If you haven’t added a climb to the summit of the Pic du Midi in the French Pyrenees to your bucket list, add it now. This mighty mountain and its panoramic views can be enjoyed from the ascending cable car and on walks between its observatory and bridge.
The experience begins with a memorable cable car ride from La Mongie. On arrival at the summit, you won’t believe your eyes: there’s direct access to the panoramic terraces with a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountain chain, which stretches for over 300km.
Look around: it’s hard not to be awestruck by the Ponton dans le Ciel (‘Pontoon in the Sky’), a metallic walkway that soars above the void, leading visitors on a journey inside the landscape. Get up close and personal with the clouds as you enjoy unique and dizzying point of view. You’ll never have felt such feelings of freedom.
The highest planetarium in Europe – at the top of the Pic du Midi
Hypnotised by the landscape, you can forget to curl up inside the summit buildings. There, you can learn about the research taking place at the Pic du Midi on the sun, cosmic rays, stars and meteorites, through a series of playful experiences. Above all, the highest planetarium in Europe awaits us under the Baillaud dome, the oldest astronomical installation in the observatory, transported to the Pic du Midi on the back of men and mules over two years between 1907 and 1908.
Fancy staying over? You can sleep at the top of the Pic du Midi (advance booking recommended) and stargaze before spending a cosy night. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. An extraordinary place for an unforgettable experience... you’ll leave with stars in your eyes.
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