Astronomy
The night sky of the Ubaye Valley is known to be one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world. In the heart of the Southern Alps, this land of exceptional astronomy is one of Europe’s emblematic sites for stargazing.
From 11 to 13 August, Pra Loup is hosting its 1st Astronomy Festival!
Pra Loup: one of the most beautiful places in France to observe the stars
The Alpes Azur Mercantour territory, of which the Ubaye Valley is a part, has been part of the very exclusive club of the International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE) since 2019. Awarded by the International Dark Sky Association, this prestigious label rewards the exceptional quality of the night sky, attested by measurements of the blackness of the firmament.
The Ubaye Valley is also at the forefront of initiatives aimed at reducing light pollution. 6 municipalities have thus obtained the Starred Towns and Villages label. This national distinction honours territories that are committed to ensuring a better quality of the night and the night-time environment.
Pra Loup
révèle un ciel d’une pureté rare, où jusqu’à 3 000 étoiles peuvent être observées à l’oeil nu
dans certaines zones.
Cette qualité exceptionnelle a valu au territoire son classement en Réserve Internationale
de Ciel Étoilé Alpes Azur Mercantour.
Les Réserves internationales de ciel étoilé sont extrêmement rares : seuls quinze territoires sont distingués dans le monde.
The Barcelonnette Mercantour Observatory A reference place for astronomical observation
The Barcelonnette Mercantour Observatory, the result of a strong partnership between the municipality of Barcelonnette and the Mercantour National Park, symbolises a new stage for astrotourism in the Ubaye Valley. This exceptional site is accessible to astronomy enthusiasts as well as the general public.
The observatory hosts, among other things, the Lunette du Père Josset, a high-quality historical instrument, as well as modern equipment allowing the live broadcasting of observations in its educational building.
The Lunette du Père Josset at the Barcelonnette Astronomy Observatory
On the observatory site, a nocturnal biodiversity discovery trail has been developed with the support of the Mercantour National Park to raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of these quiet spaces, refuges for nocturnal species.
Much more than an astronomical observatory, it is a true centre for the discovery of astronomy and nocturnal biodiversity, unique in its kind.
