Saint-Michel-L'observatoire: Astronomy and Heritage

Saint-Michel-L'observatoire brings together astronomy, heritage and outdoor trails. This offers different priorities to consider when planning your trip: scientific outreach, historic buildings and routes on foot or by bike. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, the dates of a public guided tour or a multi-day route may help determine when you travel.

Astronomy and research

The Centre d'Astronomie de Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire offers scientific and cultural activities for all audiences throughout the year. The Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP) is a CNRS scientific observatory for astronomy, atmospheric science and ecology. In 1995, the first exoplanet, 51 Pegasi b, was discovered at the OHP using the 1.93-metre telescope and the ELODIE spectrograph.

The Planetarium de Haute-Provence combines an immersive film screening with a guided, narrated presentation of the sky. Public tours of the OHP take place on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays during Zone B school holidays, excluding the Christmas and winter holidays. Check the specific dates and booking options before travelling.

Churches and historic buildings

The Église Haute, also known as the Église Saint-Michel, dates from the 12th century. The Église Saint-Michel is listed as a Monument Historique. The Tour romane de Porchères is also a 12th-century structure: a military tower.

A walking route through the village's old streets features information panels tracing the history of astronomy. This offers another way to discover the subject while walking through the historic part of the village.

Cycling and walking routes

When considering cycling options, it is useful to distinguish between the types of route: the “Autour du Luberon en vélo” tourist cycling route is 236 kilometres long and passes through Saint-Michel-L'observatoire. Mountain bike route No. 14, “Le Tour des Etoiles,” runs around the telescopes and the Centre d'Astronomie. The former stands out for its length and route through the village, while the latter circles the astronomical facilities.

The “Balade de l'Observatoire” offers panoramic views of the Craux, Montagne de Lure and Plateau de Valensole. Another option for planning a multi-day trip is the marked circular route “Les lumières du Luberon”: it starts in Saint-Michel-L'observatoire and takes three or four days. Check the availability of accompanying services in advance.

Getting there and planning your stay

Regional bus routes connect Saint-Michel-L'observatoire with Manosque and Forcalquier. Check the routes before you travel. Two different reference points may help you choose your travel dates: the public OHP tour dates during Zone B school holidays and the three- or four-day duration of the marked circular route. This lets you plan around whichever activity matters more to you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Étienne-Les-Orgues, Villeneuve, Lurs, Allos, La Condamine-Châtelard, Beaujeu, Puimoisson, Bellaffaire

For the broader travel guide: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.