Many of the Aranese houses and towns were destroyed in different battle or war times and the oldest ones date from the XIV and XV centuries being nowadays authentic jewels of Aranes architecture. Examples of these are Ço de Portolà (currently Parador de Arties) or Ço de Perejoan in Escunhau, dated from the year 1393 and at present declared Place of Cultural Interest.
Apart from some houses that belonged to distinguished families in the valley, the civil architecture heritage is also made up of several washing places full of charm like the one found in Camín Reiau between Es Bòrdes and Era Bordeta; oil mills like the one in Salardú or troughs like the one in Pradets (Lower Arán). All these are part of the civil cultural heritage of the valley.
Other elements of civil architecture from which ruins or remains can still be found in Val d’Arán are the fortified castles which were spread out throughout different towns. The most remarkable example is Casteth Leon in Es Bòrdes which is currently being studied. There are also remains of walls in towns that were fortified in the past like Salardú o Betrén.
These architectural elements are being documented since some years ago in order to ensure their maintenance and preservation. They form part of the many trekking excursions that can be done in Val d’Arán, both in winter on snowshoes or the rest of the year on foot.