Cut off from the outside for centuries, the Val d’Aran has
evolved its own language, the Aranes, which is only spoken in the valley. It is
based on elements of Gascon and Catalan, plus a generous sprinkling of Basque
vocabulary.
Val D’Aran has strong historical links to both France and Spain,
and was a source of conflict as long ago as 1192, when it passed from the counts
of Comminges to the kings of Aragon. In 1808 Napoleon announced its annexation,
sending 2.500 French troops. The valley was a stronghold of Republicanism during
the Spanish Civil War and a refuge for the defeated afterwards, safe behind
passes snowed up half the year. It was invaded by Franco’s army in 1944, to
completely suppress the Republican resurgence.Cut off from the outside for
centuries, the Val d’Aran has evolved its own language, the Aranes, which is
only spoken in the valley. It is based on elements of Gascon and Catalan, plus a
generous sprinkling of Basque vocabulary.
Val D’Aran has strong historical links to both France and Spain,
and was a source of conflict as long ago as 1192, when it passed from the counts
of Comminges to the kings of Aragon. In 1808 Napoleon announced its annexation,
sending 2.500 French troops. The valley was a stronghold of Republicanism during
the Spanish Civil War and a refuge for the defeated afterwards, safe behind
passes snowed up half the year. It was invaded by Franco’s army in 1944, to
completely suppress the Republican resurgence.
