There are some experiences that are so magical that they make a whole vacation, the kind of thing that you and your fellow travellers will remember and reminisce over fondly for the rest of your lives. If you're after just such an experience and you happen to have found a vacation rental in Midi-Pyrénées then you should definitely set aside some time to make the journey up to the Pic du Midi Observatory.
While there is absolutely no shortage of truly sensational views and viewpoints in this part of the world – you can drive, hike, paraglide, take trains, cycle, and more to take them in – the view from the Pic du Midi Observatory is something altogether different and more special and memorable. It is, altogether, quite unlike anything else you're likely to experience in France.
While there is absolutely no shortage of truly sensational views and viewpoints in this part of the world – you can drive, hike, paraglide, take trains, cycle, and more to take them in – the view from the Pic du Midi Observatory is something altogether different and more special and memorable. It is, altogether, quite unlike anything else you're likely to experience in France.
An astronomical observatory that is perched at a height of 2877m, right on top of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the French Pyrenees, the Pic du Midi Observatory is part of the Midi-Pyrenees Observatory and one among several locations with others in the towns of Tarbes, Lannemezan, and Auch, in addition to the institution's partnerships in South America, Africa, and Asia. Begun all the way back in 1878, it was originally funded by the Société Ramond but had to be yielded to the care and financial backing of the state due to the scale and cost of the project. Expanded and added to in stages throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the observatory now consists of multiple domes and incredibly powerful telescopes in addition to a museum with areas for trying out different experiments and a planetarium, a restaurant to dine with the most incredible scenery as a backdrop, and the pontoon from which you can take in views that are normally reserved for birds and airplanes.
The trip to the Pic du Midi Observatory begins by taking the cable car from La Mongie to the mid station of Taoulet before changing platforms and heading to the next cable car that brings you another 320m high to the building and the panoramic terraces taking in breathtaking views across 300km over the surrounding area and encompassing the extraordinary Pyrenees Mountains. Various peaks and different features and landmarks in the landscape are pointed out using information boards spread across the terraces, allowing you to make the absolute most of those incredible views. Then, if you're interested in learning more about the skies above, space, and the universe, you can head inside to the museum and try out some of the experiments that are set up as well as taking a seat in the planetarium to take a journey through the stars.
If you haven't yet been astounded and wowed enough by your whole trip then, finally, you can head to the highlight: the pontoon, 12m long, made of glass and metal, that stretches over the clouds and the mountains below to offer the most extraordinary view yet. Dizzying and magic, it may not be for everyone, particularly those with a serious fear of heights, but is an utterly singular and exceptional experience that perfect caps off a visit to this amazing gem in the sky above France. On your way back down (or maybe before you headed up at all if you need to bolster your strength) you can enjoy food in the restaurant, which is positioned in a scenic spot just before the first cable car at La Mongie, and enjoy pretty views on a slightly less intense scale.
The trip to the Pic du Midi Observatory begins by taking the cable car from La Mongie to the mid station of Taoulet before changing platforms and heading to the next cable car that brings you another 320m high to the building and the panoramic terraces taking in breathtaking views across 300km over the surrounding area and encompassing the extraordinary Pyrenees Mountains. Various peaks and different features and landmarks in the landscape are pointed out using information boards spread across the terraces, allowing you to make the absolute most of those incredible views. Then, if you're interested in learning more about the skies above, space, and the universe, you can head inside to the museum and try out some of the experiments that are set up as well as taking a seat in the planetarium to take a journey through the stars.
If you haven't yet been astounded and wowed enough by your whole trip then, finally, you can head to the highlight: the pontoon, 12m long, made of glass and metal, that stretches over the clouds and the mountains below to offer the most extraordinary view yet. Dizzying and magic, it may not be for everyone, particularly those with a serious fear of heights, but is an utterly singular and exceptional experience that perfect caps off a visit to this amazing gem in the sky above France. On your way back down (or maybe before you headed up at all if you need to bolster your strength) you can enjoy food in the restaurant, which is positioned in a scenic spot just before the first cable car at La Mongie, and enjoy pretty views on a slightly less intense scale.
There are also two slightly different visiting experiences possible: the regular, daytime visit during the normal opening hours of the observatory and – for a more romantic outing – nighttime visits to take in the sunrise, sunset, and stars. These visits outside the usual opening hours have to be booked specially but are ideal for those looking to plan something incredible special and magic and utterly unforgettable. Enjoy the crowds dissipating, the stars twinkling infinitely overhead, a private room that you can actually stay in overnight, cocktails made by expert bartenders for you, dinner beneath the velvety night sky, breakfast while you watch the sunrise over the extraordinary scenery unfolding below you, and exclusive tours of the facilities. This is a more expensive and exclusive experience but if you have an important question to ask during your vacation in the Midi-Pyrénées and want the most magical setting, this is just the thing! The all-inclusive cost of the experience starts at €394 per person (€454 from 1st July to 15th September) for a single room and starts at €469 for two people (€499 from 1st July to 15th September) for a double room. There are only 27 places available on any given night so booking is essential. To do so, check out their site or call them at 05 62 56 70 00 from Monday to Friday.
So, if you're looking to take in one of the best views in all of France, then be sure to browse our holiday rentals in Midi-Pyrénées and gather all of your courage to take in these dizzying panoramas!
Rue Pierre Lamy de la Chapelle
65 200 La Mongie
France
See website for current opening hours.
Tickets (for the regular, daytime visits):
The day rate includes return trip by cable car, time at the summit, entrance to the museum, and to the Pontoon in the Sky.
Adults, €45
Children (under 12), €27
Children (aged 3 to 5) , free
Family ticket – two adults, two children (under 18 years of age), €108
+ an extra child up to the age of 18, €27
Concessions for students, disabled visitors, and jobseekers, €40
So, if you're looking to take in one of the best views in all of France, then be sure to browse our holiday rentals in Midi-Pyrénées and gather all of your courage to take in these dizzying panoramas!
Rue Pierre Lamy de la Chapelle
65 200 La Mongie
France
See website for current opening hours.
Tickets (for the regular, daytime visits):
The day rate includes return trip by cable car, time at the summit, entrance to the museum, and to the Pontoon in the Sky.
Adults, €45
Children (under 12), €27
Children (aged 3 to 5) , free
Family ticket – two adults, two children (under 18 years of age), €108
+ an extra child up to the age of 18, €27
Concessions for students, disabled visitors, and jobseekers, €40