Observatoire-Refuge du Mont Chiran
Observatoire-Refuge du Mont Chiran is an alpine backcountry refuge and astronomical observatory in the Verdon Regional Natural Park at about 1,905 m. It’s run as a night stop for hikers and people wanting to observe the sky from under the observatory dome, with an orientation table and guided stargazing using a large telescope (406 mm, f/4.5).
The refuge accommodates up to 16 people and uses dry toilets; there is no shower. It has no water source on-site, with water limited to rainwater collection, so bring what you need. The refuge is reachable on foot via a sustained climb of about 6 km with roughly 600 m of elevation gain; access from nearby trailheads is also described as 2.5–3 hours depending on the starting point.
Use is tied to the refuge’s operating window: open daily from 15/04 to 31/10 (with seasonal dates varying by year and a booking calendar on the operator side). Summer reservations are mandatory, and overnight pricing listed for the 2025/season includes €20 per person (with €16 for children), plus options such as breakfast (€8 adults / €6 children) and half-board (€52 adults / €40 children).