The Observatoire François-Xavier Bagnoud (OFXB) sits at 2,200 meters, making it one of the highest-altitude observatories accessible to the public in Switzerland. Its unique setting atop the Saint-Luc plateau offers a rare vantage point, far above the valley floor, where the sky opens wide and uninterrupted.
A Dome Among
the Peaks
Designed for both research and public education, the dome houses advanced telescopes that reveal planets, galaxies, and constellations with remarkable clarity. Thanks to the region's exceptional dark sky conditions, the observatory becomes an unforgettable window into the cosmos.
The evening sky is brought to life by passionate experts from the Saint-Luc observatory community. These aren't just guides, they're astronomers, educators, and lifelong skywatchers.
Stargazing
WITH MEANING
The specialists, Michaël Cottier, José Rodrigues and Nicolas Wälchli, are deeply connected to this mountain and its celestial rhythms. Their knowledge is both scientific and poetic, helping guests see not only stars, but stories in the sky.
The observatory is equipped with professional-grade telescopes, including a Ritchey-Chrétien reflector housed inside the main dome, similar in design to those used by NASA. These instruments allow for remarkably clear, high-contrast views of distant planets, star clusters, and nebulae.
Precision
in Every
Detail
During your visit, guests are invited to observe through multiple setups, each selected for optimal viewing based on the night's conditions. Whether it's Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, or the textured surface of the Moon, the precision of the equipment ensures each glimpse into the universe is crisp, vivid, and deeply moving.
the best equipment
Every session is led by experienced astronomers, passionate about sharing their knowledge of the cosmos. Their guidance turns stargazing into a story, one that connects scientific discovery with awe and wonder. You won't just look at the stars; you'll begin to understand them.
the best astronomers
Science Communicator
Astrophysicist - Exoplanet Expert
Digital Observatory Manager
Physicist. Secondary school teacher
Science communicator