Nuit des Étoiles de Nançay
Free and festive astronomy festival at the Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay
About Nuit des Étoiles
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 Nançay Night of Stars 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 6 PM to 12:30 AM, at the Nançay village stadium (Cher). Organized by the Pôle des Étoiles in partnership with the Société Astronomique Populaire du Centre, this free event for all audiences offers celestial observations with telescopes, an astronomy conference, shows, children's activities, and a craft market, as part of the national Nights of Stars.
The Nançay Night of Stars 2026
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Pôle des Étoiles de Nançay and the Société Astronomique Populaire du Centre (SAPC) invite the public to the Nançay village stadium, away from the light pollution of big cities, for an evening of astronomical observation and discovery. Access to all activities is free.
This edition is part of the national Nights of Stars event, organized annually in early August by the Association Française d'Astronomie. The period coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, ideal for observing shooting stars.
A catering area is provided on site for those who wish to dine before the observations.
Programme Nuit des Étoiles 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — Nançay Stadium (6 PM - 12:30 AM)
- 6 PM - 9 PM — Craft market, scientific mediations and children's activities
- 6:45 PM & 8:45 PM — Shows (program in progress)
- 9 PM - 12:30 AM — Celestial observations with telescopes
- 10 PM - 11 PM — Astronomy conference led by the Société Astronomique Populaire du Centre (SAPC)
Highlights Nuit des Étoiles 2026
- Free evening open to all, as part of the national Nights of Stars
- Telescope observations with amateur astronomers from the SAPC
- Site preserved from light pollution, ideal for observing the Perseids
- Astronomy conference, shows, children's activities and craft market
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
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Nuit des Étoiles
Stade de Nançay et Pôle des Étoiles
Route de Souesmes, 18330 Nançay