying a benign climate, the Pyrenees has over 300 alpine ski slopes and 300kilometres of cross-country ski paths, offering an endless range of ways to discover the snow-caps of Catalonia. Prepare to enjoy the finest facilities, operating as ski resorts in winter andas mountain resorts, offering all sorts of tourist activities, in summer.A complete range of services, from crèches to top-class restaurants, not forgetting ski schoolsand equipment hire.

Under continuous development

In recent years, Pyrenean alpine resorts have quickly adapted to the new sports that havesprung up to stand beside traditional skiing. These resorts now offer facilities for such activitiesas snowboarding, born in the 1970s and now an Olympic sport, carving, the latest fashion,involving technology applied to geometry and ski manufacturing, and telemark, inspired in oldNorthern European practices. All these sports and more find a perfect setting in the Pyrenees.

Unspoilt nature

Lovers of peace and quiet will find that the network of Pyrenean Nordic skiing resorts offersa complete range of trails for all levels. Cross country, back country skiing, walks on snowshoesand adventures on a sleigh pulled by dogs are just a few of the ways visitors can enjoy themselvesin these snowy mountain landscapes.

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Cross-country skiing, an ever more popular sportMore and more slopes to thrill skiers

Activities

Alpine skiingSnowboardingCarvingTelemark skiingMini skisCross country skiingSnowshoesDog sleighs

Baqueira-BeretBoí Taüll ResortLa MolinaMasellaEspot-EsquíPort-AinéTavascanPort del ComteRasos de PegueraVall de NúriaVallter 2000

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Val d’AranL’Alta RibagorçaLa CerdanyaLa CerdanyaEl Pallars SobiràEl Pallars SobiràEl Pallars SobiràEl SolsonèsEl BerguedàEl RipollèsEl Ripollès

Resort Slopes County

AransaGuils-FontaneraLlesLa MolinaSant Joan de L’ErmTuixent-La VansaVirós-VallferreraPort-AinéTavascanBeretRasos de Peguera

La CerdanyaLa CerdanyaLa CerdanyaLa CerdanyaL’Alt UrgellL’Alt UrgellEl Pallars SobiràEl Pallars SobiràEl Pallars SobiràVal d’AranBerguedà

33 km45 km35 km3,5 km50 km34 km58 km15 km17 km7 km5 km

Resort Slopes County

Events

Popular Nordic skiing events: Marxa Beret - Baqueira Beret - February. Pyrenean Nordic skiingmeeting - Lles-Aransa - January. Fontanera Nordic skiing meeting - Pla de Fontanera - January.Dog sleighs: Pirena - Pyrenees - January - February.

ALPINE SKIING NORDIC SKIING

The Pyrenees on two wheels The finest services for mountain-bikers Getting back to nature by mountain-bike

Lovers of mountain biking will find everything laid on for them in the Pyrenees. Here arecircuits from the toughest to family routes, a vast array of possibilities with something forabsolutely everyone.The Catalan network of mountain bike/FCC centres, moreover, forms the perfect complementto the varied Pyrenean landscape, providing cyclists with complete information, assistanceand services to ensure they enjoy both cycling and route to the full.

Cycling along the green routes

Certain Pyrenean routes are particularly suited to cyclotouring. Two good examples are theIron Route from Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadesses, and the Olot Carrilet route, whichlinks Olot with Girona and the Costa Brava. These green routes follow old narrow gaugerailway lines, now rehabilitated and turned into perfect facilities for active tourism.

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The thrill ofmountain biking

Mountain Bike Centres

Val d’AranBossòst Sports ZoneBossòst – Val d’AranLa Seu-Alt UrgellSegre Olympic ParkLa Seu d’Urgell – Alt UrgellSolsonès-Vall de LordVall de Lord Tourist OfficeSant Llorenç de Morunys –SolsonèsBerguedàCasa SobrestradaAvià – BerguedàRipollèsResort Leisure Centre Sant Joande les Abadesses – RipollèsAlt EmpordàSalines-Bassegoda

Catalan Mountain BIKE /FCC Centres

A Mountain Bike/FCC Centre is a free-access space designed for mountain biking. Suchcentres provide:- A minimum of 100 km of circuits for all levels, mapped and signposted by degree of

difficulty.- An office providing services for cyclists and which also operates as a small tourist

information office.- Complementary services: bike hire, parking area, cleaning points, showers and toilets.- Information points in restaurants, hostels and hotels.- Standards approved by Turisme de Catalunya and the Catalan and French cycling

federations.

