Astronomy
AstronomyWherethe sky
becomes infinite
In the Hautes-Alpes, night is never quite black. It shines, immense, deep, and seems to envelop you. Here, at over 2,000 meters altitude, far from the big cities and their lights, the sky reveals itself like an open book. The constellations sparkle within sight, the planets are easy to spot, and sometimes even a trail of shooting stars suspends time. To observe the sky in the Hautes-Alpes is to rediscover a part of yourself, between silence, vertigo and wonder.
Château Renard observatory
In Saint-Véran, the Château Renard observatory, perched at 2,930 meters, is one of the highest in Europe. With its huge dome, the site is simply magical. It is said that on the heights of Saint-Véran, roosters peck at the stars, and you’ll see, it’s true.
The observatory
of the Baronnies provençales
Further south, the Observatoire des Baronnies Provençales, located in the heart of the eponymous regional nature park and the Buëch International Dark Sky Reserve, is remarkably well-equipped. All year round, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of astronomy, whether you’re a novice, an amateur or a professional.
The Bure plateau,
cathedral of silence
On the Bure plateau, more than 2,500 meters above sea level, IRAM’ s large white antennae resemble sculptures set against the wind. They listen for waves from distant galaxies, where light is no longer sufficient. This almost unreal setting combines scientific rigor with the poetry of wide-open spaces. Faced with these antennae, we understand that the sky is not only above us: it is also a quest, a promise, an infinity to be explored.
A pure sky,
a pristine light
The Hautes-Alpes offers a rare privilege: a sky of almost pristine clarity. The dry air, low light pollution and altitude create a perfect alchemy for scrutinizing the universe. Here, the Milky Way emerges like a river of light, so clear that it seems to guide our steps. Every night becomes an invitation to look up, to be surprised, to remember that we are part of an infinite cosmos.
