This national astronomical research centre fascinates with up-close examination of France's only active-use high tech 193cm telescope, plus a good film about the centre's research. Buy tickets for the 30-minute guided tour from the ticket office in St-Michel’s village square; in July and August, there's a free shuttle. The observatory is at the end of the D305, 2km north of St-Michel l’Observatoire. Call ahead in the low season.
