It happened on August 11 in Paris, but also across the rest of Europe and even over a large swath of the Asian continent. On August 11, 1999, at lunch time, the Moon completely eclipsed the Sun. This was the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century, and also of the second millennium.
In mid-summer, millions of curious spectators gathered within a swath roughly a hundred-kilometer-wide stretch from southern Nova Scotia to the Bay of Bengal to witness the Sun's light wholly eclipsed by the Moon and mark this historic event. In France, the band of the Moon's shadow's totality extended from Normandy to Alsace, passing through the north of Paris!
Eyes skyward and wearing the famous protective “special eclipse” glasses that let you watch the phenomenon without harming your eyes, the French were able to enjoy this extraordinary event for just under three minutes. But those who witnessed it still remember: that day, the weather was wildly capricious, and the clouds crashing the party didn’t make the spectacle easy.
But what does it matter! During these few minutes suspended in time, the French could shiver — because of a 3-degree drop in temperature in the middle of summer when the shade was total — but also feel pleasure! The Black Sun then appeared, framed by Mercury and Venus on either side, while some animals, convinced that dusk had fallen, fell silent and lay down.
This total eclipse was one of the most watched in history. The previous total solar eclipse occurred on February 15, 1961 in France. And for the next one visible from French soil, we’ll have to wait until September 3, 2081! So, to bide our time with our eyes fixed on the sky, don’t miss the near-total eclipse of August 12, 2026!
Terraces and rooftops to watch the August 12, 2026 eclipse in Paris — our best spots
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from Paris in the late afternoon. With the Sun sitting very low on the horizon, rooftops that offer a clear western view are among the best spots to watch the phenomenon. Here are a few addresses where you can gain some height, along with the timing and the precautions to know before the big moment. [Read more]
Terraces and rooftops to watch the August 12, 2026 eclipse in Paris — our best spots
