Sunday, January 14, 2024

Vicens nougats from Agramunt

Tienda de Agramunt de Torrons Vicens

Much marketing, well-placed shops, narrower nougat bars, the touch of Albert Adrià from Bulli, and a plethora of references have revolutionized the nougat tradition in Agramunt, expanding and destacionalizing nougat consumption worldwide.

In their store in Agramunt, we can buy freshly made nougats by weight from the workshop, which are much more flavorful.
Personally, my favorites for Christmas are the traditional ones; the others tend to overwhelm me as they have very strong flavors.
Interior tienda de Agramunt de Torrons Vicens

La Cava de Tàrrega

Albert Marimón offers a unique culinary experience at this signature restaurant, with special attention to local ingredients. The restaurant ambiance is predominantly occupied by middle-aged adults. The generous and elaborately crafted tapas go beyond the traditional concept, often becoming main courses. The inclusion of mushrooms during the season stands out, adding a special touch to the dishes. Regarding the wine list, although not extensive, it offers a selection of lesser-known wines that complement the culinary choices well. In conclusion, a unique gastronomic experience with Albert Marimón's personal touch.

Evolution of Google Ratings
Month/Year Rating Number of Reviews
January 2024 4.5 1,499

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Val d'Aran - Vielha

In the Aran Valley, you can breathe well-being, well-off people, everything is orderly and clean. The roads and tracks in the mountains are in very good condition. It is noted that they enjoy a standard of living higher than the average in Catalonia. It is noted that there are only about 10,000 inhabitants in 620 km2. It is also noted that they are located very far from urban areas and only those who can afford it visit them.

Before 1948, the year in which the Vielha tunnel was completed, they were isolated and had a subsistence economy. When the port of Bonaigua was blocked by snow, they could only leave in the direction of Occitania, following the course of the Garonne River.

The Vall d'Aran faces the Atlantic, which makes its forests noticeably different from those of the rest of Catalonia, which is southern.

Today, the Aran Valley lives mainly from tourism, which represents 80% of its GDP. Its educational system is in Aranese, Catalan, Spanish, French and English. In addition, its baccalaureate is compatible with the Spanish and French educational systems.

The Aran Valley wants to be more than simply the Baqueira Beret ski resort, which almost sold a million ski passes in 136 days during the 2022-2023 season. It seeks to become a tourist destination suitable for all ages and appealing all year round. It certainly has the capabilities to achieve it, it is an exceptional site.

Vielha - the capital

Arties - hot springs

Salardú entrance door to the Colomers mountain cirque

The Colomers cirque, formed by 48 lakes with crystal clear waters, black pine and spruce forests, and impressive mountains that rise nearly 3,000 meters, make this glacial cirque and its valley an essential place during our stay in the Aran Valley.

Saut del Pish in the Varradós Valley

The Saut deth Pish, which is located half an hour from Vielha by paved road, has two waterfalls: the upper one is about 15 m. high and the lower one about 5 m. The water comes from the Long Lake of Liat and comes out through a karst course at the Era Pila source in the Siesso ravine.

Uelhs deth Joeu

The eyes of the devil or Jupiter are spectacular waterfalls fed by the waters of the Aneto glacier. The waters that melt from the glacier disappear in the Forau d'Aigualluts in the Benasque Valley and reappear in the Arán Valley, after a 4 km underground journey. An excursion worth dedicating a whole day to.

The burning of Eth Haro in Les

In Les, they celebrate the solstice during the night of Sant Joan with the burning of eth Haro, a fir tree placed the previous year in the middle of the square. This tradition is part of the Pyrenees fire festivals, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2015.

What can I do in the Noguera region - Balaguer?

