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.
The tunnel opened in 1948 "World's longest" from 1948 - 1964 (5 133 m), linked the valley to the
spanish side of the mountains (south side).