Day 3: SAINT-LARY / AÑISCLO CANYON / AÍNSA
102 km/2h17
Today you are heading for Aragon on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. Explore ‘Los Rios’, the stone villages and the gleaming Spanish sun. Go through the Aragnouet-Bielsa tunnel and the wild and magical Canyon d’Añisclo is all yours. You can swim in the turquoise waters of the natural pools formed by the river before returning to the village of Ainsa, capital of Sobrarbe, with its fortified square.




Your itinerary
Saint-Lary > Escalona (the Anisclo canyon) • 56 km / 1h03
Head south following signs to Spain. Go through the Bielsa-Aragnouet tunnel then follow signs for Ainsa.
Anisclo canyon loop • 34 km / 59 mn
Just before Escalona, turn right towards the Añisclo Canyon. The road is one-way during the summer and makes a circular route. Follow signs for Buerba, then Puyarruego and Escalona. Return to the main route.
Escalona > Ainsa • 11km/12mn
Head south from Escalona following signs to Ainsa.
Crossing into Spain
" Just 3 kilometres of tunnel separates you from France. "
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
" Tella, an ancient watchpoint over the valley, with one of the best panoramas in the Pyrenees. "
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 Añisclo grand canyon
" Finish the loop at Puyarruego, where you can bathe in the natural river pools. Return then to the main itinerary at Escalona."
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
"Ainsa, the capital of the kingdom of Sobrarbe"
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.
Mix and Match
Combine with "The Sierra de Guara".
A one-day adventure exploring the Sierra, which has 70 canyons.
Favourite places
- Casa Angela at Puyarruego
A typical Spanish auberge within a traditional house, it is perched on a hillside with a superb terrace and a magnificent view over the Bellos river. The cooking is 100% home-made from Angela and served by her son Paco. Lovely people to meet in a super setting.
Plaza Mayor s/n - 22363 Puyarruego
+34 974 50 50 13
- Bodegas del Sobrarbe at Ainsa
On the ground floor of an ancient fortified house, this restaurant offers the best of the local gastronomy. Our favourite is the shoulder of lamb from Sobrarbe, cokked in a wood fired oven with 'patatas a la pobre' (potatoes and peppers).
2 Plaza Mayor - 22330 Ainsa
+34 974 50 02 37
- La Carrasca Tapas Bar at Ainsa
At the corner of the old village square, this tapas bar immediately whets your appetite. The colourful and varied ‘Pinxos’, ‘Raciones’ and ‘Tapas’ displayed on the bar are a feast for the eyes. The cooking is 100% local. You can eat on the pretty terrace or inside seated on wine barrels. Expect a cheerful welcome.
Plaza Mayor, 18 - 22330 Ainsa
+34 974 500 021