The Climatograph - Mont Aigoual Observatory

The Climatographscientific, tourist and cultural beacon

Perched at an altitude of 1567 m, the Climatographe -Observatory of Mont Aigoual is a landmark of environmental, heritage and scientific history.

Located in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, designated an "International Dark Sky Reserve", this lighthouse in the south of France stands majestic and glorious in a magnificent landscape that celebrates the meeting of sky and earth.

A place steeped in history!

The opening of the Mont Aigoual Observatory dates back to 1894, on the initiative of the Water and Forestry administration which had entrusted the young and brilliant engineer Georges Fabre with the responsibility of the difficult operation of reforestation of the Aigoual massif.

From that time onward, the Observatory enabled the measurement and preservation of forestry, agricultural, and meteorological data. Building on this rich history, the Mont Aigoual meteorological station has been awarded the label by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to stations whose observations span more than 100 years.

In 2023, the observatory becomes The Climatograph-Observatory of Mont Aigoual, le Europe's leading information and awareness center on climate changeIn 2026, the Climatographe received a star from the Michelin Travel and Culture guide.

Today, it remains a privileged witness to climate change, an issue that has become crucial.

Discover the Climatograph

Climate change? Discover, understand and act!

The Observatory The exhibition undoubtedly takes on new momentum with the expansion of its focus to include climate change and with the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the historic building housing a completely revamped exhibition. This exhibition attempts to address what is now referred to as the climate emergency and allows for a better understanding of its causes, impacts, models, and scenarios for the next 10, 20, or 30 years. It also seeks to identify and anticipate the consequences for local areas by proposing adaptation strategies and the individual and collective responses we will need to implement.

Supporting the meteorologists who lead the exhibition and who focus on short-term forecasting (tomorrow's weather, the day after tomorrow's weather, etc.) in the "forecasting workshop," innovative, interactive, and engaging tools, suitable for all audiences, should help visitors grasp the reality of climate change and become aware of the impact of human activities on climate change, at least since the Industrial Revolution. Everyone is welcome to share their opinions, express their reservations, commitment, and hopes, and compare their perspectives with those of experts and other visitors.

Beyond the public discovery area, seminars and conferences are organized throughout the year. The Observatory is committed to training and hosting researchers and scientists in order to develop and structure climate research in the region. It thus maintains its original mission and continues the story begun by Georges Fabre and Charles Flahault at the very end of the 19th century.^ecentury.

Little girl at the Climatograph, Mont Aigoual Observatory

The Climatograph Observatory of Mont Aigoual

Climate Fresco at the Climatograph, Mont Aigoual Observatory

A place of superlatives!

Climatographer, Mont Aigoual Observatory

An unbeatable 360° panorama!

On a clear day, more than a quarter of France is open to visitors: from the mountain range to Alpes , Mediterranean sea, Canigou au Pic du Midiand of the Lead of the Cantal au Puy-de-Sancy.

It also offers an incomparable quality of night sky for observing the celestial vault.

Coming to Mont Aigoual is a unique experience!

The sky of the Cévennes

A sometimes extreme climate

In figures, Mont Aigoual generates on average each year:

240 days of fog
164 days of rain per year with a total of 1950 mm
270 days with winds exceeding 60 km/h, including 100 days with winds exceeding 100 km/h…

and also lots of sunshine and exceptional walks.

The records on Mont Aigoual are impressive:

Temperatures: -28°C in February 1956 and 29,9°C in June 2019

Wind: Gusts exceeding 300 km/h between November 6th and 7th, 1982

Rainfall: 600 mm in 24 hours in October 1963 and February 1964

Snow: 1,86 m of snow in 24 hours between February 16 and 17, 1976 and more than 10 meters accumulated during the winter of 1995/1996

Visit The Climatograph