Pic du Midi Observatory
Pic du Midi Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France.
Pic du Midi Observatory is an astronomical facility set high in the French Pyrenees at nearly 2900 meters elevation with modern research structures. The buildings and equipment support celestial observation and various scientific measurements at this mountain location.
The observatory was founded in 1881 under architect Pierre Debeaux's leadership and quickly became a center for astronomical and meteorological research. Its measurements have contributed insights about the atmosphere and sky across generations.
The site connects science with public interest through museums and a planetarium, where visitors experience celestial observation firsthand. Schools and researchers gather here to explore the universe together.
Access is via two cable cars from the La Mongie ski station, with the last descent typically before nightfall for safety. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather and quick temperature changes.
The Bernard Lyot Telescope was installed here in 1978 and specializes in researching stellar magnetism. This equipment remains among the most important tools for magnetic star research in Europe.
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Pic du Midi de Bigorre
11 m
Col du Tourmalet
3.2 km
Téléphérique du pic du Midi de Bigorre
4.3 km
Lac Bleu de Lesponne
5 kmNéouvielle National Nature Reserve
10.5 km
Émetteur du pic du Midi de Bigorre
81 m
Lac d'Aumar
10.5 km
Station thermale de Barèges
7.5 km
Pic du Montaigu
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Le Géant
3.2 km
Jardin botanique du Tourmalet
3.2 km
Pic de Bastan
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Halle et Fontaine de Campan
9.4 km
Église Saint-Martin de Beaudéan
10.5 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de La Mongie
4.1 km
Campan war memorial
9.4 km
Maison natale Dominique Jean Larrey
10.5 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Campan
9.4 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Sainte-Marie-de-Campan
8.8 km
Église Saint-Vincent de Sers
10.1 km
Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de la Séoube
9.3 km
Église Saints-Anges-Gardiens de Lesponne
7.7 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Barèges
7.7 km
Église Saint-Michel de Gripp
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Chapelle Saint-Roch de Sainte-Marie-de-Campan
8.9 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Lacs de Lesponne
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Fontaine de Campan
9.4 km
Chapelle Saint-Joseph de Nabaillet
9.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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