Astronomy Aquitaine

It was in the summer of 1982 that an astronomer Normand organized a public night observation of the stars. More than 100 people arrived. To such a success the town hall lent a room… The time passing the "junkies" mobilized to build a telescope. They all end up on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year. They make comments. Today they also have a daytime telescope.

The Société d'Astronomie des Pyrénées Occidentales was founded in 1973 by Canon Henri Louyat. It has two observatories near Pau, in Saint-Castin (equipped with a 300 mm telescope), and Idron (equipped with an instrument dedicated to observing the Sun). Throughout the year, SAPO organizes conferences, free public observation evenings at the Saint-Castin site, and daytime solar observations and workshops at Idron. The schedule of these events is periodically updated on the association's website.

The GROUPE D'ASTRONOMIE POPULAIRE DU LOT-ET-GARONNE in Montayral offers a complete and accessible astronomical complex. With its domes housing automated telescopes up to 500 mm, its 15-seat digital planetarium and its large 50-seat auditorium, this observatory offers a wide range of practical and theoretical astronomical activities that will delight astronomy enthusiasts. Although the north-western horizon is slightly darkened, moonless evenings are always a great success, allowing you to enjoy the site to the full. What's more, no reservation is required.

This beautiful observatory, founded in 1878 and listed as a Historic Monument in 2010, offers tours organized by the Sirius association, Bordeaux Métropole, the University of Bordeaux and the town of Floirac. These guided tours enable visitors to admire the large equatorial telescope with its 7m-long tube! You'll also learn about the rich history of the site and discover the work of British artist Suzanne Treister, installed in the large dome. Beware: you'll need to be able to climb the staircase, which is not suitable for young children or people with reduced mobility.

The observatory, situated in the countryside on the hills of Nantheuil de Thiviers, enjoys a clear sky over several tens of kilometres. The only city that could hinder observations with light pollution is Perigueux, but it is located 35 km. It is managed by the Club Regulus.

There aren't many stores specializing in astronomy and nature observation equipment, and there aren't any like these! Telescopes, spotting scopes, microscopes, weather stations, GPS... Loisirs Plaisirs offers top-quality tools. In fact, they're the only company in France to import and supply fully-compliant green laser pointers dedicated to stargazing. As true enthusiasts, the team is always available to advise and guide you towards the equipment best suited to your needs.