Arán

Arán, commonly known as Val d'Aran or Vall d'Aran, is a mountainous valley in the Pyrenees, located in the northern part of Catalonia, Spain. It constitutes a distinct comarca within Lleida province and is characterized by its own language, Aranese, a variety of Occitan, which is co-official with Catalan and Spanish in the valley. The capital and largest town is Vielha (Vielha e Mijaran).

Geography and administration: The valley runs roughly east to west and is surrounded by high peaks and glacial landscapes. It is the source region of the Garona (Garonne) river, which flows toward the Atlantic through France. The valley is connected to the rest of Catalonia by mountain passes such as Port de la Bonaigua. Local governance is provided by the Consell General d'Aran, which administers customary rights and language protection for Aranese.

Economy and culture: The economy relies on tourism, particularly winter sports at the Baqueira-Beret ski resort, as well as summer tourism, hydroelectric power, and agriculture. The culture reflects Aranese traditions, with festivals, architecture, and cuisine shaped by the valley's isolation and its historical connections with Occitan and Catalan cultures. Public life includes education and services offered in Aranese alongside Catalan and Spanish.

History: Historically part of the Crown of Aragon and later Catalonia, the Val d'Aran developed a distinctive identity and autonomous features within the broader Catalan framework. In contemporary Catalonia, Aranese is officially recognized and protected, and the valley maintains a degree of local self-government through its council and institutions.