A Majestic Mountain Summit In France Offers Mesmerizing Summer Stargazing Views

Prepare to be transformed. Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a magnificent mountain in the French Pyrenees topped by an observatory in a unique symbiosis of science and tourism. Since it was first built 150 years ago, the observatory has benefited from a major scientific investment program, while for the past 25 years visitors have also contributed to support the long-term future of the site and surrounding area.

Pic du Midi is one of those choice destinations around the world for avid hikers that also offers the relaxed option to let the cable car do the heavy lifting. The ride itself from the village of La Mongie is thrilling, and the round-trip ticket including admission to the summit starts at around $60. The five- or six-hour return trip is recommended for experienced high-altitude hikers. Note that access will be closed during the 2025 season due to maintenance work.

Once you reach the summit at 9,438 feet, the jawdropping view from the generous panoramic deck dominates the entire Pyrenean mountain range. Plan to arrive early for fewer crowds and optimal visibility, as the weather is usually better in the morning.

The observatory is located in the Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve, one of 230 protected sites in the world that has exceptionally low levels of light pollution, making it a prime spot to observe the night sky. If you dare, you can walk on to the "Ponton dans le Ciel," a dizzying 40-foot platform into the void, then recover your wits by watching an immersive projection in the highest planetarium in Europe. It is mindboggling when you think that the Baillaud Dome was assembled in 1907, its components and 500mm telescope hoisted on donkeys and on the backs of the workers and scientists themselves.

When you're feeling peckish, there are two options. You can opt for a quick bite at the informal bistro and there's also a once-in-a-lifetime experience of dining at "Le 2877" restaurant, which takes its name from the summit's altitude of 2,877 meters, serving mouthwatering regional specialties sourced from local producers.

Once you've recharged, explore the Experiences Area, showcasing the history of high-altitude astronomy and scientific research with vintage telescopes, meteorite samples, and interactive panels explaining discoveries made at the observatory. Plus a touch-screen "HistoPad" tablet takes you back 100 years in time to show you around life at Pic du Midi as it was when the first pioneers set up the observatory.

Three times a week in July and August the "Soirées Galactiques" astronomy evenings combine a visit to the summit with a guided sky-scanning session to commune with the stars until midnight. If you are lucky, you might even catch the celestial fireworks of the Perseid meteor showers, which reach their peak this time of year.

For a truly VIP experience, if you book very, very far in advance, the "Nuits au Sommet" package includes dinner, an extended star-gazing session with exclusive access to the Charvin dome and telescope and a basic but comfortable room for the (short) night. You'll be up to watch the sunrise and then return to La Mongie in the morning. From here you can continue your travels in the region, home to some of the most overlooked natural wonders in France, including a charming French town nearby known as the "Capital of Miracles."

If you are travelling by train, the closest station to Pic du Midi is Tarbes, from where you can catch a bus to La Mongie Pic du Midi. You can also get to La Mongie by car from Toulouse Blagnac Airport in two hours or in one hour from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport. Pic du Midi is welcoming to people with reduced mobility, with wheelchair accessible facilities and an adapted elevator. Visitors are advised to bring several layers of clothing as even in the summer temperatures can quickly drop to the low 50s. If possible, plan your visit around the weather to get the most enjoyment from the experience.