Chinon observatory

Chinon Observatory is a public astronomy facility overlooking the Vienne Valley near Tours in France, recognisable by its white dome.

About Chinon Observatory

The observatory is run by Astronomie en Chinonais, an association founded in 1984 dedicated to popularising and practising astronomy in the local area.

History

Construction ran from 1988 to 1990, and the observatory has been operational since 1991, giving the association more than three decades of public astronomy activity.

Telescopes & research

Rather than professional research, Chinon Observatory focuses on public engagement: hosting observation sessions, exhibitions, school visits and constellation-tracking activities aimed at introducing newcomers to astronomy.

Location & getting there

Sitting at 105 metres elevation with views over the Vienne Valley, the observatory is located near Tours in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, part of Star Register's Europe region.

Visiting Chinon Observatory

Chinon Observatory regularly welcomes the public for observation evenings, exhibitions and school group visits. Check the Astronomie en Chinonais website for current session dates before visiting.

See your named star from here

An observatory built for public stargazing, like Chinon, is exactly the kind of place to bring a certificate for a star named through Star Register and try to spot it. Name a star or explore the star catalogue of stars named so far.