Valls del Nord. Ordino - La Massana Andorra 2014

Transcription

1 Valls del Nord - Andorra 2014

2 How to get there Contents Andorra //A legacy to discover, p. 7 1// Traditions, p. 8 2// Museums, p. 10 //You can t get bored here, p. 12 3// Adventure, p. 14 Barcelona - El Prat Airport km For schedules: NOVATEL Tel.: DIRECT BUS Tel.: Reus Airport km For schedules: VIATGES MONTMANTELL Tel.: // Natural parks, p. 20 5// VALLNORD, p. 22 //Leisure within the reach of everyone, p. 30 6// Calendar of activities, p. 32 7// Gastronomy, p. 36 8// Shopping, p. 38 Girona - Costa Brava Airport km For schedules: NOVATEL Tel.: Lleida - Alguaire Airport km For schedules: VIATGES MONTMANTELL Tel.: Toulouse - Blagnac Airport km For schedules: NOVATEL Tel.: // Accommodation and Wellness, p. 39 //Useful telephone numbers, p. 40 //Map, p. 41

3 1// Traditions 2// Museums //A legacy to discover The villages of and, with their special enchantment important Romanesque legacy, help us travel in time, to cross the threshold of the middle ages and take ourselves back to the Europe of centuries ago, so that we can feel like citizens in medieval Andorra. Rossell Forge

4 Pal Llorts 1// Land of tradition Origins of and The Valleys of the North are formed by the parishes of and. They are the third and fourth parish in protocol order, and the earliest historical references to both are found in the Record of Consecration of Urgell Cathedral in the 11th century, where they are called Hordinavi and Maciana, respectively. For centuries the main economic activity of the area was agriculture and livestock, although from the 16th century the forges became more important as the iron industry developed. Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the iron industry was very significant, and we find its traditions in the forges. In the mid-20th century the country was opened up to tourism, which meant the beginnings of the Principality as we know it today. In 1983 the -Arcalís ski station opened, marking the identity of the area and becoming one of the reference points in mountain tourism. The Vallnord skiing area, with its Pal, Arinsal and Arcalís sectors, is the economic motor of the area today. 8 9

5 Casa d Areny-Plandolit Casa Rull 2// Museums St. Martin s church, La Cortinada Casa Rull Sispony To see and admire the living conditions of a wealthy Andorran family in bygone centuries is a real privilege. Museum Casa d Areny-Plandolit A stately home in Andorra. We invite you to travel in time and visit the summer home for several generations of a noble Andorran family: the Areny-Plandolit. Rossell Forge. Information Centre on Iron Industrial activities to do with iron were the main economic resource of the valleys for a long time. The Rossell Forge shows us its importance. Postal Museum The Borda del Raser exhibits a collection of Andorran stamps since Romanesque Andorra. Information Centre on the Romanesque Pal Exhibition space showing the development of Romanesque artistic achievements. Open from May to October. TO VISIT THE MUSEUMS Booking Centre: Tel.: (+376) reserves.museus@ andorra.ad Nature Centre La Cortinada This space shows the visitor a series of themed exhibitions through which to discover the country s fauna and flora. Entry free. Tel.: (+376) centrenatura@andorra.ad Discovering La Cortinada A route taking approximately two and a half hours, including a visit to Cal Pal mill and sawmill with a demonstration, St. Martin s church with its Romanesque paintings, the Nature Centre and La Cortinada village. July and August. Tel.: (+376) Comic Museum The museum has regular exhibitions of works by world-famous authors. Entry free. Tel.: (+376) St. George and Christianity - Icon Museum Private collection of orthodox icons from the Ukraine, Russia, Greece and Bulgaria, from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Tel.: (+376) Miniatures Museum Permanent exhibition of the private collection of micro-miniatures by Nicolai Siadristy. Tel.: (+376)

6 3// Adventure 4// Natural parks 5// Vallnord //You can t get bored here There unlimited possibilities for fun. The most demanding activities, such as canyoning, bungee jumping and climbing, can be combined with others to suit the whole family, such as trekking, mountain bike and golf. And of course, in the winter, the greatest feature is the snow. The white silence will enchant you... Comapedrosa Natural Park

