Observatoire du Mont-Sinaï

Despite its name, the Observatoire du Mont-Sinaï near Verzy in the Marne department of France is not an astronomical facility - it's a First World War military observation post, preserved today as a historical monument with sweeping views over the Reims plain.

About Observatoire du Mont-Sinaï

The site was established in October 1914, immediately after the First Battle of the Marne, as a strategic vantage point for French forces watching the plain below Reims. General Gouraud, commander of the French 4th Army, is recorded as a regular visitor, and the post served as a command centre during the German offensive of July 1918.

History

Three concrete observation posts and a command blockhouse survive from the original wartime installation. The site is classified as a Historical Monument in recognition of its role in the defence of the Reims sector during the war.

Location & getting there

Observatoire du Mont-Sinaï sits above the village of Verzy in the Marne department, in France's Grand Est region, offering a 180-degree panoramic viewpoint over the Reims plain.

Visiting Observatoire du Mont-Sinaï

As a heritage site rather than a working facility, it is generally open to walkers and visitors interested in its wartime history and views; checking current access conditions locally before travelling is advisable.

See your named star from here

This particular Mont-Sinaï site is a historic lookout rather than a stargazing venue, so it isn't equipped with a telescope for locating a named star's coordinates. If you've named a star through Star Register, browse our observatories directory to find a working astronomical observatory nearby, or check its exact position in the catalogue.