Gretz-Armainvilliers Observatory

Gretz-Armainvilliers Observatory, known locally as the Uranoscope, sits in the town of Gretz-Armainvilliers, about 35 km east of Paris, France. It has welcomed the public to look through its telescopes since 1985.

About Gretz-Armainvilliers Observatory

The observatory is run by the Association « Uranoscope de l'Ile de France », a volunteer astronomy club whose members call themselves "uranians" after the uranoscope, a fish whose eyes point upward toward the sky. The name reflects the club's mission: turning eyes skyward for anyone who visits.

History

The Uranoscope was established in 1985 and has operated continuously since, building a loyal following among Paris-area stargazers and school groups.

Telescopes & research

The site houses multiple telescopes as well as a planetarium, giving visitors both a direct view of the night sky and a guided introduction to astronomy.

Location & getting there

The observatory is set within the Val-des-Dames arboretum, a botanical park home to around 200 rare tree species, giving visitors a green, peaceful setting east of Paris to combine with their stargazing. Use the map on this page for directions.

Visiting Gretz-Armainvilliers Observatory

Public evenings are held on Saturdays, from 9pm to 11pm in winter and 10pm to midnight from May to September. Check the Uranoscope's own site before you go, as sessions depend on clear skies.

See your named star from here

Because every star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates, the Uranoscope's telescopes could be pointed straight at it on a clear Saturday night. Name a star as a gift, or explore the star catalogue for inspiration.