Astronomy Aillons-Margériaz

Rendezvous with the stars

What if your holiday took on a whole new dimension? At Les Aillons-Margériaz, you can’t just contemplate the mountains by day: once night falls, a whole new spectacle begins… Welcome to an area where observing the sky becomes an adventure in itself, with constellations, a travelling planetarium and starry walks.

An exceptional observation spot in the heart of the Massif des Bauges

Night sky enthusiasts take note: the heart of the Massif des Bauges is recognised as one of the best spots in the region for astronomical observation. Here, far from the urban centres and their halo of light, the night is still dark, deep and spectacular.

This unspoilt setting, in the heart of the Regional Nature Park, offers ideal conditions for observing the constellations with the naked eye, following the passage of a satellite, or scrutinising the details of a lunar crater through a telescope.

Les Aillons-Margériaz invites you to enjoy this rare luxury with your eyes wide open.

An unspoilt mountain,
a sky free from light pollution

Thanks to the “Starry skies” programme run by the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and the voluntary switching off of public lighting in a number of communes, the night is regaining all its magic.

The result? A sky of exceptional purity, perfect for observing the Milky Way, shooting stars and other celestial phenomena all year round.

Immersive experiences for the curious

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just a dreamer,
the celestial adventure can be enjoyed as a family, a couple or with friends:

Les Petits Baroudeurs - Coutarse -c Alpigraphie-03927.jpg — ©Alpigraphie / Kröll Matthias - Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme

Les Ateliers de l'Univers

A range of fun and educational activities: creating sky maps, making water rockets, observing through a telescope, or exploring in a 360° travelling planetarium.

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ScienceExplo

An astronomy school based in Les Aillons offers courses, training and observation evenings all year round. With their mobile planetarium and Astro’Petite Ourse programme, young and old alike can set off on a starry-eyed discovery of the cosmos.

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Walking for a better view of the night Starry skies" walk Aillon-le-Jeune

At Les Aillons-Margériaz, the link with nature can also be experienced under the stars. And it all starts during the day!

The “Starry skies” walk at Aillon-le-Jeune, devised in conjunction with the Parc des Bauges, takes you to the heights to understand the issues surrounding light pollution and learn how to better observe the night. Educational panels line the trail, showing you how the night works, why it’s essential to preserve it and what you can do to live in harmony with it. It’s a lovely loop that’s accessible to everyone, and is ideal before an evening of observation or simply to get back in touch with the universe… in the middle of the day.

Departure point: from Aillon-le-Jeune (itinerary available from the Tourist Office).