7 Horseback excursion in Comapedrosa Natural Park The Iron Route Canyoning 3// Adventure On horseback around Comapedrosa Natural Park The Valleys of the North are full of paths where you can enjoy horseback riding all year round. Throughout the summer we offer you daily guided routes around Comapedrosa Natural Park. A magical route for a truly fascinating excursion. derstanding the resources linked to the processes of obtaining, processing and marketing iron, lasting from the early 17th century to the end of the 19th. Go into an iron mine at Llorts and then walk the path of the Men of Iron, The Iron Route Relive the past in mining and the iron industry, unwith an open air sculpture exhibition. Canyoning offers a range of four impressive ravines for the practice of this thrilling sport. Bosc de Segudet A circuit in the heights with plenty of zip-lines, Tibetan bridges, lianas, spider s webs and others, including knot bridges. You think the mountains are great but it s a bore to have to carry maps with you. Think no more, just download the new app of active tourism in Andorra

8 Trials Park Vias Ferratas Excursions with buggies Cycling and Pitch&Putt GicaFer -Arcalís Mountain excursions with a track vehicle. An activity for everyone. Vias ferratas The vias ferratas in and Erts make it possible to enjoy this sport with total safety. Climbing Roc de la Coma, Erts Climbing sector with a total of 14 routes varying from easy to average difficulty. St. Anthony of the Grella, Climbing sector with 18 routes with difficulty varying from 5 to 7c. Rocòdrom, Artificial climbing wall 10 metres high, to develop your climbing skills. It is close to the Sports Centre in. Access is free all year round. BMX Circuit Arinsal Every summer there are BMX and 4X competitions open to riders of all ages. Trials Park Font de la Tosca Arinsal This is a permanent open area for training, suitable for all levels and with all types of track. Helicopter flights Helicopter flights for 10, 15 or 20 minutes to enjoy the mountains, lakes, peaks and valleys from a different viewpoint. By motor An experience which allows you to visit and access places and landscapes in a different and very amusing way, with quads, buggies or 4x4. Cycling A total of 6 mountain passes, the finishes of stages in world-renowned cycling contests such as the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France. Fishing From spring to autumn, fishing licences for the fertile lakes and rivers can be bought at the tourist offices. Pitch & Putt Xixerella and La Cortinada The Pitch & Putt courses, El Torrent and the Vall d Golf Par3, help you to practise your golf surrounded by mountains. These are two courses with agreeable and well defined routes, with some technical strokes to guarantee amusement for the player

9 Path from Jou Circuit explaining the Tristaina glacier circle Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) Photo: Jordi Nicolau-BIOCOM Verdaguer Route Trekking Routes Circuit explaining the Tristaina glacier circle This circuit lasting two and a half hours consists of six descriptive panels with information on the geomorphology, the vegetation and flowers, and the unusual animals to be seen around the lakes of Tristaina. Always accompanied by our pet, the Ermi. The route starts at La Coma del Forat at Arcalís,. Path to Jou An agreeable route though red pine woods, easy for everyone. This route passes from one parish to another, as it can be started on the slopes of La Massana, ending at Erts, or from the side, at Sornàs. The path arrives at the Roc de la Cauba, with spectacular views. Tomb de les Neres This circuit of 8km, with a climb of 198m, passes through the woods and fields of,, Canillo and Encamp and takes around 3 hours. It is a path from which you can see great landscapes, as it offers an angle on many different valleys and peaks. Comapedrosa mountain refuge path Arinsal- Along the path we find the spectacular waterfall of the River Comapedrosa, little streams and varied vegetation, changing we go up into the high mountains, passing from pinewoods and firs to birch. We can restore forces at the manned mountain refuge of Comapedrosa, wihere there is a meals service. And it is very worth while to continue the route up to the summit of Comapedrosa, the highest in the Principality, at 2,942m. The Verdaguer Route History reveals to us that to create one of the masterpieces of Catalan literature, Canigó, the poet Jacint Verdaguer travelled the Pyrenees to study the landscapes, folklore and legends, and finally arrived in Andorra by way of. The route that he took through the country in 1883, an itinerary full of magic and inspiration for this great author, has been recreated so that we can perceive the elements that captivated him. We recommend starting the route by going up in the chair lift from Creussans to Arcalís

