Nuit des Étoiles Ermenonville
Astronomical observation and scientific activities at Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau
About Nuit des Étoiles
The Nuit des Étoiles in Ermenonville: The Sky Awaits
Every first weekend of August, the Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Ermenonville becomes a prime spot for observing the starry sky during the Nuits des Étoiles. This national event, coordinated by the Association Française d'Astronomie (AFA), finds an exceptional setting in this 18th-century landscaped park, far from the light pollution of large cities.
Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Natural Haven
The Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, created in the 18th century by the Marquis de Girardin, is one of the first landscaped gardens in France. This 65-hectare park, where the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau spent the last weeks of his life, offers a preserved natural setting ideal for astronomical observation. The vast lawns, clearings, and distance from urban light sources allow for optimal viewing of the night sky.
A Rich and Varied Program
The Nuits des Étoiles in Ermenonville offer a complete program over three days:
- Planetarium: Immersive projections to discover constellations and visible planets
- Sky Observations: Telescopes provided by amateur and professional astronomers
- Astronomy Workshops: Introduction to sky observation and reading for beginners
- "Petite Ourse" Workshop: AFA-certified training for children aged 9 to 13
- Scientific and Artistic Workshops: Sky herbariums, family creations, fun experiments
- Theatrical Conference: An informative and entertaining presentation on exoplanets and the universe
- Digital Show: A light and shadow show blending art and science
- Headphone Listening and a music playlist related to astronomy
The Oceans of the Sky
The 2025 edition of the Nuits des Étoiles is themed “The Oceans of the Sky,” an invitation to explore the celestial immensities as one would navigate an infinite ocean. This theme allows for addressing the major questions of contemporary astronomy: the search for water in the universe, the subsurface oceans of Jupiter and Saturn's moons, and the quest for habitable exoplanets.
A Family-Friendly and Accessible Event
The Nuits des Étoiles in Ermenonville are designed to welcome all audiences, from curious beginners to astronomy enthusiasts. Activities begin in the afternoon for families and continue late into the night for deep-sky observations. It's a moment of sharing and wonder at the beauty of the universe.
Nuit des Étoiles — edition 2026
For the 2026 Nights of the Stars, the Jean-Jacques Rousseau park in Ermenonville (Oise) offers three sky observation evenings on August 7, 8, and 9, 2026. A free astronomy event combining telescope observation, family workshops, a conference, and shows, as part of the 36th national edition of the Nights of the Stars organized by the Association Française d'Astronomie.
The 2026 Nights of the Stars at Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park
On August 7, 8, and 9, 2026, the Jean-Jacques Rousseau park in Ermenonville joins the 36th national edition of the Nuits des Étoiles (Nights of the Stars), organized every summer by the Association Française d'Astronomie (AFA). Three free summer sky observation evenings are offered in the romantic setting of this historic park in Oise.
At nightfall, animators and astronomy enthusiasts set up their instruments to introduce the public to the wonders of the August sky: visible planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, as well as the famous «shooting stars» of the Perseid meteor shower. The national theme for the 2026 edition is dedicated to the Sun, in connection with the partial eclipse expected on August 12.
The event is accompanied by daytime and family activities throughout August at the park: an astronomy initiation workshop «Petite Ourse» (Little Bear) (for young people, in partnership with the AFA), scientific and artistic family workshops, conferences, digital shows, and musical performances. Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park, managed by the Oise Department, is open to the public free of charge from April to October.
Programme Nuit des Étoiles 2026
Friday, August 7, Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026 — Nights of the Stars
- 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM — Summer sky observation evenings: planets, clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and shooting stars (Perseids), with telescopes and naked eye, with astronomy animators.
- 9:00 PM — Evening conference on Saturday, August 8.
Activities associated with the park in August 2026
- Astronomy initiation workshop «Petite Ourse» (Little Bear) (young audience, in partnership with Association Française d'Astronomie).
- Scientific and artistic family workshops (in the afternoon).
- Digital shows, conferences, and musical performances.
Detailed program and precise schedules will be communicated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park closer to summer.
Highlights Nuit des Étoiles 2026
- Three free observation evenings on August 7, 8, and 9, 2026
- Telescopic observation of the summer sky and the Perseids
- 36th national edition of the Nights of the Stars (AFA), 2026 theme: the Sun
- «Petite Ourse» workshop and family workshops at the park
- Heritage setting of Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park, free access
Prices Nuit des Étoiles 2026
Practical information — Nuit des Étoiles
Access and Transport
By Car: Ermenonville is accessible via the N330 from Senlis (approx. 10 min) or via the A1 motorway (exit 8 Senlis, then follow signs for Ermenonville via the D330). Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau has a car park near the entrance. Traveling by car is highly recommended, as Ermenonville is a rural commune poorly served by public transport.
By Train: The nearest stations are Senlis (accessible by bus from Chantilly-Gouvieux, RER D) and Crépy-en-Valois (TER from Paris-Nord). From these stations, travel by taxi or car is necessary (approx. 15 min). Carpooling is encouraged.
Practical Information
Location: Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 60950 Ermenonville. This 18th-century landscaped park, covering 65 hectares, is one of France's first romantic gardens. It is where Jean-Jacques Rousseau spent the last weeks of his life in 1778.
Dates and Times
The event takes place on the first weekend of August (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), as part of the national Nuits des Étoiles organized by the Association Française d'Astronomie. Activities start at 4 PM and continue until 1 AM for night observations. The detailed program is published on the Ermenonville town website a few weeks before the event.
Prices
Entrance to Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau is subject to a fee (park entrance fee, check the website for updated prices). Astronomical activities (planetarium, observations, workshops) are included in the park entrance fee. The "Petite Ourse" workshop for children aged 9 to 13 may require prior registration and an additional fee.
Recommended Equipment
Bring warm clothing for night observations (even in August, temperatures drop at night in the park). A red-light headlamp is useful for moving around without disturbing observations. If you own binoculars, bring them for sky observation. A ground mat or deck chair can be brought for comfortable stargazing while lying down.
Park Opening Hours
Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau is open from April 1st to October 29th. In July-August: from 10 AM to 8 PM (extended hours during the Nuits des Étoiles for night observations).
Contact
Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau – Commune d'Ermenonville – Website: www.ermenonville.fr
Association Française d'Astronomie – Website: www.afastronomie.fr
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Where does it take place — Nuit des Étoiles
Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 60950 Ermenonville