Mark your calendars: August 12, 2026 will be a night to remember across France and Europe, as an incredible cosmic event unfolds. While the Moon covers the Sun in a rare total eclipse, Earth will simultaneously pass through the dust trail of the Swift-Tuttle comet, igniting the spectacular Perseid meteor shower. Here’s how to prepare for this extraordinary encounter between day’s shadow and night’s brilliance.
The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be a total solar eclipse. While the path of totality will mainly cross northern Spain, Iceland, and Greenland, the entire country of France will experience a massive partial eclipse—covering over 90% in cities like Biarritz and Perpignan. For a few minutes, daylight will dim sharply, temperatures will drop, and the Sun’s corona will become visible for observers aligned with the shadow’s path. This is the first total eclipse visible so close to our borders since 1999.
Exceptional solar eclipse visible in France: the must-see date of 2026
An exceptional solar eclipse will take place in France on August 12, 2026, with 99.5% occultation in Biarritz. This rare astronomical phenomenon will offer a near-total spectacle in south-west France, 27 years after the last total eclipse visible in Europe. [Read more]
The magic continues after night falls. August 12th traditionally marks the peak of Perseids activity, the most famous shooting star shower of the year. With rates reaching up to 100 meteors per hour, the spectacle promises to be spectacular. In 2026, conditions are perfect: the Moon will be in its New Moon phase, making it invisible in the night sky. Its complete lack of brightness will create a pitch-black sky, an essential setting to spot even the faintest trails of the meteors.
Throughout August, and especially around August 12, 2026, the famous Perseid shower of shooting stars will be visible in the French sky, as it is every year. Let's look up and admire the show! [Read more]
To make the most of this double celestial event, advance planning is essential. For the upcoming solar eclipse, it’s crucial to use approved protective glasses to prevent lasting damage to your eyes. When it comes to the Perseid meteor shower, no special equipment is needed: naked-eye observation remains the best way to enjoy the widest possible view of the night sky. To enhance your experience, it’s recommended to stay away from city centers and light pollution, increasing your chances of gazing at the celestial dome.
A total solar eclipse coinciding with the peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower—that's something never seen before in modern astronomy. Don't miss this rare event! Just a reminder, while there have been other eclipses during Perseids activity, never on the very day of the shower's peak.
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Exceptional solar eclipse visible in France: the must-see date of 2026
Don't miss the Perseids, the most beautiful shooting star shower of the year!
