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The International Dark Sky Reserve
The International Dark Sky Reserve
The Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE) is an area dedicated to protecting and The RICE is an area dedicated to protecting and preserving the quality of the night sky. More than half of the Hautes-Pyrénées region is committed to combating light pollution.
Initially a problem for astronomers, light pollution is no longer just a question of stars, it also raises cultural, environmental, and economic issues. More than just a subject of scientific study, the sky is now valued and protected as a natural and cultural heritage.
RICE protects and preserves the night through public education and the introduction of responsible lighting. Through this label, the night is protected and recognised as exceptionally pure.
It is France's first International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE), certified in 2013 by DarkSky International (IDA), and the only area in France also certified by the Fundación Starlight.
This unique area includes 246 communes and covers 65% of the Hautes-Pyrénées, or 3,300 km².
History
Initiated in 2009 by PIRENE, an association of astronomers familiar with the Pic du Midi, the RICE project was born out of their alarming observations of the development of artificial light in the towns and villages surrounding the Pic.
Quickly supported by the Syndicat Mixte pour la Valorisation Touristique du Pic du Midi (Joint Association for the Tourist Development of the Pic du Midi), the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour, and a network of partners and funders*, the project came to fruition in December 2013. This reserve is now the sixth RICE reserve in the world!
An International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE) is an area recognized for the exceptional quality of its night sky and for the efforts made to protect it by reducing light pollution.
Certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), the Pic du Midi RICE is the first in France and the sixth in the world.
It is also the only French territory to have received dual certification, with additional certification from the Fundación Starlight: Destino Turístico Starlight®.
Since its creation in 2013, it has established itself as an international model for night preservation and a driving force for innovation in sustainable lighting, nocturnal biodiversity, and sky observation tourism. France currently has seven RICE areas, the latest being the Morvan in May 2025.
How it works
In December 2025, a new governance framework agreement was signed. It establishes shared management between four co-managers:
The Pic du Midi Tourism Development Association (SMVTPM),
The Hautes-Pyrénées Departmental Energy Syndicate (SDE65),
The Pyrenees National Park (PNP),
The Hautes-Pyrénées Department.
This alliance enables a collective, coordinated, and ambitious strategy to protect the night sky.
An ambitious three-year action plan
The co-managers are committed to:
Implementing an action plan that is renewed every three years,
Pooling resources, expertise, and data,
Actively seeking new funding,
Developing joint and unifying communication.
Coordination is provided by a RICE project manager, in conjunction with thematic working groups (biodiversity, scientific mediation, sustainable tourism, etc.).
A laboratory for the future
Night sky protection covers nearly half of the Hautes-Pyrénées department. This territory has received two recognitions:
From the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) with the “RICE” label obtained in 2013
From the Fundación Starlight with the “Starlight Tourist Destination” certification obtained in 2022
At the crossroads of ecological, tourist, scientific, and cultural issues, the Pic du Midi RICE also constitutes the “distant setting” of the property proposed for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This framework, which extends beyond the official boundaries of the property and its buffer zone, supports the scientific heritage of the Pic du Midi, a historic astronomical observatory, and protects this rare and fragile nocturnal cultural landscape. This territorial context, supported for more than ten years by an internationally recognized label and certification, strengthens the solidity of the Pic du Midi and its observatory's World Heritage nomination.
Fighting light pollution
Today, only 20% of the world's population still enjoys a clear night. Light pollution, i.e. the harmful and excessive presence of artificial lights at night, is a part of everyday life, and is constantly on the increase, yet receives less media coverage than other forms of pollution. Unfortunately, the impact of this excess of light no longer needs to be demonstrated.
The restriction of our visibility of the stars and the starry sky was the first hindrance pointed out by scientists. Now there are the proven consequences for flora and fauna, whose natural evolution and behaviour have been profoundly affected, for human health and for our energy consumption.
Discover the Experience area at the Pic du Midi 2877m
The village of Aulon, located on the outskirts of the RICE, began converting its street lighting in 2013 to protect the quality of the night and reduce the local electricity bill. See the improvements for yourself!
Actions
Since the birth of the project, RICE has been working to protect the quality of the Pyrenean night sky. To achieve this, the Starry Sky Reserve targets its actions according to five objectives:
Implementing responsible, economical, and sustainable lighting (under the jurisdiction of SDE65),
Monitoring the evolution of light pollution in the Hautes-Pyrénées (under the jurisdiction of PNP and SMVTPM),
Be an innovative region for research into nocturnal biodiversity in relation to light pollution (PNP responsibility),
Be a driver of regional development, in particular through public awareness campaigns (CD65 and SMVTPM responsibility),
Lead the initiative through the management of two labels (SMVTPM responsibility).
Projet Poctefa PYRE-NEIT
The Pic du Midi is participating in the PYRE-NEIT project (INTERREG VI-A POCTEFA 2021–2027), a cross-border France-Spain project covering the Pyrenees region, bringing together partners: Pays de Béarn (lead partner), PNR des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, Couserans Pyrénées Community of Municipalities, Generalitat de Catalunya, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), and Federación Aragonesa de Montañismo (FAM).
More informationNOX: a 360° immersive show
15min
"Nox, le voyage dans la nuit" is an immersive journey that raises awareness of the impact of light pollution and offers a new perspective on darkness. The journey begins in Toulouse and takes visitors to the Col du Tourmalet, then the Pic du Midi, and on to the planets beyond the summits. From the wildest dreams to the most frightening nightmares, night is a mysterious yet fascinating time. Important: this show is not recommended for people with epilepsy.
Useful resources :
🔗 International Dark Sky Association – IDA