The Vall d'Aran is at Northwestern of Catalonia, at north of the Pyrenees border with France and Aragon. It is an Atlantic valley over 620km2 extension on the Garona River, which flows into the Atlánico Ocean near Bordeaux. This is the only Atlantic valley at the Principat and emphasizes its unique climate, flora and fauna. Its origins and history have prompted a Occitan culture and language. The native official language of the Aranese people is named Aranes, a variant of Gascon, and belonging to the occitan family languages.
The valley communicates with the Pallars by the Port of Bonaigua and with the Alta Ribagorça by the tunnel of Viella. It is surrounded by mountains over 3000m altitude, with the Bessiberri at south and the group of mountains of Maladeta with The Aneto at the Southwest. Also contains the birth of the rivers Noguera Pallaresa and Noguera Ribagorçana.
These natural barriers have constrained communication with the neighboring lands of Aragon and Catalonia, with inaccessible ports during the winter and the difficulties the rest of the year, while access to the French territory was easier just following the course of the river.
The current population (2007) is about 7500 inhabitants distributed in 30 clusters around the river Garona, with altitudes between 650m and 1430m. The capital is Viella and is at the heart of the valley with an altitude around 980m.
Nowadays Vall d'Aran is one of the most fashionable areas of the Pyrenees and attractive for winter tourism, as well as nature lovers attracted by the beauty of the landscape allowing, for almost the whole year, the practice of hiking and mountain sports. In addition, also attracts tourists culture lovers thanks to the charm of their rural communities, the interest of his art medieveal, the cuisine and the folklore.