At your feet

A bird's-eye view of the Pyrenees The magic of hang-gliding Horse riding through the Pyrenean landscape

Contemplating the Pyrenean landscape from the air is one of the most delightful waysof falling in love with this region. Expert professionals and the most modern equipmentinvite visitors to breathe in the purest mountain air in complete safety.

Balloon flights

Spectacular balloon trips over the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, the Cerdanya Valley, theSerra del Cadí mountains or across the Pyrenees: an unforgettable experience.

Free flight

Enjoy all the thrills of free flight on a two-seater paraglider piloted by an expert, or goup in a hang-glider, the vehicle whose only control is the human body.

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Activities

BallooningHang-glidingParaglidingUltra lightAircraftParamotorHorse riding

Aviation

Take a flight by light or ultra light aircraft, or by paramotor, to enjoy a bird's eye viewof the magnificent Pyrenean landscape.

Equestrian pleasures

Equestrian tourism offers a unique opportunity to really "get back to nature". Ride thevalleys, mountains and volcanoes along the many routes crossing the Pyrenean region,in Val d'Aran approaching the Maladeta Massif, La Renclusa refuge.The finest horse riding facilities and routes with different degrees of difficulty, withsomething for all ages. Strong, hardy, agile horses, or ponies for younger visitors, awaitto carry us to the most beautiful sites in the Pyrenees.

The thrill of gliding

When the thirst for adventure becomes pure

adrenaline. The Pyrenees, a region packed with

rivers, great mountains, snow-caps and unspoilt

paths, is ideal ground for competitive and

adventuring spirits.

ESCAPE

When theriver carries

Rivers full of emotion Hydrospeed, the power of water White water canoeing

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Canyoning: passion for adventure

Rapids, currents and whirlpools. The power of Pyrenean rivers, every year, when the snowbegins to melt, become a major attraction for aquatic adventure lovers. This was a traditionfirst started by the local raiers, raftsmen, true masters of these raging waters who used tojourney downriver each spring, transporting goods and the very timber with which theybuilt their rafts.The vast experience accumulated, the thorough safety measures, the quality of the equipmentused and the fact that major championships are staged here, including the World OpenKayaking Championship, combine to make the Pyrenees a leading destination for adventuresport lovers.

The Noguera Pallaresa

Situated in the very heart of the Pyrenees, the Noguera Pallaresa offers 40 km of navigablewater throughout the year, even in summer, as the flow can be regulated. From Pla de Beretto Terradets, passing through the Collegats gorge, the Noguera Pallaresa contains differentstretches, with something for all tastes and levels. Those seeking powerful emotions shouldbrave the most complicated stretches of this river in May and June, when the snow ismelting.

Activities

RaftingCanoe-raftingKayakOpen kayakCanoeingHydrospeedCanyoning

The Garonne

This great river, which links the towns and villages in Val d'Aran, is born at the westernextreme of the Catalan Pyrenees, where Beret meets Orri. The Garonne is a superb riverfor whitewater sports such as rafting or canyoning, from Les Bordes to Les.

The Segre

The Segre Olympic Park in Seu d’Urgell is a centre for those interested in learning andtaking part in canoeing, kayaking and rafting along the Olympic whitewater canal. Thecanal flow is regulated to satisfy the needs of both experienced canoeists and beginners.

The Noguera Ribagorçana

Famed for the quality of its waters, the Noguera Ribagorçana is a destination fast becomingever more popular with water sports lovers in the Pyrenees. The Escales reservoir and thecanyons that feed the great river form the ideal venue for a host of sporting activities.

The Freser

Lovers of canyoning will find the perfect setting in Girona province: the gorges of the RiverFreser, the Queralbs Cave stream and the area around Sadernes Montagut.

