Centre d'astronomie de La Couyère

The Centre d'astronomie de La Couyère, around 35 km from Rennes in Ille-et-Vilaine, France, is one of just twelve sites officially recognised as an exceptional observation location in the country.

About Centre d'astronomie de La Couyère

Run by the Société d'Astronomie de Rennes (SAR), an association founded in 1974, the centre has been listed among France's twelve exceptional observation sites since 2018, protected by a 10-kilometre perimeter kept free of significant light pollution. Its main dome, five metres across, houses computer-controlled observation instruments, while two smaller domes hold a C11 telescope and a dedicated astrophotography telescope.

Telescopes & research

Between the three domes, visitors and members can move from wide-field astrophotography to detailed planetary and deep-sky views with the C11, all under skies protected specifically for astronomical use. A digital planetarium and a solar-system walking path round out the site's facilities.

Location & getting there

The centre is located in La Couyère, roughly 35 km south of Rennes in Brittany, north-west France, within its own protected dark-sky perimeter.

Visiting Centre d'astronomie de La Couyère

SAR runs planetarium sessions, photo exhibitions, conferences and telescope observations weather permitting, plus a free public evening once a month; check the association's website for the schedule before visiting.

See your named star from here

Under one of France's officially protected dark skies, the coordinates of a named star come through with real clarity. Look up your star's details in our catalogue.