Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay
Free and festive astronomy festival at the Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay
About Nuit des Étoiles
The Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay is an astronomical and festive event organized each year in early August by the Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay in partnership with the Société Astronomique Populaire du Centre (SAPC). For nearly 20 years, this free event has been part of the national Nuits des Étoiles program. On the agenda: observations of celestial bodies with the naked eye and telescope, conferences, a market of local artisans and producers, concerts, and activities for young people. The event coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, offering an exceptional celestial spectacle.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Nuit des Étoiles at the best price.
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A national event in Sologne berrichonne
Since 1991, the Nuits des Étoiles, initiated by the French Astronomy Association, has brought together over 300 events across France. Each year in August, the splendors of the night sky are revealed to the greatest number, when the Perseid meteor shower is most visible. The Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay is part of this national program and attracts several thousand visitors each year.
The Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay
In the heart of Sologne berrichonne, the Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay is an astronomy center that welcomes young and old for a journey into space. The site includes a planetarium, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and numerous educational activities. Located near the famous Nançay Radio Astronomy Station, the Pôle des Étoiles is the ideal place to observe the sky and discover the mysteries of the universe.
Astronomical observations with telescopes
On Saturday evening, from 6 p.m., the SAPC (Société Astronomique Populaire du Centre) hosts the Nuit des Étoiles at the Nançay stadium. Many amateur astronomers with their telescopes ranging from 80 to 400 mm offer observations of celestial bodies: the Moon, planets (Jupiter, Saturn), Perseid meteors, constellations, and deep-sky objects. Observations are made with the naked eye and telescope, with educational explanations.
Conferences, market, and concerts
The Nuit des Étoiles is not limited to astronomy: the event is also festive and friendly. Conferences are offered to explore astronomical themes in depth. A market of local artisans and producers allows visitors to discover the flavors of Sologne. Concerts and activities for young people complete the program, creating a warm and family-friendly atmosphere.
A free event open to all
The Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay is free and open to all, from astronomy enthusiasts to the simply curious. The event appeals to families, children, and anyone who wants to look up at the sky and marvel at the immensity of the universe. It is a moment of scientific discovery, contemplation, and conviviality.
Nuit des Étoiles — edition 2026
The Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay 2026 is expected to take place in early August with free astronomical observations, conferences, a market, and activities at the Nançay stadium.
Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay 2026
The Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay 2026 is expected to be held on Saturday, August 1st (or early August) at the Nançay stadium. The event will feature telescope astronomical observations, conferences, a producers' market, concerts, and free activities for the whole family.
Detailed information will be provided by the Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay in spring 2026. Consult www.poledesetoiles.fr for the exact date and program.
Prices Nuit des Étoiles 2026
Practical information — Nuit des Étoiles
Access
The Nuit des Étoiles takes place at the Nançay stadium and the Pôle des Étoiles, Route de Souesmes, 18330 Nançay.
- By car: From Paris (180 km), A71 then D944. From Bourges (35 km), D940 then D944. From Orléans (55 km), D2020 then D944.
- By train: Vierzon SNCF station (20 km), then bus or taxi.
- Parking: Free parking on site.
Hours
Saturday in early August, from 6 p.m. until late at night. Observations begin at nightfall (around 10 p.m.).
Prices
Free. Event open to all.
What to bring
Folding chairs or blankets, warm clothing (August nights can be cool), flashlight (with red filter to avoid disturbing observations).
Contact
- Phone: 02 48 51 18 16 (Pôle des Étoiles)
- Website: www.poledesetoiles.fr
- SAPC: www.sapc-astro.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Nuit des Étoiles at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Nuit des Étoiles
Stade de Nançay et Pôle des Étoiles
Route de Souesmes, 18330 Nançay