Galactic evenings
From sunset to starrise
Col du Tourmalet
After a day of sightseeing at the Pic du Midi, drive to the Col du Tourmalet for a Galactic Evening at 2,115 meters! Just 8 km from La Mongie.
In collaboration with Instant Science, an association specializing in astronomy-themed events, we’re offering a brand-new program to connect with the setting sun and the stars during exceptional evenings at the Col du Tourmalet!
Only a few dates will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during July and August 2026.
Please note that a minimum of 20 participants is required to confirm each date.
While the Pic du Midi is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, the Col du Tourmalet (pastoral area) is less accessible.
On the program :
A day tour ticket to the Pic du Midi, departing from La Mongie (by cable car).
6 PM: last cable car descent—return to La Mongie at 1,800 m.
Dinner on your own in La Mongie.
9 PM: Meet at the Maison du Tourmalet (free parking at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet, 2,115 m) + astronomy activities with Instant Science at the Maison du Tourmalet, located at 2,115 m at the entrance to the Pic du Midi Starry Sky Reserve.
Midnight: End of the evening’s program
Your programme
The ascent to the Pic du Midi
You can access the site first thing in the morning at the time you selected when you made your reservation. If you’d like to enjoy the summit over lunch, we recommend reserving a table at Le 2877 restaurant; the summit bistro, however, does not require a reservation.
To fully enjoy the end-of-day atmosphere, however, we recommend heading up in the afternoon (around 4 p.m.): the light changes, the contours of the landscape come into view, and the scenery gradually transforms as sunset approaches.
At the summit at 2,877 meters !
At the summit, you’re free to explore the Pic du Midi site at your leisure.
The panoramic terraces offer exceptional views of the Pyrenees, while the exhibition spaces and scientific installations immerse you in the site’s major research themes: the sun, stars, the atmosphere, meteorites, and cosmic rays.
Don’t miss the Ponton dans le Ciel for a dizzying experience! You’ll then take the cable car back down to La Mongie (last descent at 6 p.m.).
The Maison du Tourmalet
After some free time, meet at 9 p.m. at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet, one of the most iconic spots in the Pyrenees.
At an altitude of 2,115 meters, accompanied by guides from our partner Instant Science, enjoy a journey through the night sky, an introduction to stargazing, and an immersive space journey at the Maison du Tourmalet.
You’ll then witness a special moment: the sunset over the surrounding peaks. Gradually, the light fades and gives way to the first stars, offering ideal conditions to begin observing the night sky.
Observations at Col du Tourmalet
As night falls, it’s time to explore the sky. Guided by science educators, you’ll take part in activities and astronomical observations—both with the naked eye and through telescopes. Constellations, planets, star clusters, and galaxies will reveal themselves to you in the heart of the Pic du Midi International Starry Sky Reserve.
The evening continues until around midnight, leaving you with stars in your eyes and dreams as vast as the universe that was yours for one night.
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Recommendations
Remember that the Pic du Midi and the Col du Tourmalet are located at altitudes of 2877m and 2115m respectively. Given the weather conditions and the high altitude, it is particularly advisable to dress and equip yourself accordingly, even in the summer season, to make the most of your day.
Be sure to pack warm clothes: sturdy shoes, a fleece, a windbreaker, gloves, etc.
You can bring binoculars and lamps (torches or headlamps) with red light only*.
Pets are not allowed at the summit (except assistance dogs). Pets can be looked after.
You can find ideas for meals in the :http://www.tourmaletpicdumidi.fr/deguster/restaurants/restaurants/
The evening's entertainment will be in French only.
Price :
€90 per adult and €70 for children under 18.
The package includes a daytime visit to the Pic du Midi, admission to the Maison du Tourmalet, and astronomy-related activities.
Reminder: A minimum of 20 participants is required for each date to proceed.
Cancellation policy:
This program is subject to weather conditions; any cancellation, in whole or in part, will be decided on a case-by-case basis, and you will be notified as soon as possible.
If the Pic du Midi is forced to close (due to operating conditions that prevent the cable cars from running) on the day of the event or in advance, you will receive a refund from the Pic du Midi, and the rest of the program will go ahead as planned.
In the event that the weather is not favorable for stargazing, the Galactic Evening will continue with discussions with the public at the Maison du Tourmalet. And perhaps, if there is a sufficiently long break in the clouds, stargazing will be possible. The saying that astronomy is a school of patience and perseverance will take on its full meaning!