THE PATOU

You'll no doubt remember the huge Pyrenean mountain dog who was the hero of the TV series "Belle and Sebastian". Powerful, generous and gentle, like the mountains, for several years it has been the natural symbol of Saint-Lary where it is known as the 'PATOU'.
A descendant of the Tibetan mastiff, the 'PATOU' has inherited its impressive stature and stands nearly 70 cm at the withers!
It was used to protect the flocks on the "estives".
Like a true Pyrenean Saint-Bernard, a huge 'bear-like' dog that enjoys its freedom, the PATOU is authentically Pyrenean

THE BEAR

Saint-Lary invites you to discover one of the most fascinating wildlife symbols at the Bear Museum.
The exhibition space devoted to the animal, with its unique documentary video footage, portrays a universe of sensitivity and hope for the preservation of the bear in the Pyrenees.
The Bear Museum is a Multimedia centre for works of heritage, research and education on the species and its complex relationship with the human world.
The Bear Museum is also a place of refuge for two bears born in captivity, Bingo and Apollon, formerly the victims of abuse. Now they are surrounded by the best care and attention, but they have become too dependent on man to be able to survive in the mountains. They serve as a reminder that the only acceptable condition for the bear is freedom!