10 Hiking in the Vall de Sorteny Natural Park Comapedrosa Natural Park 4// Natural Parks Vall de Sorteny Natural Park El Serrat This natural park is home to very important biological diversity and contributes in a vital way to the preservation of biodiversity in the Pyrenees. who wish to come as close as possible to the secrets of the park. The natural park can be visited all year round. The winter season is ideal for excursions with snowshoes. MOUNTAIN REFUGES Les Fonts, Pla de l Estany, Comapedrosa. Sorteny, Angonella, Rialb, Coma Obaga. Open all year round. Access is free. At Comapedrosa and at Sorteny the refuges are manned in the summer and also offer a meals service. In the summer there are guided visits on offer daily, to help in understanding more about the flora, fauna, geology and geomorphology. Price: 5. Children under 6 are free. Children aged from 6 to 12 years: 50%. Comapedrosa Natural Park Arinsal This is the highest part of the country. The eyes of all the visitors are drawn to the highest peak in the Principality, the Height of Comapedrosa (2,942 metres), which dominates the valleys and gives a truly exceptional panoramic view. The ample network of paths and the three mountain refuges make the Park an essential visit for all trekkers and for lovers of nature in general, and it forms a perfect introduction to the high Andorran mountains. Guides lead excursionists Bookings at Ask for the trekking p. 41 for photographic safaris on guide, the mountain foot, with various levels of Tourist office. guide, the mountain Book your Photographic difficulty. These vary from refuge pass book and Safari at Tourist p. 40 the various maps at the routes suitable for all the Office. and family to the more demanding, designed for those p. 40 tourist offices. p

11 Creussans chair lift Vallnord Mountain Park Pekepark 5// Vallnord Vallnord Mountain Park Vallnord Mountain Park opens its summer season in June and goes on until September. The Arcalís sector, at, starts up the Creussans chair lift at La Coma del Forat, which helps you to enjoy the high mountain and get to the Tristaina lakes, with some of the most spectacular landscapes in Andorra. A good way to complete this outing is to enjoy a traditional mountain meal at the restaurant La Coma, at an altitude of 2,200 metres. The Pal sector at, for its part, offers adventure activities for everyone. Mushing, archery, zip-line, bungee jump, downhill karting... and a special enclosed area, the Pekepark, ideal for the youngest members of the family. You can also go on excursions with buggies or 4X4 on the many mountain paths running through Andorra and Catalonia. VALLNORD MOMENTS Experiences, adventures, proposals for getting away from it all... These are all ways of living the summer of your life. These are the Vallnord Moments. Maxi experiences at mini prices

12 Woodpark Vallnord Bike Park Vallnord Bike Park offers mountain bike fans more than forty kilometres of downhill runs, with differing grades of difficulty and with descents of over a thousand metres. You can reach the downhill circuits by the three lifts specially adapted during the summer: the cable car from and the detachable chair lifts from La Serra II and El Cubil. In fact, the last of these is for access to the more technical circuits and with the biggest drop in altitude, only suitable for the most professional riders. The area also includes an endurance circuit and a cross country itinerary. And to practise downhill rides as a family or to make a start on this discipline, the Vallnord Bike Park also has two easy tracks: El Verdet and La Serra II, ideal for a first introduction to this sport. The youngest members, aged six to ten years, can also enjoy the Mini Woodpark, at Planell

13 Copy raid: Cims Màgics Catalan DHI Cup Mega2RXEnduro El Dorado La Font Blanca SBX World Cup Events Andorra Vallnord Ultra Trail One of the most important dates on the international trail calendar, with great champions and beginners taking part, all in a search for excellence and solidarity. More than 2,000 athletes from 33 different nationalities compete in the five trials: Around the Summits, 170 km; the Ultra Mythical, 112 km; the Celestrail, 83 km; the Trail, 35 km, and the Solidaritrail march, 10 km. Desman Trophy Companies and institutions have a date at the Desman Trophy. For three days, nearly thirty teams from Andorra, Spain and France compete in six sports races which put to proof the competitive spirit and endurance of each member of the group. Catalan DHI Cup A classic at the Vallnord Bike Park. The best riders in this discipline have to overcome a downhill run of more than 4 kilometres. The Bcn-And Stage The Barcelona-Andorra Stage is a tourist cycling route which follows the same route as the seventh stage of the 2009 Tour de France, ending at Arcalís (Andorra). In sports terms it is a trial with constant climb, combining important mountain passes such as Serraseca at 1,262m with the final arrival at Arcalís, at 2,240m. Mega2RXEnduro The traditional Maxiavalanche Europe Cup is one of the most spectacular trials, as it attracts more than six hundred international riders who dispute the podium on a downhill route with a drop of a thousand metres. Borrufa Trophy From 27 to 30 January An international meeting in junior alpine skiing, held in January at Vallnord-Arcalís. A trial which brings together more than 200 skiers from 22 different nationalities. El Dorado Freeride From 20 to 23 February In February there is one of the most firmly established events. This competition takes place off-piste in the Arcalís sector and attracts top level skiers and snowboarders, as it is a 4-star event in the Freeride World Qualifier, prior to the Freeride World Tour. VALLNORD Speed Contest 7th event in the Vallnord Speed Contest. This sport of ski-hang gliding attracts great acrobats in flight and the finest international pilots meet on the pistes at Arcalís. La Font Blanca Mountain Skiing From 14 to 16 February Another of the important dates at Vallnord. There are two trials: the Arinsal Vertical Race, starting from Les Marrades (1,550 m) and arriving at the Negre peak (2,500 m); and the Font Blanca Arcalís, with a route of 17 kilometres and a total climb of 1,692 metres. SBX World Cup This comes to Arcalís for the first time on 11 and 12 January. A trial with a very spectacular route and a high level of competition. For the season the FIS has confirmed Vallnord as the venue for the World Cup in this discipline

