Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon at 1905m altitude, the Mont-Chiran observatory welcomes hikers and those curious about the sky, for an unforgettable evening under the stars!
Created by the CNRS in 1974, the observatory enjoys excellent sky quality and a remarkably stable atmosphere.
Today we welcome you to the refuge for one or more nights during your hikes or to contemplate the heavens.
Under the dome, you can observe nebulae, galaxies, globular clusters, moons and planets through a 406mm telescope open at F/d 4.5.
An astronomy instructor will guide you on this celestial trek, revealing its beauty and immensity.
At the summit of Mont-Chiran, you will discover an exceptional 360-degree panorama, with views of the Alps, from Mercantour to Écrins, and on clear days, the Mediterranean Sea! This extraordinary viewpoint will also allow you to see magnificent sunrises and sunsets.
The refuge is accessible on foot via a gentle 6km climb with a 600m elevation gain. We do not have a water source, so the toilets are dry and there are no showers.
Today we welcome you to the refuge for one or more nights during your hikes or to contemplate the heavens.
Under the dome, you can observe nebulae, galaxies, globular clusters, moons and planets through a 406mm telescope open at F/d 4.5.
An astronomy instructor will guide you on this celestial trek, revealing its beauty and immensity.
At the summit of Mont-Chiran, you will discover an exceptional 360-degree panorama, with views of the Alps, from Mercantour to Écrins, and on clear days, the Mediterranean Sea! This extraordinary viewpoint will also allow you to see magnificent sunrises and sunsets.
The refuge is accessible on foot via a gentle 6km climb with a 600m elevation gain. We do not have a water source, so the toilets are dry and there are no showers.
Services
Services
Activity
Sustainable development
Outhouse
Orientation board
Rates
Rates
Astronomical activities: 23€ adults / 16€ children
The astronomy evening includes: the presence of an astronomer who will operate the telescope to help you discover celestial objects.
You can observe throughout the night, weather permitting.
The astronomer is on hand to answer any questions you may have, so that you can deepen your knowledge of astronomy.
The astronomy evening includes: the presence of an astronomer who will operate the telescope to help you discover celestial objects.
You can observe throughout the night, weather permitting.
The astronomer is on hand to answer any questions you may have, so that you can deepen your knowledge of astronomy.
Payment methods
Payment methods
Payment methods
Check
CashGroups (Max capacity)
Groups (Max capacity)
- 16 Maximum number of people
Openings
Openings
From 15 April 2026 until 31 October 2026 - Open everyday
Location
Location
Contact Observatoire du Mont Chiran
- www.refuge-observatoire-mont-chiran.fr
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
Environment
Environment
- Mountain location
- Isolated
Access
Access
- Pedestrian access. From Blieux: 3h, from Majastres: 3h, from Les Chauvets: 2h30.
