Maison du Soleil et de l’Astronomie
Museum and observation site devoted to the Sun and astronomy in Saint-Véran, with guided visits, workshops and stargazing evenings.
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About the museum
The Maison du Soleil et de l’Astronomie is located in the heart of the village of Saint-Véran, at the foot of the ski slopes, in the Bouticari district. It combines an observation site for the Sun and the sky, equipped with high-quality optical instruments, and a two-floor museum space. Science mediators welcome visitors, whether beginners or experts, and offer visits, workshops and observation evenings.
The permanent route presents, with documentation, projections and interactive displays, the Sun and its eruptions, the solar system, our galaxy and other celestial objects. The panels and videos address, among other things, the quality of the sky above Saint-Véran, auroras, types of stars, the coronagraph, solar energy and spectroscopy.
The house is complemented by the Observatoire Paul Felenbok, located nearly 3,000 m above sea level at the foot of the Pic de Château-Renard (2,936 m). It holds night observation sessions led by a professional facilitator. The site relies on scientific partners, including the Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie and the Observatoire de Paris.
Highlights
- Solar observation in the “vaisseau solaire” with a 100 mm H-alpha solar telescope
- Permanent exhibition on the Sun, its eruptions and the solar system
- Planeterrella aurora simulator
- Astro 2000 observation evenings with a 458 mm telescope
- Observatoire Paul Felenbok at nearly 3,000 m altitude
Permanent exhibition
- Scénographie permanente sur le Soleil – Panels, videos and interactive displays on the Sun and its eruptions, the solar system and the galaxy, with part of the observation equipment on show.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freeFree self-guided visit for ages 6 to 12; guided visit at €2 and workshop at €12 for this age group. |
| Groups | €5 per personPer-person rate for group or school visits; €8 with a workshop. Minimum billable amount per group: €100. |
| Guided visit (adult) | €7 |
| Guided visit (ages 6 to 12) | €2 |
| Children’s workshop (ages 6 to 12) | €12 |
| Astro 2000 observation evening | €25Booking by email required; recommended from age 12 |
| Group visit and workshop | €8Per person |
No rate is published for the observatory.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Workshops for ages 6 to 12, Mon–Fri, 10:00–12:00: star map or solar system map, sundial, water rocket (from age 7, with an adult required to be present). Booking by email.
Getting there & parking
The house is in the heart of the village, at the foot of the ski slopes (Le Bouticari). The observatory is at the foot of the Pic de Château-Renard (2,936 m); allow a 4 to 6 hour hike.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided visit includes, weather permitting, observation of the Sun with a 100 mm H-alpha solar telescope; in bad weather, it focuses on auroras with the Planeterrella simulator. Astro 2000 evenings last 2 to 3 hours: a presentation in the room, followed by observation from the village terrace; warm clothing recommended. Observatory visits are led by a facilitator and require a 4 to 6 hour hike. Schools can visit year-round on request, by email, for a 2-hour visit followed by a workshop. |
