In the spectacular Aran Valley, you can discover a true gem of the region: the natural lake Bassa d’Oles, at about 1,600 meters altitude in the heart of the Pyrenees. Very close to Vielha, this place is perfect if you want to disconnect from routine and connect with nature. This lake, framed by the Baricauba forest and with views of the Montcorbison peak, deserves a visit if you’re in the region.
Discover in this article how to get to Bassa d’Oles, what you can see and do in the area, tips to make the most of your visit, and accommodation suggestions for perfect holidays. Keep reading!
What to see in Bassa d'Oles and surroundings?
The Bassa d’Oles lake is a natural pond 249 meters long by 80 meters wide, and it’s a place that conveys a lot of peace and tranquility, thanks to its calm waters and green surroundings, where families rest or start their hiking routes. The sound of birds dominates the landscape… Sounds good, right?
The Baricauba Forest
One of the main attractions of the area surrounding Bassa d’Oles is the Baricauba forest, composed of firs, beeches, red pines, blueberries, and junipers. Wildlife also has its place in this forest, with roe deer that can be spotted at times and are favorites of both children and adults.
The Montcorbison peak
If you’re up for a challenging but rewarding route, you can start the ascent to Montcorbison from Bassa d’Oles. The peak’s height is 2,172 meters, which means you’ll have to climb a bit more. It’s not a route for everyone, as it takes about 3 hours and covers almost 10 kilometers, but it offers incredible views of Aneto and Vielha.
Discover Vielha
Vielha is the capital of the Aran Valley, therefore it’s a must-stop on your visit. It’s a charming mountain town with a historic center that invites you to stroll and regional architecture that you’ll fall in love with. Here you’ll also find museums, restaurants, and all the services you might need during your vacation.
Baqueira-Beret
One of the best ski resorts in our country and even in Europe is located just over half an hour by car from Bassa d’Oles. It has several slopes, a freestyle snowpark, restaurants, shops, and lots of entertainment. Read more here about activities in Baqueira-Beret.
Other activities
In the surroundings of Bassa d’Oles, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure and sports activities: recreational fishing, mountain biking routes, climbing, skiing, gastronomic tourism, and horseback riding are some of the favorite options for families visiting the Aran Valley.
How to get to Bassa d'Oles from Vielha?
Vielha is one of the most charming towns with many points of interest in the Aran Valley. If you want to head to Bassa d’Oles from here, you can do it in different ways:
- By car: it’s very easy and convenient to get to Bassa d’Oles from Vielha by car, you just need to head to Gausac, a small village 1 kilometer away, and take a paved track that crosses the Baricauba forest for about 8 kilometers. When you arrive at Bassa d’Oles, you’ll find a parking area where you can leave your car. Attention, if you travel in winter, you may encounter icy areas.
- By public transport: there are no bus connections to Bassa d’Oles, but you can get to a nearby point and then walk or bike. Another option, certainly more spectacular and healthy, is to do the whole journey by bicycle!
Tips to enjoy the route to Bassa d'Oles
Depending on what you’re looking for, you have several options to visit Bassa d’Oles, regarding the weather you’ll find: the winter months, when everything is covered in snow and you can ski or practice other snow sports; spring and autumn, when the vegetation offers more spectacular images; summer, when it’s hot and you can be more sure of finding less rain. Each season has its charm and all are good for hiking in Bassa d’Oles.
Regarding equipment, you should bring mountain shoes, several layers of clothing so you can adjust your outfit to different times of the day, and always a small backpack with water, snacks, and sun protection. Lastly, it’s not advice but a recommendation: collect your waste, don’t disturb the local wildlife, and leave everything as you found it or better, if possible.
Explore the natural beauty of Bassa d'Oles
The entire Aran Valley is a treasure to discover: Bassa d’Oles is one of the jewels of this treasure. Come to truly connect with nature and forget about everyday problems. Come to taste mountain cuisine and try a sport for the first time. Enjoy the mountains in complete tranquility through a family-friendly route or challenge yourself with an ascent to one of the peaks. There are many options and all of them are fantastic.
If you have already decided to visit the Aran Valley and Bassa d’Oles, book your accommodation in advance and take advantage of the experience and promotions of Toti Arán, experts in vacation rentals in this region. There’s nothing better than treating yourself after a day of skiing, and for that, Toti Arán’s apartments and houses offer all the luxury you’re looking for: fireplace, barbecue, garden, and sauna are some of the pampering you’ll find in our accommodations. What are you waiting for to experience nature in the Aran Valley?