Day 3: SAINT-LARY / AÑISCLO CANYON / AÍNSA

Crossing into Spain

A tunnel barely two miles long takes you through the middle of the Pyrenees and into a different country. Welcome to Aragonese Spain. Here, everything is ochre and flooded with light by the strong sun. Head for Ainsa, capital of Sobrarbe, which is built on a rocky outcrop around its ancient castle. However, be sure not to miss some wonderful detours.

Tella

Five kilometres after Lafortunada, take the road to the right. It leads to the village of Tella, the valley’s former look-out-post. From here you can see one of the most beautiful views in the Pyrenees stretching out in all directions. To the west, you can see Ordesa and Monte Perdido, to the east, Peña Montañesa and the Cinca valley.

The Ordesa and Monte PerdidoNational Park

After rejoining the road to Ainsa, just before Escalona, take the road on the right that climbs the gorges of the Añisclo Canyon (towards Fanlo). The road goes deep into the canyon, it is narrow but there is no need to worry as it is one-way. After about 10 km there is a car park in a hairpin bend from where you can set off on a pretty walk that leads (in less than 30 minutes) to the Ermita de San Úrbez hermitage, which is nestled in a hollow beneath the cliffs. Return to the road and continue to the next crossroads. Turn left towards Buerba. Stop for a moment at the pass to see the breathtaking views of the Añisclo Canyon and Monte Perdido. Complete the circular tour with a stop at Puyarruego where you can swim in the natural pools of the river. Then rejoin the main route at Escalona.

La Ermita de San Úrbez

Follow the path from the car park to cross the superb Romanesque bridge over the Rio Bellos to the Hermitage of San Úrbez. Take the same path to return.  • Takes : 30 mins round trip.

Alternative route back (circular walk) : continue along the path that leads on from the Hermitage of San Úrbez as far as the next crossing (near a spring). Leave the main path to go down to the Rio Bellos, cross the bridge and climb the path opposite. Pass two viewing platforms then go down to the Rio Aso. Cross the footbridge and return to the starting point  • Climb : 100 metres •  Takes: 1 (there and back).

Foray into the Añisclo Canyon : After the Hermitage of San Urbez, at the first junction by the spring, follow the wide path opposite which goes into the Añisclo Canyon as far as the Sangons bridge. Return by the same route.  •  Takes : 1 extra hour (there and back) Waymarked paths.

The Ainsa lake

When you arrive at Ainsa, don't head straight for the upper town. We recommend exploring the magnificent lake with its turquoise waters. A solitary bell tower - the sole remnant of a submerged village - stands in the middle of the expanse of water. An astonishing sight.

The Plaza Mayor in Ainsa

Relive the age of the ‘Reconquista’ on the Plaza Mayor in Ainsa, capital of the Kingdom of Sobrarbe! It was here, between the mountains and the plains, that the Muslims and Christians clashed. Ainsa’s upper town, which is located on an outcrop, circled by a high wall and has a minaret-like bell tower, recalls these forgotten epics. Monumental in size and completely paved, the Plaza Mayor is bordered by ancient residences linked by arcades. In the spring and summer months the balconies on the ochre-coloured stone façades are covered in brightly coloured flowers making the café terraces a pleasant place to take a break.

A large, paid car-park is located on the edge of the upper town.

Evening and night in Ainsa

The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Ainsa and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.