villages-cerler

VILLAGES BENASQUE VALLEY

The villages in the Benasque Valley have a traditional flavour with their stone, timber and chalk buildings that blend into the mountain landscapes.

Benasque

In this town, the most important in the valley, the unmistakable flavour of Pyrenean villages dovetails with the most modern and avante garde services and trends. Together with traditional buildings, such as the Renaissance Condes de Ribagorza manor house, or Casa Juste, and its tower-like features, there is, for example, the Pedro Pascual Science Centre, a modern building that hosts world-class scientific symposiums and events.

Wandering through its streets —despite the altitude at which it is located (1138 m ASL) the town is completely flat, without slanting streets— you can marvel at the beautiful old quarters filled with great options, such as tapas in its many bars and restaurants, or you can go shopping in its many exclusive mountain shops.

Anciles

A beautiful settlement that brings together that best traditional architecture in the district, with splendid manor houses that date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and a beautiful church that dates back to Romanesque times but was later modified in the 17th century. A centuries-old poplar tree welcomes visitors who can enjoy its beauty and tranquillity after a short walk — which is the only way to access it. The one restaurant, the magnificent Restaurante Ansils, provides fine food for this small village, in which the daytime and night-time temperatures favour the growth of apples, a burgeoning local product, which is a ‘must’ to sample for those visiting the valley.

Cerler

The town of Cerler, located at the foot of the ski resort has preserved its beautiful traditional buildings perfectly intact despite the creation of the large hotel complex that was created after the construction of the ski slopes in the 1970s. Located at 1500 metres ASL, the town has charming old quarters with houses and buildings of great architectural value, as well as a wide range of the highest quality of dining establishments, such as the restaurants La Solana (Casa Cornel), El Candil, as well as those in the Evenia Monte Alba hotel and the HG hotel.

Sahún

A wander through the streets of Sahún, located at a height of 1124 metres ASL, will reveal some beautiful examples of the traditional houses in the area, well-preserved traditional architecture and a church with Romanesque origins that is particularly worth a visit. New this season is Sahún’s skatepark that adds to the valley’s range of après-ski activities.

Villanova

Located at 1000 m ASL, this village has beautiful old quarters in which its two churches, that of Santa María and of San Pedro Apostol, both dating from the close of the 17th century, deserve a special mention.

Laspaúles

This village is locate at the western end of the valley, beneath the mythical and magical Mount El Turbón. The village is characterised by its traditional houses made out of the local sandstone, with its characteristic red tone. With the Trans-pyrenean N-260 running through it, its a popular spot with motor enthusiasts who enjoy it's spectacular curves and landscapes.

Eriste

In this village’s small yet beautiful old quarters, a special mention should go to the outstanding traditional architecture. With its amazing location in front of the reservoir and nestling within the surrounding forest, Eriste, located at 1118 metres ASL, is one of the most interesting spots to visit in the valley.

Chía

This village offers an excellent view point over the valley thanks to its high altitude, at 1123 m ASL, and its location, from which you can view the villages of Gabás, Cástejon de Sos, el Rún, el Solano to the left, beneath Gallinero Peak and with the Maladetas range behind it. Its unique village houses one of the most accoladed restaurants in the valley: Chongastán.

Los Pueblos del Solano

This is the name given to the most luminous villages in the valley, the ones that receive the most sunlight: Eresué, Ramastué, Liri, Arasán and Urmella. These small yet beautiful villages are filled with extraordinary samples of Romanesque art well worth visiting. In the lower area of the valley, the villages of Sesúe and Sos are located in a basin of glacial origin and next to one of the most impressive look-out points on the southern part of the valley.