Valmeca observatory

In the village of Puimichel, in the Haute-Provence region of southern France, Valmeca Observatory combines active astronomical observation with a renowned telescope-making workshop.

About Valmeca Observatory

Valmeca is operated by Serge Deconihout and is known for manufacturing telescopes and binoculars used by observatories and major research institutions around the world, including instruments supplied to facilities associated with the VLT, CFHT, and KPNO programmes. The workshop has also produced specialised astronomical instruments such as those used in the TAROT and ROSACE projects.

Telescopes & research

The observatory itself houses a 600mm-diameter Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope inside a 3-metre automated dome, a serious instrument for a private facility. It has been used for comet observation programmes contributing data to the wider astronomical community.

Location & getting there

Puimichel sits in the Haute-Provence region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, an area long favoured by professional and amateur astronomers alike for its dark, clear night skies far from major cities.

Visiting Valmeca Observatory

As a working workshop and private observatory, Valmeca does not appear to run a standard public visiting schedule. Check the observatory's own channels for current information before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

Haute-Provence's famously clear skies are part of why this corner of France has long been an astronomy hub. From here, the precise coordinates of a named star can be located with a telescope of Valmeca's calibre. Name a star or explore the star catalogue.