Workshops, conferences and sky observations: "Star Party", a weekend close to the stars in Tourtour
Sunder Chaudhari Published on 05/27/2025 at 9:02 p.m., updated on 05/27/2025 at 9:02 p.m.
From Thursday, May 31 to Sunday, June 1, the village of Tourtour will host the very first edition of the Verdon Astronomical Nights.
Designed for those curious about the sky and astronomy enthusiasts, this festival promises a great weekend full of discoveries: stars, black holes, northern lights, and much more are on the program.
Organized by the Astroverdon association, based in Baudinard, the event will take place in various emblematic locations in the village.
On the menu: interactive workshops in the streets, conferences accessible during the day at the Escarelle hall, and evenings of observation and scientific discussions at the Théâtre de Verdure.
An idea born from successThe originator of the project, Sébastien Lecleire, secretary of the association, recalls: "Last summer, we participated in the Tourtour Under the Stars festival, organized by the town hall. This first experience gave us the desire to go further. From August-September, we began to think about a dedicated festival, with real ambition."
To enrich their program, Astroverdon members traveled to Paris in November for the Sky and Space Meetings at the Cité des Sciences. "This allowed us to meet exciting speakers and researchers."
A strategic location and a carefully chosen dateWhy Tourtour? "We needed a site close by for transporting our sensitive equipment, but also large enough to accommodate the public, telescopes, and infrastructure, such as restrooms. Tourtour met all these criteria," explains Sébastien Lecleire.
As for the date, it's no coincidence. "Unlike the Starry Nights, which take place in summer, we chose the end of May for astronomical reasons: the time is often very favorable weather-wise, and above all, there won't be a moon, which allows for better observation. And since it's Ascension Day weekend, people are more available."
Open to all audiencesThe event is aimed at both novices and astronomy enthusiasts. Fun workshops, especially for children, are planned – and free – for those under 15. "It's essential for us to make the sky accessible to everyone. Arousing curiosity from a young age is part of our values," insists the secretary.
As for the conferences, the program will be varied: some very accessible, others more technical, particularly around black holes. "There will be something for all levels, without pretension. The idea is to share, not to impress," he explains.
Supported by the town hall and with a network that has been expanding since its creation in 2023, the Astroverdon association sees this festival as a great opportunity to promote astronomy in the heart of the Verdon.
- Conferences on Friday, May 30
2 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Observing the Sun” by Xavier Dequévy.
3 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Life and Death of the Stars,” by Patrick Lécureuil.
4:30 p.m., Escarelle Room, "The Contribution of the Hubble and James Webb Telescopes," by Michel Sarazin.
5:30 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Making a Telescope Mirror” by Jean-Michel Lecleire.
9 p.m., Théâtre de Verdure, “The Black Holes,” by Stéphanie Godier.
And, at 10:30 p.m., Théâtre de Verdure, observation of the Verdon by Astro Verdon.
- Conferences on Saturday, May 31
2 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Space Meteorology,” by Lionel Birée.
3 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Exobiology or the Origins of Life” by Stéphanie Godier.
4:30 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Space Surveillance Accessible to Amateurs” by Lionel Birée.
5:30 p.m., Escarelle Room, “Choosing your instrument” by Mathieu Chauveau.
9 p.m., Théâtre de Verdure, “Discover and observe the Northern Lights” by Patrick Lécureuil.
And, at 10:30 p.m., Théâtre de Verdure, observation of the sky by Astro Verdon.
- astronomy-related workshops: astrophotography, daytime observation of the Sun, workshops for children, photo exhibition in the streets of the village from Thursday afternoon to Sunday midday.
- Inauguration: Thursday evening.
Restrooms (showers, toilets) will be available near the observation deck, as well as electricity, which will be available to power private telescopes and computers only. Rates, meals (with reservation), and accommodation conditions are available at astroverdon.com
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