Festival de la Nuit - Starry Sky Reserve
Rediscover the night and its hidden treasures at Lac de Payolle
About Festival de la Nuit
The Festival de la Nuit is an event organized by the Pyrénées National Park in partnership with the Cartel Bigourdan, as part of the Pic du Midi International Starry Sky Reserve. This free festival invites the public to rediscover the sky, the stars, and the nightlife at Lac de Payolle. Conferences, concerts, fun activities, exhibitions, stargazing, and nature walks allow young and old to understand the nocturnal world and the impacts of light pollution.
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Festival de la Nuit: Discovering the hidden treasures of the Bigorre night
The Festival de la Nuit, created in 2022, is a unique event led by the Pyrénées National Park and the Cartel Bigourdan. It celebrates the night and the Pic du Midi International Starry Sky Reserve, one of the most prestigious in the world.
A weekend of free activities
The festival takes place over two days at Lac de Payolle and in Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The program includes:
- Conferences on light pollution by astrophysicists
- Concerts and sound and light shows
- Stargazing with astronomers
- Night walks to discover biodiversity (birds of prey, bats)
- Fun activities: treasure hunts, planetarium, quizzes, exhibitions
- Screenings of documentaries on nocturnal nature
A night without light
For the occasion, the public lighting in Payolle and the surrounding area is turned off to fully enjoy the starry sky, offering an exceptional immersive experience in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Festival de la Nuit — edition 2026
2026 edition of the Festival de la Nuit. The Pyrénées National Park and the Cartel Bigourdan offer a weekend of free activities centered around the night and the starry sky at Lac de Payolle.
Festival de la Nuit 2026
New edition of the Festival de la Nuit in the heart of the Pic du Midi International Starry Sky Reserve. Program to be announced on the Pyrénées National Park website.
Prices Festival de la Nuit 2026
Practical information — Festival de la Nuit
Practical Information
Access
By car: Lac de Payolle is accessible from Bagnères-de-Bigorre via the D935 then the D918 (approx. 25 km). Parking available on site.
Shuttles: Free shuttles are provided from Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Tips
Bring warm clothing and a headlamp for the return. The altitude of Payolle (1,100 m) means cool temperatures in the evening.
Prices
Free admission for all activities.
Contact
Pyrénées National Park: 05 62 39 40 91. Website: www.pyrenees-parcnational.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Festival de la Nuit
Lac de Payolle
Lac de Payolle, 65710 Campan