Under the stars: astronomy and summer nights in the Périgord

An hour's drive away, the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, around Gramat and Rocamadour, protects one of the darkest night skies in France, nicknamed the 'Black Triangle of the Quercy'. The park is working towards International Dark Sky Reserve status: a prime destination for enthusiasts.

In the north of the Dordogne, the Régulus astronomy club runs the Haut-Périgord observatory. In summer, stargazing evenings open to all introduce the constellations and the sky through telescopes, including a large 450 mm telescope.

Every summer since 1991, the French Astronomy Association has organised the Nuit des étoiles: all over France, clubs offer free observation evenings with telescopes and explanations. Several clubs take part in the Dordogne; the programme is published each year on the association's website.

Every year, around 12 August, the Earth passes through the Perseid swarm: dozens of shooting stars an hour can be seen at the peak of the night. Just move away from the lights, lie down and let your eyes adjust to the dark.