Pic du Midi Observatory

Observatory · Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Pic du Midi Observatory

Observatory · Bagnères-de-Bigorre

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Rue Pierre Lamy de la Chapelle, 65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France

Photos

Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by Steve Elliott/CC BY-SA 2.0
Pic du Midi Observatory by Celeda/CC BY-SA 4.0
Pic du Midi Observatory by Benh LIEU SONG/CC BY-SA 3.0
Pic du Midi Observatory by Climso/CC BY-SA 3.0
Pic du Midi Observatory by Pascalou petit/CC BY-SA 3.0
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null
Pic du Midi Observatory by null

Highlights

Perched atop the French Pyrenees, Pic du Midi offers epic views, top-notch stargazing, a historic observatory, and cozy mountain vibes.  

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Rue Pierre Lamy de la Chapelle, 65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France Get directions

picdumidi.com

Information

Static Map

Rue Pierre Lamy de la Chapelle, 65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France Get directions

picdumidi.com

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@atlasobscura

20 Out-of-This-World Stargazing Spots

"The scene at Pic du Midi is one out of a sci-fi movie: A fortified concrete-and-stone complex, packed full of metal domes, sprawls across the top of a precipitous peak above the clouds. At an altitude of 2,877 meters (9,349 feet), the sweeping view of the surrounding French Pyrénées is rivaled only by the site’s magnificently dark night sky. Prime observing conditions are the reason why astronomers since 1884 have made the arduous trek up this mountainside for an unobstructed view of the firmament. But the history of scientific research on the fabled French peak goes back all the way to 1774, when chemist Jean Darcet and physicist Gaspard Monge climbed the Pic to study the pressure of the atmosphere. While accessing the summit in those days was a much more trying experience, it did not stop scientists from constructing a full-fledged meteorological station and astronomical observatory in the 1870s. Today, the research facilities are only a fifteen minute cable-car ride from the resort town of La Mongie, and the public is welcome to a view so treasured that NASA scientists traveled there to map the surface of the moon in preparation for the Apollo landing. Visitors can even choose to spend the night at the Pic, where up to 19 people can be accommodated in a package deal that includes tours of the site’s telescopes (including the 2-meter Bernard Lyot telescope, the largest in France), nighttime observing with professional astronomers, and traditional Pyrénées cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The observatory is also home to the highest museum in Europe, one that will guide you through the history of Pic du Midi and over a century of scientific research and technological progress. But if, for some odd reason, learning about a long history of discovery begins to get tiresome, experienced skiers can plunge 4,600 feet down the vertiginous mountain slopes at no extra charge." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/stargazing-spots
View Postcard for Pic du Midi Observatory

Jan Jansen

Google
great night with the stars. really friendly staff. rooms ok but to hot. great dinner and guide

Gary Hooper

Google
Lost my shape Trying to act casual Can't stop I might end up in the hospital Changing my shape I feel like an accident They're back To explain their experience

Julia Locatelli

Google
Amazing place. Insane view. Staff is the best. Food is delicious considering the limited space. Only 2 shared bathrooms for 4 or 5 bedrooms but there are plenty other toilets around the place. All the rest makes up for the 5 min wait for the showers. Also expect insomnia. Lack of oxygen does that to you. Nothing they can do about it.

Bob Carvey

Google
Costs €45 to get up in cable car but worth it. Make sure it is a clear day to get the most from your visit. There are a bistro and a good restaurant at the top. Will need to book restaurant. Go out on the sky walk. Look round the museum. Planetarium is extra. Don't take under 6's because they can suffer from altitude sickness.

neville threader

Google
Easy to get to - two gondolas. Great view - on a clear day it would be fantastic. You can't really gauge the size of the Pyrenees mountains range without a perspective from Pic du Midi

Jerke Vermeir

Google
When you hike to it you'll get a nice view. BUT you need to pay €20 to go inside. No places to sit or drink/eat outside.

John Rudeklint

Google
We spent the night at Pic du Midi and there's a simple way to describe our stay - stunning. The view, the night sky, the planetarium and all the knowledge and information was just amazing. Even though neither of us spoke much French we felt very well taken care of, but with that said, it would of course be more rewarding to have some knowledge of the language. But if you're somewhat interested in astronomy and the universe you will find it very enjoyable nonetheless.

Whitney Johnson

Google
Gorgeous views! Had a glass of wine at the top. Informative experience also. Great patio to sit and take it all in.