General public visits on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays during school holidays in zone B (except Christmas and winter holidays)
Information and reservations are recommended at the Astro Centre or the St-Michel-l'Observatoire tourist information office.
Description
Between science and wonder, discover a unique place of celestial exploration, history and unspoiled nature.
Perched at an altitude of 650 m, the Haute-Provence Observatory is a unique place where science and poetry meet.
Since 1937, it has been scrutinizing the Universe: it was here in 1995 that the first exoplanet was discovered.
Thirty years ago, Michel Mayor, Didier Queloz, and their team discovered the first exoplanet at the Haute Provence Observatory in Saint-Michel l'Observatoire. Their discovery was recognized by the Nobel Committee, for which they received the Nobel Prize in 30.
Open to visitors, it reveals its domes, monumental telescopes, and cutting-edge instruments such as SOPHIE and MISTRAL. There is also an atmospheric research platform and an ecological park.
By visiting the OHP, we retrace the thread of an exceptional scientific adventure, we walk in the footsteps of astronomers, and we marvel at the beauty of the sky. A fascinating journey between heritage, research, and contemplation.
Comfort and amenities
Equipment
Rates / opening
Prices
Free for under 6 years.
Public rates:
€7,00 for adults
4,50 € for children from 6 to 16 years old
€6,00 for job seekers (Pôle Emploi card), for students (student card), for Museum passports 04, for people with reduced mobility (CMI card)
€4,00 for children with reduced mobility (CMI card)
School group :
€4,00 per student, make an appointment with the Astro Center (04.92.76.69.69).
Opening
Tours organized during school holidays in Zone B.
Winter - Spring and Autumn: Wednesday at 16 p.m. (access by car), exceptionally Tuesday.
Summer (from 1/07/2025): Wednesday at 14:30 p.m. and 16 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday at 16 p.m. (access by car).
Additional sessions on Tuesday, July 5 and 12, 2025 at 14:30 p.m.
Annual closure: Christmas holidays