Galactic evenings
From sunset to starrise
Col du Tourmalet
Galactic evenings! The Pic du Midi, in collaboration with the association Instant Science, which specialises in astronomy-related events, is offering a brand new programme of exceptional evenings at the Col du Tourmalet* to let you commune with the setting sun and the stars! Only a few dates are available for booking, so reserve your places quickly! Please note that a minimum of 20 participants is required to maintain each date.
*While the Pic du Midi is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, the Col du Tourmalet (pastoral area) is not equipped for them.
Only during July and August.
Your programme
The ascent
It begins with a cable car ride. You can of course get on site early in the day, but if you take the cable car in the afternoon (before 4pm) you can already see the mysteries of the setting sun unfold. The mountains begin their game of hide-and-seek with the emerging shadows and the magic begins to work.
At the top
Once you've reached the summit, you can take a tour of the site: panoramic terraces, of course, but also an experiment area where you can discover the main themes of research at the Pic du Midi: the sun, cosmic rays, stars, the atmosphere and meteorites. A visit to the Ponton dans le Ciel offers a breathtaking view, before taking the cable car back down to La Mongie.
Sunset time
Finally, you'll reach a famous place in the Pyrenees: the legendary Col du Tourmalet! Here comes the long-awaited moment of magic: watching the sun set and the stars come out.
Observations at Col du Tourmalet
Wrap up warm and take part in the astronomical activities. From the Col du Tourmalet, in the heart of the Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve, enthusiastic astronomers and scientists will be on hand to help you observe the night sky with the naked eye and telescopes: the moon, galaxies, star clusters and planets. The programme finishes around midnight, and you'll head back down to La Mongie with stars in your eyes and dreams to match the universe that was yours for a 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.
Don't forget to bring very warm clothing: hat, gloves, good shoes, fleece, windbreaker, 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.
Cancellation policy:
This programme is subject to weather conditions, and all or part of it will be cancelled on a case-by-case basis. If the Pic du Midi is forced to close (due to operating conditions that prevent the cable cars from working) on the same day or in advance, the Pic du Midi will be reimbursed and the rest of the programme will be maintained.
In the event of bad weather, observations/events will take place indoors at the Maison du Tourmalet.