FXB Foundation - FXB Observatory in Saint-Luc (Valais, Switzerland)

A BRIDGE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH

Inaugurated in 1995, the François-Xavier Bagnoud Astronomical Observatory is the brainchild of François-Xavier's parents, Albina du Boisrouvray and Bruno Bagnoud, who saw it as a symbolic link between earth and sky, as well as a means of providing privileged access to astronomy for everyone.

Situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres above the village of Saint-Luc in the Valais Alps, near Sierre, the observatory enjoys an exceptionally pure atmosphere. Designed to make astronomy accessible to all, it welcomes tourists and hikers, as well as schools and amateur astronomers wishing to learn or deepen their knowledge in quasi-professional conditions.

Equipped with a wide range of instruments (60 cm telescope with CCD camera, 20 cm telescope, coelostat, 16 cm coronagraph), it can be used both during the day for sun observation and at night for sky observation. The main building houses a 30-seat auditorium with full audio-visual equipment. Other facilities - such as a small bookshop, an Internet workstation, a workshop, a photo lab, a kitchen and a 6-bed dormitory - complete the François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory.

It's easy to get to, thanks to its proximity to the Saint-Luc - Tignousa funicular arrival station. Dormitories are also available at the on-site mountain restaurant.

The François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory is also the starting point for the Chemin des Planètes, a 6-kilometre trail of the 9 planets of the solar system, located between 2200 and 2500 metres, facing the prestigious 4000-meter peaks of the Valais Alps.

For more information: https: //www.ofxb.ch/