The best spots to admire shooting stars and the sky in Paris and the Ile-de-France region

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on August 11, 2024 at 04:37 p.m.
Numerous shooting star nights punctuate the year, as do astronomical events, which can be admired weather permitting, in places with less pollution. But where can you find these rare gems in Paris and the Ile-de-France region?

Every year, famous shooting stars return to visit us by the thousands. In April, we see the Lyrides, in August the Perseids, in November the Leonids and in December the Geminids. If the weather 's on our side, it's possible to see them with the naked eye, looking north-east after 11pm.

Don't hesitate to get a sky map to help you spot the constellations from which the shooting stars emerge. You'll need to look down to the horizon, and higher and higher as the night goes on, to follow them. At peak times, there are almost 100 shooting stars per hour - a splendid event not to be missed!

However, the light and atmospheric pollution of the Paris region can spoil the show, so it's best to get out of town or take to higher ground to admire the stars at their best. Here's a small selection of places where you can observe the sky and make lots of wishes!

In Paris

  • The Montmartre Hill, rising to 130 meters, either on the forecourt of the Sacré-Cœur or within the Marcel Bleustein square, located behind the basilica;
  • The Buttes-Chaumont Park, surrounding the viewpoint
  • The Belleville Park, in the 20th arrondissement
  • The Bergeyre Hill, offering a direct view of Montmartre

In the Paris region :

  • The Mont Valérien, located in the Hauts-de-Seine department, between Suresnes, Nanterre, and Rueil-Malmaison
  • The Ourgemont Hill and the Châtaigners Hill in Argenteuil, within the Val d'Oise
  • The Saint-Cloud Park in the Hauts-de-Seine
  • The Lilacs Park in Vitry, in the Val-de-Marne
  • The Jean-Moulin Park nestled between Bagnolet and Montreuil, in Seine-Saint-Denis
  • The Departmental Park of the Plateau in Champigny-sur-Marne, in the Val-de-Marne
  • The Eco-parc des Carrières in Fontenay-sous-Bois, also in the Val-de-Marne
  • The Limours Plateau in Essonne

All that's left is to choose your meeting place with the stars!

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