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Reachingthe peak

Extremeemotion

Getting to grips with the mountain Extreme sport All revved up

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Magic mountains

Activities

MountaineeringClimbingOrienteeringMountaineering coursesHigh mountain ralliesClimbing track

Direct contact with the earth, self-improvement and knowledge. High mountain poetryin the Pyrenees. Mythical peaks such as the 3,143-metre Pica d’Estats, the highest inCatalonia, Canigó, Puigmal, Besiberris, Mulières and Montardo will more than meet theexpectations of all keen climbers. Climbing zones such as Montsec, with the magnificentTerradets, Vilanova de Meià and Montrebei tracks, or Collegats gorge, Pedraforca and themountains of El Cadí, make the Pyrenees a truly unique destination for this sport.An excellent climate, a superb network of mountain refuges, complete weather informationand mountain rescue services form the perfect complement to these superb facilities.

Climbing tracks

An excellent way of attracting the general public to this sport, climbing tracks are mountainroutes equipped with irons, cables and ropes to make the ascent easier. Such tracks arebecoming ever more popular, drawing more and more people to enjoy climbing. Soaringover the Oliana reservoir in Alt Urgell county, the Regina climbing track is excellentlyequipped, a sheer ascent guaranteed to thrill all budding climbers.

Extreme sports in the snow and ice

In the Pyrenees, the energetic can go on long hikes through the snow, climb ice-boundwaterfalls, crags and chimneys, or reach the peak by helicopter, descending off-piste.Thrilling experiences for those in form, activities requiring thorough preparation andstrict observance of all necessary precautions.

Driven by adventure

There is a space, too, for motor vehicles in the Pyrenees, as long as the AutonomousGovernment of Catalonia Environment Department regulations are observed. Quad,snow mobile and 4x4 routes are just some of the opportunities that await lovers of suchadventure sports.

Activities

HeliskiIce climbingQuads4x4Light aircraft flightsSnow mobiles and jet-skis

Share your love for nature with your friends,

bring the family together around a table

and prepare to enjoy the wisest and best

rhythm of life, one that revolves around

meals, culture, festivals, music and leisure.

DISCOVER YOURSELF

The humanfootprint

Sant Climent de Taüll: Pantocrator Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll Romanesque art in the Boí Valley: World Heritage Monastery of Sant Pere de Graudescales

Romanesque art in Vall de Boí(11th-12th centuries)Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll(12th-14th centuries)Monastery of Sant Pere de Roda(10th-12th centuries)Abbey of Santa Maria de Gerride la Sal (12th century)Church of Sant Miquelde la Seu d’Urgell (11th century)Church of Sant Jaume de Frontanyà(11th century)Solsona Cathedral (12th-18th centuries)Seu d’Urgell Cathedral and Museum(12th century)Romanesque art in Val d’Aran (12th century)Monastery and Museum of Sant Joande les Abadesses (12th-15th centuries)Basilica Santa Maria de Castellód’Empúries (14th century)Chapel of El Miracle de Riner (17th century)Church of Santa Maria de Talló(11th-12th centuries)

28 DISCOVER YOURSELF DISCOVER YOURSELF 29

Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses: cloister

Admire the churches and monasteries that populate the Val d’Aran, the valleys of Àneu,Alt Empordà, Garrotxa and Ripollès counties. Visit the breathtaking heritage of Besalú,Camprodon and Beget. Journey into the distant past at the dolmens of the Serra del’Albera, the Sant Sepulcre de Palera Basilica or the castles of Rocabruna and Perelada. Discover a rich legacy certain to waken awe and admiration. Religious architecture,Romanesque mural painting and ancient carvings of the Madonna are just a few examplesof Pyrenean historic riches. Outstanding amongst this heritage is Romanesque art, averitable symbol of these lands and of Catalonia as a whole.

Romanesque

From the Val d’Aran to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes in Alt Empordà county,several are the routes leading us to discover Pyrenean Romanesque art. Visit one ofEurope's most outstanding historic and artistic heritage regions, part of which the BoíValley was catalogued as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2000.

