Careful meteorological research has revealed that Saint-Barthélemy has at least 250 cloudless nights a year. The minimal light pollution and low atmospheric turbulence make it an ideal site for astronomy.

Saint-Barthélemy in the Aosta Valley's mountains is 1.600 metres above sea level and roughly 15 kms from the town of Nus. The village lies on a naturally formed "balcony" and has some of Europe's highest mountains: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterrhorn all within a 40 km radius.

Coordinates of the Observatory

It is a perfect starting point for trekking in an unspoiled landscape through the gentle slopes and alpine meadows spotted intermittently with cottages and rustic villages. A guided tour goes round the "Castelliere", an archaeological site probably dating from the Iron Age, and ancient mines.

Links:
.. Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta
.. Comunità Montana Mont-Emilius
.. Comune di Nus
.. Società Incremento Turistico Saint-Barthélemy