Loudenvielle > Ainsa
121 km / 2h42
Before you reach the valley bottom you will see the morning sun shining on the higher peaks. It is time to get going! From Génos, follow the hairpin bends to the Col de Val Louron - Azet. It might be difficult to keep the your eyes on the road with this magnificent view of all the mountain peaks along the border with Spain. Our objective: get to the other side side of the mountains, into Spanish Aragon.
Your itinerary
Loudenvielle > Escalona (the Anisclo canyon) • 76 km / 1h31
Leave Loudenvielle towards Génos (2k/3min). Once in Génos, follow the signs to the Col de Val Louron – Azet, on the left, until Sailhan (16k/21min). Turn left towards Saint-Lary (and Spain). Pass through the Bielsa-Aragnouet tunnel (22k/24min), before following the A138 all the way to Escalona (31k/38min).
Anisclo canyon loop • 34 km / 59 mn
Directly after Escalona, turn left towards the Anisclo canyon. During the summer, this is a one-way road that loops back around. Follow the signs to Buerba, then Puyarruego and Escalona. Return then to the route of the main itinerary.
Escalona > Ainsa • 10km / 9mn
Leave Escalona southwards towards Ainsa.
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The Col de Val Louron mountain pass
At the top the road passes through vast pastures, a favourite take-off point for paragliders and hangliders. On the way back down from the mountain pass, around Sailhan, after having passed the original marble fountain adorned with four water troughs, it is time to cross into Spain!
Crossing into Spain
" Here, everything is ochre and bathed in sunlight. "
Just 3 kilometres of tunnel separates you from Spain. On the other side: Spanish Aragon. Here, everything is ochre and bathed in sunlight. Head towards Ainsa, the capital of Sobrarbe; it is built on a high promontory around the ancient castle. Allow yourself to time to explore!
Tella
" Tella, an ancient watchpoint over the valley, with one of the best panoramas in the Pyrenees. "
5 km after Lafortunada, follow the road bearing right. It leads to the village of Tella, an ancient watchpoint over the valley, with one of the best panoramas in the Pyrenees: to the west, Ordesa and the Monte Perdido, to the east, the Pena Montanesa and the Cinca valley.
The Anisclo grand canyon
" Finish the loop at Puyarruego, where you can bathe in the natural river pools. Return then to the main itinerary at Escalona."
World Heritage Site
Head back towards Ainsa, just before going through Escalona, and follow the road on the right that goes back up through the Anisclo Canyon, towards Fanlo. The road goes deep into the canyon. Do not let the narrow road worry you, as it is one way only. After about 10k, a parking spot situated on a hairpin bend demarcates a trailhead, which with only 30 minutes walking leads to the Ermita de San Urbez (one of the most emblematic Saints of High Aragon), nestled in the cliffs.
Then back on the road until the next junction; head left towards Buerba. Stop for a moment at the mountain pass, to take in the fantastic view of the Anisclo canyon fault and Monte Perdido. Back to the road, and finish the loop at Puyarruego, where you can bathe in the natural river pools. Return then to the main itinerary at Escalona.
The Ainsa lake
When you arrive in Ainsa do not go straight to the higher town. We recommend that you see the magnificent lake with its turquoise waters, it is a great spot for a swim. A single bell tower pokes out from the lake, the last remnants of a flooded village. A surprising sight.
The Plaza Mayor in Ainsa
You can relive the times of the Reconquistadors in the Plaza Mayor in Ainsa, the capital of the kingdom of Sobrarbe! Situated between the mountains and the plains it was here that Muslims and Christians fought. The high town of Ainsa is situated on a natural promontory and is surrounded by walls, its bell towers resembles a minaret, testimony to its past. The Plaza is monumental and entirely cobbled, the dwellings are connected by arcades. During the summer the balconies of the ochre facades are decorated with hundreds of hanging flower baskets, a lovely place for a drink on the terrace of one of the many cafes.
A large car-park is situated at the entry to the higher 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
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
- 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 - 22330 Ainsa
+34 974 500 021
Located in the Plaza Mayor of Ainsa this restaurant offers all the flavours of Aragon. Summer truffles, beef from the Broto valley. Only two tasing menus are available but what menus! Each dish is a work of art and promises an explosion of flavour created by the chef. It is a superb gastronomic experience, booking is recommended.
Plaza Mayor s/n - 22330 Ainsa
+34 974 500 385
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