In the Hecho valley, on the right bank if the Aragon Subordán River, Embún rises above a fertile river plain which produces one of the best-known and appreciated crops of the Pyrenean gastronomic tradition –“boliches”. These are fine white beans, increasingly available in local restaurants, some of which have recovered traditional recipes.

However, “boliches” are not the only element of popular tradition that make this place so exceptional. The palotiau is a traditional dance which has been successfully rescued and promoted. The Palotiau Museum in Embún can be found in what used to be the communal village bakery. By means of an interesting exhibit and audio-visual displays, the visitor gets to know the fundamental aspects of the dance, sees the costumes worn by the dancers, learns about the local life, customs and traditions and finds out all there is to know about the famous “boliches”.

Next to this museum is the old blacksmith’s workshop which can be seen through a large opening. It has been restored for visitors and provides an accurate picture of this physically challenging trade. A complete collection of tools and equipment, together with the restoration of essential elements such as the bellows and the forge help the visitor to recreate the scene of this demanding profession which was so vitally important to the local economy and way of life.