Discover the wonders of La Noguera: activities for families and history buffs, prehistoric heritage and medieval, exuberant nature, local gastronomy and exciting adventures outdoor. Explore the Mont-rebei Gorge, caves and medieval monuments. Enjoy climbing in the Cova Gran de Santa Linya and sports nautical in the calm waters of the reservoirs from Camarasa, Canelles, Santa Anna, Sant Llorenç de Montgai and Rialp. A unique destination in Catalonia for all tastes.
chatGPT
Sant Mamet and the Montsec de Rúbies

Territory Activators

For Families with Children

In Balaguer, the capital of Noguera, we can search for gold in the Segre River with the Center for Gold Interpretation, which is part of the Noguera Museum.

In Camarasa, with Origins Space, we can learn about the Neanderthals and participate in other activities related to prehistoric, historical, and natural heritage in the surroundings of the Mont-roig mountain.

At the Montsec Astronomical Park in Àger, in addition to observing space, various activities related to astronomy and science are organized.

At the Seró Transmitter Space, activities related to prehistory are carried out.

The West Natural Spaces project, in Noguera, introduces the Montsec mountain, the Segre - Noguera Pallaresa confluence, the slopes of Noguera Ribargorçana, the Serra Llarga, and the Segre - Noguera Ribagorçana confluence, organizing various very interesting activities during the year.

Launching rockets at the COU in Àger

For Adults

At the Monastery of Las Avellanas, many interesting activities are organized, such as medieval dinners, historical events, and nighttime concerts.

Castell del Remei has established a Foundation with the aim of preserving its valuable heritage. Through this initiative, various activities are organized, including yoga, jazz, exhibitions, wine tastings, concerts, and races.

Small but Unique Villages

Sant Llorenç de Montgai, a natural reserve for waterbirds, is my favorite place in Noguera. When I visit, I can feel my heart rate slowing down.

Alòs de Balaguer, more remote, is the realm of hunters and fishermen.

Penelles has become the capital of Street Art in Lleida.

Tiurana with its starlight certification is the ideal place to spend summer nights.

Penelles - Street Art

Gastronomy

Barley, wheat, almond trees, olive trees, vineyards, honey, milk, and the orchard all contribute to the rich gastronomy of Noguera. Additionally, there are small workshops that transform these elements into wine, beer, cheeses, jams, samfaina cakes, and many other culinary delights. These products end up nourishing our restaurants that are gaining culinary excellence day by day.

Blossoming almond trees

Heritage

From prehistory, we have the rock paintings of the Vilars cave in Os de Balaguer, the archaeological site of the Parco cave in Alòs de Balaguer, the Neanderthal shelters of the Cova Gran in Santa Linya, and the Roca dels Bous in Sant Llorenç de Montgai. We also have fossil sites like la Pedrera in Vilanova de Meià.

In the medieval period, Noguera was a borderland and part of the County of Urgell, where castles, monasteries, and Romanesque hermitages were built, such as the Monastery of Santa María de las Avellanas, the Montsonís Castle, and the collegiate church of Sant Pere d'Àger.

There are also Spaces of Memory from the Spanish Civil War, such as the Merengue hill in Camarasa and the wartime remnants around the Cap de Pont in Balaguer.

We must not forget the extensive heritage of Balaguer, the capital of Noguera, and its walls within which the three monotheistic cultures, Christians, Muslims, and Jews, coexisted.

Plateau del Merengue in Camarasa

Hiking Excursions

The quintessential hike in Noguera is the Mont-rebei Gorge, but it's also wonderful to explore the Mu Gorge and visit the Tobacco Cave.

The Montsec, Mont-Roig, Sant Mamet, and the Montclús mountain range offer countless possibilities, such as hiking to the Pedrera de Meià from the Santa Maria de Meià side or from the Doll Road near to Terradets.

Exploring the plain with its fields that change color with the seasons, collecting thyme, rosemary, asparagus... Open spaces that are a delight to the senses.

Barley and wheat fields in February

Motorized Excursions

Our preferred motorized route, whether on a motorcycle or in a car, is the circuit around Montsec de Rúbies, passing through the Doll Road, Terradets, Barcedana Valley, El Pas Nou, and Vilanova de Meià Valley.