14 Arcalís Arinsal Pal Vallnord, welcome to the North of Andorra GASTRONOMY Eat well on the pistes? I should say so! Restaurants and cafeterias with incredible views and terraces to enjoy the sun; menus, sandwiches, kebabs, pasta or pizza. For sybarites, exquisite meals in the local inns. Arcalís: the best snow A privileged area with the finest snow conditions, due to its northern location. The incredible descents and the virgin snow make it the most alpine ski station, and there are also areas reserved exclusively for the practice of freeride. On the other hand, and in contrast to the more extreme areas, Arcalís has the largest slopes for beginners in the Pyrenees, the Megaverda, and a family fun area, the Family Park. Arinsal: Ski & Dance The village has a cable car and a chair lift to bring people to the centre of the station in a few minutes, and it offers the piste with the highest altitude in the country, Les Marrades, which lets you get back to your hotel without taking off your skis. Arinsal also has the best Freestyle area, designed by the ASP Snowparks team, and is the sector with the best après-ski in the area. Pal: Family Fun This is the station closest to the centre of Andorra, with easy access by cable car from. Ideal for families, thanks to the gentle profile of the mountain and the wooded area. The Pekepark is one of the best snow gardens in the Pyrenees: there are two magic carpets and a whole heap of attractions to help the little children to learn to ski by playing

15 6// Calendar of activities 7// Gastronomy 8// Shopping 9// Accommodation and Wellness //Leisure within the reach of everyone If you have artistic interests, in the Valleys of the North you will not be short of cultural entertainment. Music, theatre and a whole repertory of shows and meetings form the ideal complement for your stay. Also, in the summer, street performances take the lead in captivating everyone. Vallnord Mountain Park

16 6// Calendar of activities January February March April May June 1st New Year Concert Auditori Nacional- 11th and 12th SBX World Cup Snowboard Vallnord-Arcalís 17th St. Anthony Mass and escudella 27th to 30th Borrufa Trophy International skiing competition for young people Vallnord-Arcalís Lo Mandongo Seminars on cooking pork Restaurants in and la Massana 14th La Font Blanca Mountain skiing European Championship Vallnord-Arinsal 16th La Font Blanca mountain skiing race Vallnord-Arcalís 20th to 23rd El Dorado 100% Pure Freeride Vallnord-Arcalís Lo Mandongo Seminars on cooking pork Restaurants in and la Massana Cinema cycle of films on mountain and travel and la Massana Dia 3 Carnival Carnival soup and fancy dress competition Comic Cinema cycle of films on mountain and travel and 14th Constitution Day Shops are closed Comic 20th Caramelles Carol singers for Easter 23rd St. George s Day Sales of books and roses in the street and la Massana Andoflora The flower market 24th European Natural Parks Day Vall de Sorteny Natural Park Comapedrosa Natural Park Charity art auction 14th Iron Route Opening of Llorts iron mine 15th Desman Trophy Sports meeting 21st and 22nd Mega2RXEnduro The traditional Maxiavalanche 23rd St. John s Eve Bonfires, fireworks, flatbreads and la Massana 23rd and 24th Sispony grand festival 28th and 29th Pal grand festival 29th El Serrat grand festival Arinsal bike trial Andoflora Caramelles 32 33

