25 years open to the public
Celebrating your 25th birthday this year ?
We've got a surprise for you: a free visit to the Pic!
We invite you to discover the Pic du Midi for free on your 25th birthday.
Conditions : free ticket for a daytime visit, on presentation of a valid identity document at the La Mongie ticket office only.
Offer valid from 29 May to 02 November 2025 for anyone born between 01 January and 31 December 2000.
An adventure that began in 2000
Since 2000, the Pic du Midi has been welcoming the general public to enjoy an extraordinary experience at an altitude of 2,877 metres.
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this human, scientific and tourist adventure, rooted in the heritage of the Pyrenees. It's an anniversary we're celebrating with pride, emotion... and a star-studded programme.
A rich history :
In the 1990s, the observatory was threatened with closure due to a lack of funding. In response, the Midi-Pyrénées region, the French government and local authorities set up a joint association in 1994 to renovate the site and make it accessible to the general public. Major works began in 1996.
On May 28, 2000, under the impetus of François Fortassin and the local authorities, the Pic du Midi opened its doors to the public.
This world-renowned scientific site also became a place of welcome, culture, contemplation and wonder. Since then, almost 3 million visitors have come to admire the panorama, spend a night at the summit or discover the stars.
"This place belongs to all those who know how to look up." - François Fortassin
25 years of sharing :
2000 : Opened to the public (after complete renovation and modernization of the ropeway) .
2003 : Protection of the site by classification as a natural site for its “scenic beauty”.
Late 2011 : Launch of summit nights, enabling visitors to spend a night at 2,877 m
2013 : International Starry Sky Reserve label, the first in continental Europe
2018 : A complete overhaul of the visitor areas, with the creation of a Planetarium at 2,877 m, the Ponton dans le Ciel and La Coupole Céleste.
2025, a year of celebrations at the summit :
To celebrate this anniversary, we are preparing a series of brand new events !
Highlights :
Game contests : 25 gifts for 25 years, to be won throughout the year !