Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bachelas Cycles
( 04 92 75 12 47;
www.bachelas-cycles.com
;
5 blvd de la Répub-
lique)
rents mountain, road, tandem and electric bicycles (€18 to €26 per day).
St-Michel l'Observatoire
St-Michel l'Observatoire is famous for starry night skies that are among Europe's darkest.
By day it's a cute middle-of-nowhere village. Ascend winding walkways to hilltop over-
looks, passing tiny ateliers en route. Uphill from the 12th-century Église Haute, you'll
reach a spot with 360-degree panoramas that include the Luberon and the Alps.
Sights & Activities
OBSERVATORY
Observatoire de Haute-Provence
( 04 92 70 64 00;
www.obs-hp.fr
;
adult/child €4.50/2.50; guided visits 2pm-5pm
Tue-Thu Jul & Aug, 2.15pm-4pm Wed Sep-Jun)
This national astronomical research
centre fascinates with up-close examination of France's only active-use, high-tech 193cm
telescope, plus a good film about the centre's research. Buy tickets for the 30-minute
guided tour from the ticket office in St-Michel's village square; in July and August,
there's a free shuttle. The observatory is at the end of the D305, 2km north of St-Michel
l'Observatoire. Call ahead in the low season.
Centre d'Astronomie
( 04 92 76 69 69;
www.centre-astro.fr
;
Plateau du Moulin à Vent; adult/6-16yr €10.50/
8.25; by reservation)
From St-Michel l'Observatoire, the eastbound D5 flashes past
this astronomy centre, which mounts brilliant planetarium shows and educational work-
shops.
PLANETARIUM
Sleeping & Eating
Hôtel-Restaurant l'Observatoire €
( 04 92 76 63 62;
www.hotel-restaurant-lobservatoire.com
; place de la Fontaine; s/d/
tr/q €52/70/ 88/109, lunch/dinner menus €18/28; restaurant closed Sun dinner and
Mon; )
This reliable restaurant has copious servings of hearty regional cooking; reserve
ahead. It's also a well-tended five-room hotel.
HOTEL
