In Lozère, night-time reveals one of France’s most beautiful natural spectacles: a starry sky of exceptional clarity. Thanks to very low light pollution, stargazing here is second to none, whether in the Aubrac, the Margeride, the Gorges du Tarn or in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, designated an International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE). Stays under the stars, astronomy events, remarkable viewing spots and accommodation providers committed to stargazing: discover why Lozère is an unmissable destination for gazing at the starry sky.
An exceptional starry sky
As night falls, Lozère still has plenty of surprises in store and reveals one of its most beautiful secrets: its starry sky. In the Aubrac, the Gorges du Tarn, the Margeride or anywhere else in the department, this natural spectacle unfolds before your eyes thanks to virtually non-existent light pollution. The Milky Way comes into view, the constellations reveal themselves and the sight leaves you speechless.
The RICE label
If you find yourself in the Cévennes National Park, you’ll have the chance to explore Europe’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE). This area has held this designation since 2018.
Here, you can observe and admire the stars, the constellations and the Milky Way with the naked eye. From Mont-Lozère to the Cévennes valleys, via the Grands Causses and Mont-Aigoual, treat yourself to a night under the stars during your stay in Lozère.
Astronomy-themed events
The beauty of our starry sky holds more than a few secrets. You can take part in astronomy-themed activities and become seasoned amateur astronomers. For those passionate about the stars and the heavens, you too will find something to suit you and learn more about these astronomical phenomena. With nature walks, night-time hikes, astronomy breaks and the chance to use a telescope, you’ll soon become an expert on the starry sky. Every summer, the Cévennes National Park organises free night-time excursions to help you discover the richness of its biodiversity and the exceptional quality of its starry sky.
Astronomy guides in Lozère
Via ferrata
Calendar of starlit and celestial events
| Dates | Events |
|---|---|
| 7, 8 and 9 August 2026 | Nights of the Stars – find out about all the events planned here. |
| 12 August 2026 | The partial solar eclipse — it’s the event of the year in France, with more than 90 per cent of the Sun obscured across the country |
| 12–13 August 2026 | Perseid meteor shower · up to 100 meteors per hour (the most spectacular) |
| 4 October 2026 | Saturn in opposition — the best time of the year to observe the planet and its rings. |
| 10 October 2026 | ‘Day of the Night’ – an event to raise awareness of light pollution and the protection of nocturnal biodiversity, and to marvel at the magic of the starry sky. Find out more |
| 21–22 October 2026 | Orionid meteor shower · up to 25 meteors per hour |
| 17–18 November 2026 | Leonid meteor shower · up to 20 meteors per hour |
| 13–14 December 2026 | Geminid meteor shower · up to 150 meteors per hour (the year’s peak) |
| 21–22 December 2026 | Ursid meteor shower · up to 10 meteors per hour |
At dusk
They offer a range of unique activities to enjoy at the end of the day, as dusk begins to fall.
The best spots for stargazing
Some places are particularly well suited to stargazing! In the Cévennes and Mont-Lozère, head to the Serre de la Can night-time viewing point, the Mont-Lozère Station, the Aire Ventouse and the Bondons megalithic site. On the Causse de Sauveterre, head for the Domaine de Boissets; then, on the Causse Méjean, come and stargaze at Le Villaret (in Hures-la-Parade) and the Chaos de Nîmes-le-Vieux. In the Aubrac region, the Déroc Waterfall and Lake Saint-Andéol are dream spots. The Margeride is also a prime destination, featuring the Roc de Fenestre and the great lakes.
SERRE DE LA CAN NIGHT VIEWPOINT
Photo spot
Photo spot
Photo spot
Photo spot
THE PANORAMA FROM THE ROC DES HOURTOUS
Photo spot
STATION DU BLEYMARD MONT LOZERE
Leisure centre
Interpretation center
Tower
Massive and mountains
Waterfall
Lakes
Lakes
Lakes
Lakes
Where can you sleep under the stars?
For a holiday that combines stargazing with comfort, discover the accommodation options where you can observe and enjoy the starry sky. The hosts at these establishments will be happy to advise you on this visual spectacle.
GITE LES ESPÉRELLES: LE PAILLET
3 stars Holiday cottage
Group / holiday gîtes
ASTRONOMY STUDIO – MENDE BRENOUX ESTATE
2 stars Holiday cottage
Bed and breakfasts
VILLAGE DE GÎTES LE SERRE DE LA CAN
1 star Holiday village
Holiday cottage
4 stars Holiday cottage
Holiday cottage
Bed and breakfasts
Group / holiday gîtes
MY UNUSUAL LITTLE CABIN IN LOZERE
Bed and breakfasts
Holiday cottage
Bed and breakfasts
Graded campsite
Via ferrata
Group / holiday gîtes
Graded campsite