The Boí Valley, World Heritage

In Alta Ribagorça county, the Boí Valley contains no fewer than nine religious monumentsdating to the 11th and 12th centuries, considered one of the purest examples of CatalanLombard Romanesque art. The churches in this delightful valley are characterised bytheir finely-worked stone and graceful bell towers.L’Assumpció de Cóll – Santa Maria de Taüll – Sant Climent de Taüll – Sant Joan de Boí– Sant Feliu de Barruera – Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall – Santa Maria de Cardet – LaNativitat de Durro –Sant Quirc de Durro chapel

Romanesque art in the Val d’Aran

The principal Romanesque churches in the Val d'Aran are those of Sant Joan d’Arties,Santa Eulàlia d’Unha, Sant Andreu de Salardú, Sant Martí d’Arro, l’Assumpció deBossòst, Sant Miquel de Vielha and Seu Cust de Mijaran, forming one of the mostmagnificent Romanesque routes in the entire Pyrenean region.

The identityof a people

The art ofeating well

Living traditions: raiers (raftsmen) on the River Noguera Pallaresa The mushroom, star ingredient in Pyrenean cuisine

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Carnival in Solsona

Museums in the PyreneesWool and Country WeddingFestival in RipollThe Patum in BergaBurning the haroin Les and ArtiesFalles in IsilDescent of the NogueraPallaresa by raiers (raftsmen)Sheepdog trialsat Castellar de N’HugCarrau museum in Bagergue

The outstanding treasures exhibited in the Seu d'Urgell and Solsona diocesan museums, thesplendid exhibits in the Val d’Aran Museum, the Joan Chiquet Museum in Vilamós, the Senhord’Arrós House, the Carrau Museum in Bagergue, the county museums in Berga and La Garrotxa,or the Municipal Museum in Llívia, which houses one of the oldest conserved pharmacies inEurope as well as the Dalí Museum in Figueres, are just a few outstanding examples of themany museums to be found in the Pyrenean region. The network is completed by theethnographical museum in Ripoll, the Cerdà Museum in Puigcerdà, the thematic centres inIsona and Les Planes de Son and the Àneu Valley eco-museums.

A festival for everyone

A people's identity is largely defined by its festivals, and in the Pyrenees the most importantcelebrations revolve around fire and farming traditions. The Patum in Berga, a Corpus Christiwhose main ingredients are sparks, gunpowder and popular theatre, or the original festivals inSant Joan d’Isil, Les and Arties, occupy the festive calendar alongside the traditional descent ofthe Noguera Pallaresa by raiers, or the sheepdog trials at Llavorsí, Ribes de Freser and Castellarde N’Hug, a charming town whose main attraction is the spectacular source of the River Llobregat.Other important celebrations include Good Friday in Bossòst, the Festival of the Holy Crossin Nauth Aran, the Tura d’Olot Festival, the so-called Tria de Mulats in Espinavell and thedance known as the Ball de Cavallets in Sant Feliu de Pallarols.

The art of eating well

The Pyrenean kitchen, the true heart of the mountain home, has been the repository of amagnificent cuisine based on mushrooms, pork cold meats, cheese, game and fish.The local woods, vegetable gardens, livestock and farmyards continue to provide Pyreneancuisine with the finest ingredients, including such famed products as Ripollès lamb. Mostappreciated produce supplied to the kitchens of excellent restaurants mentioned in the leading guides.

Mushrooms

Many Pyrenean gastronomic fairs and festivals centre on beans, chicory and turnips, but there canbe no doubt that the mushroom is the most popular ingredient in the local mountain cuisine. Themost highly-appreciated types include boletus, wild mushrooms, meadow mushrooms, chanterelles,elms and gomphidus. These form the basis of exquisite dishes and the perfect accompaniment, yetthe mushroom tradition goes beyond cuisine: mushroom hunting is a thoroughly enjoyable activitythat, with a little information and advice, one and all can take pleasure in.

