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CAPITAL OF THE HAUT OSSAU

Geography, history and tourism:

Laruns (alt. 536 m), capital of the Haut-Ossau, is the third city of France by surface (25000 ha).
It is located about 25 miles south of Pau, next to the spanish border.
Today about 1300 inhabitants live in Laruns. Since the early years of civilization, large communities of shepherds have lived in the valley taking advantage of the large grazing lands.
In the winter times because of severe weather conditions they migrated with their herds to the lower lands in Bearn and Gironde. 		PEOPLE OF LARUNS TRADITIONALLY DRESSED DURING THE 15 AUGUST CELEBRATION

During the 15th of August celebration, one can witness the traditional life of Bearn ancesters. Local populations dressed up with their traditional red costums, sing and danse to keep the valley's cultural traditions alive.
THE FOUNTAIN SQUARE

Interesting sites in Laruns:

Rue du Biale old wash-house located at the end of the street.
Rue du Bourguet: all the old houses bring back the "compagnonnage" times with their ancien lintels. The set square, compasses, level for carpenters or shoes for shoemakers.
Saint Peter church with its 16th century white marble holly water bassin and its 1465 and 1610 bells.

Left: a painting of Laruns (17 th century).
Rue du Bourgneuf Claa: 16th and 17th century houses with old wash-house down the street.
Fountain on the town square: built in marble of Louvie-Soubiron (like the horses of Marly in Paris).

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