Bure (Valley of Light)
The Pic de Bure, which is the highest peak in the Devoluy, is full of surprises. The foothills of the wide plateau hide huge antennas that are pointing towards the sky, observing the universe and exploring the stars. The observatory, part of the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique is one of the most important in the world.
This impressive installation and its cutting-edge technology demonstrates the great quality of the sky. A “black sky” that astronomers love: absence of light pollution, low humidity and good weather. The entire valley, la vallée de la lumière (the valley of light), plays on the scientific tourism card with many activities, events and equipment that are open to the public, such as the Baronnies Provençales Observatory in the Buëch.
The Buëch and the Dévoluy do not have the monopoly over clear skies. The Chateau-Renard observatory near to Saint-Véran, has just been redeveloped. The Queyras, where it is said “cockerels peck at the stars”.