Anyone been to the Pic de Midi observatory

[pmrid]

This amazing observatory in the Frency Pyrenees apparently has hotel(ish) accommodation (albeit limited) availabkle. What an amazing place for a break.

http://www.go-pyrenees.com/spend-a-n...e-pic-du-midi/
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/p...di-observatory

Has anyone been there? Would love to hear first-hand reports.
Peter

[multiweb]

Many many times. I'm from the area and was born not far from it. Great place. My profile pic was taken in the coffee shop at the top in 2007. What are you after. Got plenty of pics if you're interested.

[pmrid]

Hi Marc,
I was particularly interested in hearing about the accommodation facilities that are said to be available at the observatory.
Peter

[multiweb]

Ah ok. Not sure about accommodation up there. I know there is a big building for the scientists and a small restaurant/coffee shop. But everything that goes up or down from there is via helicopter. Couldn't check your links. Maybe they've built more facilities up there but it's a really small space.

[pmrid]

Marc, great pics. Thank you.
This site:

http://www.go-pyrenees.com/spend-a-night-on-the-top-of-the-pyrenees-at-the-pic-du-midi/

says:
"ONE of the most unusual and special hotels on the planet has to be the hotel attached to the Pic du Midi space observatory in the French Pyrenees.

Yes, this spectacular and famous location has a small hotel attached where you can spend a night to take advantage of the observatory’s facilities to study the night sky.

The observatory’s location high up in the Pyrenees gives it a very special clear view of the stars. It’s so good, in fact, that NASA scientists mapped the surface of the Moon from here before the Apollo spacecraft landings.

And the observatory and its hotel are open throughout the year so you can combine it with a winter ski holiday – when the skies are often especially clear – or a summer hiking holiday. Both sports, and many others, are well supported in the region." and

"The hotel costs 229 euro for a single person in a single room, 349 euro for a two people in a double. That includes the cable car ride up, site visit, dinner, breakfast. All rooms have stunning views of the Pyrenees and include linen. The rooms were originally designed for visiting astronomers so are a bit basic. Book online here www.hopresa.com

There’s also a restaurant at the Pic du Midi which serves simple, traditional meals based on local products."

Not cheap by any means but what an experience.

Peter

[multiweb]

Sounds legit. Let me shoot an email to my relos and I'll see if they've heard about it. Will let you know.

[DavidTrap]

Cable car ride looks entertaining for those with vertigo!

DT

[multiweb]

The shot I posted is just past the last ridge. Notice the cable goes straight to the top. No poles. Couple of Ks.

[LewisM]

Erm, hélicoptère s'il vous plaît!

My father - ex-B777 Check and Training Captain - would be white knuckle and probably syncope (I saw him almost go out on the cable car from Sentosa Island to Singapore!)

[Kunama]

I wonder if the US Marines are still "Prowler"ing in the Alps?

I think the helicopter would be my choice as well....... spectacular scenery and the observatory would be great to see but there is now way in Hades I could get my wife into either a chopper or the cable car.

[LewisM]

After Prowler minus fin after impacting a cable, who knows :)

[DavidTrap]

I think I'd just have to sit on the floor and ignore the view. Please don't tell me it's like the stupid cable car in Whistler with a glass floor...

DT

[multiweb]

No, the cable car is quite spacious and the ride is very comfortable. You get a bit of sway when you're in the middle but nothing major. As for the view it's like being on a small plane.

If you drive up to the Col du Tourmalet (famous with Le Tour De France) you can walk up there. It's a nice trek. Couple of hours one way.