The Montsec, Mont-Roig, Sant Mamet, and the Montclús mountain range offer countless possibilities for 4x4 routes, such as visiting the Balconet de Santa Linya, ascending Sant Mamet, or exploring the abandoned village of Rúbies.

Camarasa Reservoir - El Coscoll

Rock Climbing

The Cova Gran de Santa Linya is world-renowned in the rock climbing community. Chris Sharma lived in Sant Llorenç de Montgai for many years. Accommodations in Camarasa are always filled with climbers from all over the world.

The Cova Gran de Santa Linya

Active Tourism - Land, Air, Water

In Àger, the capital of Montsec de Ares, the spirit of adventure sports permeates the environment. It's an area renowned for free-flying, with a special emphasis on paragliding and hang gliding. You can also enjoy hot air ballooning, ultralight flying, as well as gliding and paramotoring. Several specialized companies and schools offer courses, introductory flights, g uided outings, and equipment rentals.

The reservoirs of Camarasa, Canelles, Santa Anna, Sant Llorenç de Montgai, and Rialp, the largest area of calm waters in Catalonia, are ideal places for water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and sailing.

Mountain bikes crossing the Sant Llorenç de Montgai dam

Agendas

Cartells de Ponent Agenda Ajuntament Balaguer Espai Origens - Activitats Museu de la Noguera - Activitats Agenda Ara Lleida - La Noguera Surt de Casa - Ponent Fundació Castell del Remei - Agenda

More information

Ara Lleida - La Noguera

Location

Click for an interactive map

Eth Brèç Pastry Shop - Vielha

The pastry shop is below the Aran - La Abuela hotel, and you can find the best selection of pastries and specialties from the Aran valley.

It really looks like a place for Lilliputians, it has a very small entrance and you have to go down some stairs below the street, the ceilings are not high and there are no windows, but it is very good and has a good ventilation system.

We went several times while we were in Vielha, for breakfast, for a snack and to play board games.

Its showcase

The best excursions in the Val d'Aran

Uelhs deth Joeu - Plan dera Artiga - Refuge dera Artiga de Lin

Uelhs deth Joeu

Eyes of the Devil or Jupiter, a quite beautiful waterfall that gives rise to the Joeu River. The grace is that these waters come from the Aneto glacier which is in a southern valley of the Pyrenees and pass 4 km below the mountains to reappear near the Artiga de Lin.

Plan dera Artiga

La Artiga de Lin is the starting point of great ascents towards the Aneto and Maladeta area, as well as the mythical hills such as Aranesi, Picada and Hòro, places deeply related to the history of the Pyrenees.

Gentiana lutea

Gentian is a medicinal plant that is used as an appetite stimulant. One of the most bitter substances known is extracted from its root.

Aconitum napellus - wolfsbane

The aconite family are very poisonous plants. There are many flowers that give color to the meadows of Artiga de Lin. Artigas are forests that have been cut down to obtain pasture for flocks.

Artiga de Lin Refuge

The refuge is 9 km from the town of Es Bordes along a paved track. Access by private car is restricted in the summer months with greater influx of tourists. The track is also closed in winter due to avalanches.

Guardader dera aigua - Hònt deth Gresilhon

Both the water guard and the Gresilhon sling are very good. And the route to go between fir and beech trees is fantastic.

Small excursions around Uelhs deth Joeu

The arrow marks the second parking lot, which is where we must leave the car, it is a few meters from Uelhs deth Joeu. Then we must go up to Pla dera Artiga and then towards the Refuge where we can have a Coca Cola. From here we can go to the Pish de Pomèro and then return to the starting point. The entire tour lasts a little more than an hour.

We can make a second excursion to the Guardian of the water and the Gresilhon sling, and continue descending to the hermitage of the Mader de Dios de la Artiga de Lin. About an hour, and then you have to go back up.

Excursions

Vicens nougats from Agramunt

Much marketing, well-placed shops, narrower nougat bars, the touch of Albert Adrià from Bulli, and a plethora of references hav...