All astronomy museums to visit in France

Journey through the cosmos at 12 astronomy museums in France. Discover the wonders of the universe, from stars and planets to galaxies and beyond.

Are you a stargazer eager to learn more about the universe? These are the best astronomy museums in France:

  1. Panthéon1

    Panthéon

     Paris
    The Panthéon, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is a significant historical monument. Originally, it was constructed as a church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève in the 18th century. The architect behind this grand structure was Jacques Germain Soufflot. His vision was to create a classical building with the lightness of a Gothic cathedral. However, due to structural reasons, the open walls were made more massive during construction.
  2. Arquebuse Botanical Garden2

    Arquebuse Botanical Garden

     Dijon
    The Arquebuse Botanical Garden, located in Dijon, Burgundy, France, is a 5-hectare botanical garden and arboretum. It is a municipal administration and is also a public garden, rose garden, natural history museum, ethnology museum, and planetarium. The garden is a member of the prestigious 'Botanical Gardens of France and Francophone countries'.
  3. Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory3

    Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory

     Strasbourg
    The Strasbourg Observatory, known as Observatoire astronomique de Strasbourg in French, is an astronomical observatory located in the city of Strasbourg, France. It is a significant site for astronomical research and education, and it also holds a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
  4. Planet Ocean Montpellier4

    Planet Ocean Montpellier

     Montpellier
    Planet Ocean Montpellier is a unique complex that houses both an aquarium and a planetarium. It is conveniently located in the Odysseum leisure area in Montpellier, making it easily accessible for tourists. The complex offers a unique opportunity to explore both the mysteries of the deep sea and the wonders of the universe in one place.
  5. Cité de l'espace5

    Cité de l'espace

     Toulouse
    Cité de l'espace is a theme park focused on space and the conquest of space in Toulouse in France. It features full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket, Mir space station, and Soyuz modules and a planetarium where shows are presented. Furthermore there are (interactive) exhibits in the Cité de l'Esp
  6. Palais de la découverte6

    Palais de la découverte

     Paris
    The Palais de la découverte is a science museum in Paris that is housed in the west wing of the 19th-century Grand Palais. The museum was founded in the run-up to the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne, which took place in Paris in 1937. There are permanent exhibits
  7. Cote d'Azur Observatory7

    Cote d'Azur Observatory

     Nice
    The Nice Observatory (Observatoire de Nice), but also known as the Cote d'Azur Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Nice on the summit of Mount Gros that was founded in 1879. The architect was Charles Garnier, and Gustave Eiffel designed the main dome. It is a working astrophysics and astro
  8. Pic du Midi Observatory8

    Pic du Midi Observatory

     Bagnères-de-Bigorre
    Since 1882, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre has been home to an observatory where the universe is studied. This observatory is a significant part of the mountain's history and offers a unique insight into the study of astronomy. Visitors to the observatory can learn about the universe and the research conducted there.
  9. Cité des Sciences et de L'Industrie9

    Cité des Sciences et de L'Industrie

     Paris
    Cité des Sciences et de L'Industrie is Europe's largest science museum, located in Paris. Cité des Sciences tries to promote science and uses interactive ways of spreading knowledge. Here visitors can explore some of the permanent exhibitions such as Light Games or The Great Story of the Universe. P
  10. Palais de l'Univers et des Sciences10

    Palais de l'Univers et des Sciences

     Cappelle-la-Grande
    The PLUS, a Centre for Scientific, Technical and Industrial Culture, is a part of the Urban Community of Dunkirk. It serves as a platform for sharing, observation, and questioning, aiming to engage visitors in ecological, energetic, and social transitions. The center emphasizes the importance of sustainable behaviors to preserve our planet's heritage, contributing to education for sustainable development.
  11. Paris Observatory11

    Paris Observatory

     Paris
    The Paris Observatory (Observatoire de Paris or Observatoire de Paris-Meudon) is the most important observatory in France and one of the largest astronomy centers in the world. The historic main building is sitauted on the left bank of the Seine in the center of Paris. The observatory was establishe
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    Observatoire de Marseille

     Marseille
    Observatoire de Marseille (The Marseille Observatory) is a professional astronomical observatory located in Marseille, whose origin dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. The 80 cm telescope by Léon Foucault is the highlight of the instrumental heritage of the Marseille Observatory. A perm