Bossòst

A lively village of Lower Aran whose shops bring many visitors, principally from the neighboring country, France, as it is just a few kilometers away through the beautiful Portilhon Pass. Its parrochial church, la Mair de Diu dera Purificación, is an beautiful example of the Lombard Romanesque style which various masters from the Valley of Boí brought to the Valley of Aran. The church is dated from the 12th century. In addition, Bossost is surrounded by seven romanesque chapels that, according to it inhabitants, were built to protect the village from the plague.

The church of Bossòst, one of whose absides was reconstructed at the end of the 20th century with modern techniques, is a clear example of the Romanesque style which came with the Lombard masters. This is evidenced in its basilical ground plan with three absides in the front oriented towards the east and the characteristic blind arcades in the exterior. But its slender and strong fortified tower reminds us that it belonged to an ancient medieval castle which is known today as a result of conserved documentation. The six Romanesque chaples with surround the village, and of which legend tells saved the village from the plague, can be visited. The chapels of San Serta, San Juan Crsófono, Casteràs, Piedad and  San Antonio are noteworthy as they are visited every June by the villagers in an annual pilgrimage. Nonetheless, the patron saint of Bossost is San Roc and the annual town party of the village is celebrated saint's day the 16th of August.

Bossost is crossed by a pretty walkway in the Garona plains with large trees called Eth Grauèr around which is found an interesting commercial center with lively typical shops and restaurants. The Garona becomes quite wide and powerful in this section which make for ideal conditions for rafting and other adventure sports. In addition, in Bossost we will also find the last sawmill still in operation in the Val d'Aran, a testimony to an activity which was a key in the economy of the Valley.

Another of the activities which were key in this Lower Aran (Bajo Aran) is mining which can be seen in the Margalida mines. The remains of the mines can be seen going up the unpaved road which goes into the Margalida forest and quite frequented by the brown bear the last year and in whose waters reproduce every summer the Pyrenean newt. The road can be reached crossing the river on the new bridge and taking the paved road to the left. Then further on the road continues towards Arres while on the left you will see the dirt road which goes to the forest.

The most spectacular itinerary which can be made from Bossost is the ride up the Portilhon Pass. This is a especially famous and difficult stage of the Vuelta Ciclista (Spanish cycling race) which goes through the lush fir tree forest with a stop which one can not miss in the Coth de Baretja. From the view point of which there is a spectacular view of Lower Aran, Bossost below and the Margalida forest in front. If you follow this road you will reach France entering through the famous village, Luchon.