Setcases Mushroom Fair, mid-September

La Pobla de Lillet Mushroom Fair, last Sunday in September

Berga Mushroom Fair, first weekend in October

Alta Ribagorça Mushroom Gastronomy Festival, weekends throughout October

Arties Mushroom Fair, third weekend in September

Cheese Fair, Pyrenees Craftsmen. Seu d’Urgell, third weekend in October

Mushroom fairs and festivalsBean Fair in Santa PauPyrenean Craft Cheese Fair inla Seu d’UrgellTurnip day in GerChicory Festival in MerangesFestival of El Trinxat in PuigcerdàPallars Jussà Food ShowCodina Aranesa Food ShowVal d’Aran Occitan MountainCuisine WeekLa Garrotxa Food ShowAlt Urgell Gastronomic Days

The pleasure of sharing a meal

Satisfactionguaranteed

Festival of La Crema de l'Haro in Les

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Shopping is a real pleasure in the Pyrenees. Seu d’Urgell, Vielha, Puigcerdà, Figueres, Sort andOlot are just a few of the Pyrenean towns with important traditions as centres of commerce.Stroll around their streets, drop into the shops and you will find everything you need.

Wonderful little moments

Sit outside in a pavement café, enjoy a drink in a cheerful bar, have an ice-cream or a cupof hot chocolate, delight in the local cakes and pastries or go dancing: all perfect complementsto a day spent in communion with nature.

Mountains of music

The great Pyrenean musical traditions are kept alive thanks to meetings of accordionistsin such places as Les and Arsèguel considered Europe's most important diatonic accordiongathering and festivals such as Tradicionàrius in La Pobla de Segur, Cornamusam in Olotand the Land of Troubadours Festival in Castelló d’Empúries.Summer nights in these mountains are also enriched by such events as the Pyrene Festival,the many classical and chamber music, opera and ballet seasons and concerts by orchestrasand solo performers. Moreover, the splendid settings for Pyrenean music festivals includeRomanesque and Gothic churches, cloisters and gardens.

Accordionists’ meeting in Les i Arseguel

Romànic musicau (Musical Romanesque) in the Val d’Aran churches, and Alta Ribagorça

ShoppingLeisureMusic

Hotels

Girona CountiesHotel FederationC/ Nou, 7, 1r17001 GironaTel. (+34) 972 224 344www.gihostaleria.org

Lleida Hotel FederationAv. Del Segre, 725007 LleidaTel. (+34) 973 248 858www.hostaler.org

Barcelona Hotel GuildVia Laietana, 47, 1r 2a08003 BarcelonaTel. (+34) 933 016 240www.barcelonahotels.es

Apartments

A.T.A. Tourist ApartmentAssociationEiximenis, 17, 1r A17001 GironaTel. (+34) 972 220 927www.apartamentos-ata.com

Rural Tourism

Girona Rural TourismBalmes, 6, 2n. 17002 GironaTel. (+34) 972 226 015www.gironarural.org

Lleida Federation of CountryResidences and FarmhousesMajor s/n – Casa Roca25639 Sant Martí de BarcedanaTel. (+34) 973 651 070

Inland Counties Federationof Country Residencesand FarmhousesGran Via, 36, entl. 3a. 08611 BergaTel. (+34) 938 222 657www.turismerural.com/centraldereserves

Gites de CatalunyaPasseig de Gràcia, 105, 3r08008 BarcelonaTel. (+34) 934 849 900www.gitesdecatalunya.com

Camp-sites

Catalan Federationof Camp-Sitesand Holiday CitiessBalmes, 243, sobreàtic08006 BarcelonaTel. (+34) 972 314 948www.campingscatalunya.com

Association of Mountainand Catalan PyreneanCamp-SitesPasseig de la Indústria, 25, 4t 1a08600 BergaTel. (+34) 938 221 188www.ocipirineu.com

Lleida Federationof Camp-SitesAvda del Segre, 725007 LleidaTel. 973 248 858www.hostaler.org

Hostels

Network of Hostelsof Catalunyawww.tujuca.com

Refuges

Refuge browserwww.feec.org

At your service

A home awayfrom home

Accommodation in thePyrenees includes,principally, over 600 hotels,including many of the higheststandard, more than 100camp-sites and 500 ruraltourism establishments.Top-quality facilities run byqualified professionals readyto satisfy your every needthroughout your stay.

