Pic du Midi Observatory

[Relpet]

As I've mentioned in other posts I am a complete beginner but last year at the summer solstice we went up to the observatory for a piano recital.  It was captivating but this year I must pay another visit, this time to stargaze.  We can see the observatory from the road outside our house when we are in France.  It's an hour's drive to the ski station then a gondola ride up with a change halfway.  If you're ever down that way try not to miss it.

This recently discovered link might give you a flavour.

The film maker has a lot of other riveting stuff on Vimeo too.

The night we went the station was icy cold (in late June!) and there was cloud almost all the way to the top.  Then we walked out into warm air under clear blue skies with the cloud all around below us like a cotton-wool sea; exposed mountain crests making little islands in the frothy ocean.  It ain't cheap but worth every cent.

[RobertI]

Thanks for sharing. I made a 'pilgrimage' there in 2007 and it lived up to my expectations. You can see it perched on the top of the mountain in the distance like a Fairy Tale Palace and the cable car ride adds to the experience. There is plenty to do and see and i believe you can stay overnight and mix with the resident astronomers. Definitely worth a visit.