the Pic of the seasons for 130 years
Scientific history
The Pic's had a history of meteorology even before it became involved in astronomy. We know that as early as 1774 MONGE and DARCET climbed the Pic to study atmospheric pressure and that in 1873, General DE NANSOUTY installed a temporary meteorological station here, where he measured pressure, temperature, humidity and various other values used in meteorology. The meteorological station is now part of the Météo France network. The first astronomy work only began to take place from 1884 onwards.
Gradually the Observatory became a real centre not only for astronomy but also for sciences such as botany or cosmology. Ever larger instruments giving increasing levels of performance were installed.
Most important dates
1873
Setting up of the Plantade weather station on the Col de Sencours by General Champion de Nansouty.
1878
Foundation stone is laid for the Observatory on the summit of the Pic du Midi.
1908
Construction of the Baillaud Dome, by Emile CARRERE and his workers.
1927
Opening of the Tourmalet/Sencours trail, to convey men and equipment in the summer.
1933
Extension of the trail to the Laquets. Construction of the first refuge accommodation.
1949
Setting up of the ramp conveying people and equipment from the Laquets to the summit (300 m gradient).
1952
Creation of the cable car between La Mongie/Taoulet and the Pic.
1957
Installation of the Télédiffusion De France transmitter at the summit of the Pic.
1962
Construction of the TDF building and from 1963, operating of the aerial. Télédiffusion De France aerial, and the building nowadays.
1963
The 106 cm telescope is set up in the Gentili Dome. Collaboration with NASA for Apollo missions : study of planets and mapping of the lunar surface.
1980
The 2 m Bernard Lyot telescope, the largest in France, is put into service.
1996
Creation of Syndicat Mixte for the tourism enhancement of the Pic du Midi. Building site at 2 877 metres !
2006
The Peak of the South accomodates visitors during the nights of summer 2006.
Winter 2006 / 2007
At almost 3 000 meters of altitude, the summit of the Pic du Midi and its surroundings slopes are now accessible to free ride.
Summer 2007
Mountain bikers have now the opportunity to practice their favorite sport, et take the most out of an exceptional descent in an high mountain spot !