17 July and August September October December July 5th to 7th Roser grand festival 5th Cycling. Andorran Championship against the clock 5th and 6th Andorran sports climbing circuit Rocòdrom Summer nights in the museums Concerts and evening visits to the museums Discovering La Cortinada Guided visits to the village of La Cortinada Guided visits with Sisquet de Cal Sinquede Iron Route Guided visits for daytime and evening 23rd and 24th Arinsal grand festival Discovering La Cortinada Guided visits to the village of La Cortinada Open Nights Concerts in the Plaça Major in Iron Route Guided visits for daytime and evening 6th and 7th La Cortinada grand festival 8th Our Lady of Meritxell s Day Patron of Andorra 16th grand festival Andorra Rally Duathlon Fogons Restaurants in la Massana Motorbike Meeting Narciso Yepes International Festival Auditori Nacional- 31st La Castanyada Chestnut festival Christmas Markets and la Massana 24th Midnight Mass Parish churches of and la Massana You can find the programme for each event at: th Round the Mountain Passes. Cycling Trial 10th Anyós grand festival Botanical exhibition and craft market From 10th to 13th Andorra Ultra Trail Vallnord Mountain races 12th and 13th Roser of festival Open Nights Concerts in the Plaça Major in Catalan DH/XCO Cup Art Camp August 2nd and 3rd Llorts grand festival 2nd and 3rd XIIIth Arinsal 2-day trial 2nd Cycling. Cronoclimb from Llorts to Arcalís Little summer afternoons Open air shows in the afternoon Night without words Open air shows in the evening Summer nights in the museums Concerts and evening visits to the museums Guided visits with Sisquet de Cal Sinquede Mushroom hunt El Serrat Mushroom market fair Arinsal 21st Andorran Gastronomic Demonstration Studios, 29th Ansalonga grand festival Mega2RXEnduro Narciso Yepes International Festival 19th and 20th Erts grand festival Little summer afternoons Open air shows in the afternoon Night without words Open air shows in the evening 3rd 31st Summer traverse - 9th and 10th Aldosa grand festival 15th and 16th Sornàs grand festival 15th and 16th grand festival Traditional folk dancing 34 35

18 A typical inn Andorran Gastronomic fair at 7// Pyrenean fusion RESTAURANT GUIDE Enjoy the aromas and flavours of Andorran cuisine in the restaurants that you will find in the restaurant guide of the Valleys of the North. Traditional gastronomy is on offer everywhere in mountain dishes such as the Andorran carn d olla (boiled meats), baked snails and stews; roasts with honey, sliced pork with a sweet n sour flavour imparted by a treatment with honey and vinegar; chops cooked on a hot stone, fries with lard and salads with a touch of garlic; or ribs of beef. Other very typical dishes are civets of wild boar or hare, marinated partridge, mixed chopped vegetables and omelettes. Among desserts there are sweetened flat breads, fried sweet pastries, honey and cottage cheese, and the so-called musicians dessert, based on dried fruit and nuts. The bordes or inns are buildings found outside the urban centres, in the countryside, where there is a warm and agreeable atmosphere which offers good feelings, not only for the food. A special occasion is the Escudella on St. Anthony s Day, which takes place every 17 January in, when this really delicious dish can be enjoyed free. Lo Mandongo January-February Restaurants in the Valleys of the North offer special menus based on dishes made with pork, for the time of year when the traditional farmhouses celebrated killing the pig. Lo Mandongo. Gastronomic fair September This is an essential date for lovers of cooking. The fair allows you to taste a great variety of starters, main dishes, desserts and drinks which have been specially prepared by the restaurants taking part. Fogons October When we come to autumn, Fogons begins, the best way to get to know, taste and enjoy the gastronomy of and more sophisticated dishes typical of the autumn

19 8// The shops in the valleys are committed to seducing the visitor with top quality products at really competitive prices. But, above all, they stand out for their courtesy and friendliness. In the Valleys of the North you will find fashion boutiques, craft shops and Quality shopping close at hand food shops, etc., but there is a particularly broad offer in the best brands for winter and mountain sports. All year round there are a great many actions to promote and stimulate trade, such as draws, fairs, markets, fashion parades and sales drives. And parking is no problem because there are car parks offering one hour free close to all the shops. Restore the body and mind The Valleys of the North are a perfect destination for the visitor wanting to combine nature, sport, shopping, culture and wellness. A whole range of modern amenities are provided for the practice of many forms of sport, and to discover the pleasures // of the wellness culture, ideal to recover after an intense day. Relax in an outdoor jacuzzi while enjoying impressive views, it is the best place to restore body and mind. ACCOMMODATION GUIDE Staying in the Valleys of the North is feeling totally at ease. The Andorran accommodation guide brings you all the hotels where you can discover the Valleys of the North with all your senses.

20 Useful telephone numbers vallnord.com Information and bookings Vallnord Arcalís sector Vallnord Arinsal sector Vallnord Pal sector Central bookings Tourist Office ordino.ad Tourist Office lamassana.ad National Tourist Office visitandorra.com Medical Emergencies Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Fire Brigade Mountain Rescue Police Roads Attention to the Citizen, Attention to the Citizen, Customs Post, Sant Julià de Lòria Customs Post, Pas de la Casa Taxis National Telephone Information International Telephone Information , , ,