Astronomy tower of the Sorbonne, Astronomical observatory in Latin Quarter, Paris, France

The Astronomy Tower of the Sorbonne is an astronomical observatory in the Latin Quarter with two domes housing telescopes and observation equipment. The structure rises about 39 meters and contains dedicated spaces for research and sky watching.

The tower was constructed during the Sorbonne's rebuilding between 1885 and 1901. An early telescope was moved to Paris Observatory, but the building has continued to serve as a research and observation center.

The tower is run by the Société astronomique de France, which holds public observation sessions on Mondays and Fridays and keeps an optics workshop two floors below the upper dome, where amateurs grind and polish mirrors. The lower dome, beneath the workshop, once held a meridian circle whose opening is still partly visible on the left of the tower.

Visits are only possible for small groups of about five people and require advance booking through the Société astronomique de France. You should be prepared to climb many stairs to reach the observation areas at the top.

The 153 mm refractor in the upper dome was built in 1935 and first served on the roof of the Société astronomique de France's former headquarters at 28, rue Serpente. It was moved here in 1980. The lower dome's opening, partly visible on the left of the tower, marks where a meridian circle once stood.