Typical Pyrenean restaurantShopping, a true pleasure

34 INFORMATION POINTS

CATALONIA TOURISTINFORMATION CENTREPalau Robert. Passeig de Gràcia, 10708008 Barcelona. Tel. (+34) 932 384 000www.gencat.net/probert

BARCELONA PROVINCIALCOUNCIL TOURIST BOARDMallorca, 244 entl. 08008 BarcelonaTel. (+34) 934 022 966 www.diba.es/turismetotal

LLEIDA PROVINCIALCOUNCIL TOURIST BOARDEdifici President. Rambla Ferran, 18 3ª25007 Lleida. Tel. (+34) 973 245 408www.lleidatur.com

COSTA BRAVA-GIRONATOURIST BOARDEmili Grahit, 13-15, 9è B17002 Girona. Tel. (+34) 972 208 401www.costabrava.org

VAL D’ARAN TOURISMTel. (+34) 973 64 06 88 / 973 64 01 10Ctra. Gausac, 1. 25530 Vielhawww.aran.org

County Councils

ALT URGELL COUNTY COUNCILPasseig Joan Brudieu, 1525700 La Seu d’Urgell.Tel. (+34) 973 353 112www.alturgell.ddl.net

ALTA RIBAGORÇA COUNTY COUNCILAvda. Victoriano Muñoz, 4825520 Pont de Suert.Tel. (+34) 973 690 353www.altaribagorca.ddl.net

BERGUEDÀ COUNTY COUNCILC/ Barcelona, 49 3r. 08600 Berga.Tel. (+34) 938 213 553www.elbergueda.org

CERDANYA COUNTY COUNCILPlaça del Rec, 5. 17520 Puigcerdà.Tel. (+34) 972 884 884www.cerdanya.org

GARROTXA COUNTY COUNCILAv. Onze de Setembre, 22. 17800 Olot.Tel. (+34) 972 274 900.www.infogarrotxa.com

PALLARS JUSSÀ COUNTY COUNCILEdifici Sant JordiPau Casals, 14. 25620 Tremp.Tel. (+34) 973 650 187.www.pallarsjussa.net

PALLARS SOBIRÀ COUNTY COUNCILCarrer del Mig, 925560 Sort. Tel. (+34) 973 620 107www.pallarssobira.ddl.net

RIPOLLÈS COUNTY COUNCILC/ Progrés, 22. 17500 Ripoll.Tel. (+34) 972 703 211.www.elripolles.com

SOLSONÈS COUNTY COUNCILC/ Dominics, 14. 25280 Solsona.Tel. (+34) 973 482 003.www.solsones.ddl.net

ARAN GENERAL COUNCILÇò de Saforcada s/n25530 Vielha. Tel. (+34) 973 641 801www.aran.ddl.net

Information points

Generalitat de CatalunyaDepartament de Treball, Indústria, Comerç i TurismeDirecció General de TurismeSecretaria Tècnica Marca Turística PirineusEdited by: Turisme de CatalunyaText: ExitCover photo: M. EscudéPhotographs: R. Lopez-Monné, A. Canela, J. Altadill,P. Ruiz, C. Vila, J. Balanyà, O. Alamany, O. Domínguez,K. Castells, J. Pareto, J. Tous, F. Tur, P.I.T. Lleida, J. Moragues,J. Nieva, Bedmar, Roc Roi, J. Perez-Vol de ColomsGraphic design: ExitPrinted by: Bausili Indústria GràficaLegal deposit: B-40465/03

ALT EMPORDÀ COUNTY COUNCILC/Nou, 48. 17600 Figueres.Tel. (+34) 972 503 088www.altemporda.ddgi.es

EsquíACEM Catalan Skiing and MountainActivities AssociationCamps i Fabrés 3-11 2º 8ª08006 Barcelona. Tel. (+34) 93 416 01 94www.catski.net

Protected natural spaceswww.parcsdecatalunya.net

pyrenees information phoneline

www.pirineus.info(January 2004)

www.catalunyaturisme.com

902 400 012Calls from outsideCatalonia

Mo n t s e c

l’Albera

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