Val d'Aran holds a unique position in Catalonia. Until the 1950s, before the tunnel opened, this verdant valley surrounded by mountains was cut off from the rest of Spain and only connected to France by a narrow pass. No wonder it has retained its untouched atmosphere and friendly idiosyncrasies. As well as the ski resort at Baqueira-Beret, the Val d'Aran offers tourists a magnificent Romanesque heritage, wonderful cuisine and countless hiking trails.