ancien observatoire astronomique de la Marine de Nantes
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Ancien Observatoire Astronomique de la Marine de Nantes is a former French Navy astronomical observatory in Nantes, France, founded in 1828.
About the Observatory
Standing at 18 Rue Flandres-Dunkerque, the observatory was designed by architect Étienne-Jean-Baptiste Blon as part of Nantes' former hydrography school, which operated from 1827 to 1887. It is the only French Navy astronomical observatory built specifically for that purpose that still survives intact.
History
Built in 1828, the observatory served the Navy's hydrography school for six decades. Its tower rises 27 metres over four stories on a square base, topped with a terrace roof, and is reached by a 127-step staircase. The stone vaults inside were designed to dampen vibrations that could disturb the delicate astronomical instruments once housed there. The building has been registered in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 17 December 2013.
Location & getting there
The observatory stands in Nantes, in western France, at Rue Flandres-Dunkerque-40 — a landmark of the city's maritime and scientific heritage.
Visiting the Observatory
As a historic monument rather than an active research facility, opening arrangements may be limited to heritage open days or guided tours; check with Nantes' heritage services before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
This 19th-century tower once housed instruments trained on the same sky above Nantes today — a sky that still holds the fixed coordinates of any named star. See the star catalogue to explore more.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.