Imagine you are standing right in front of the Observatory Camille Flammarion. This building, with its 5-meter-high dome, is a historic treasure of the French astronomical heritage. Founded in 1882, it became the observatory of Camille Flammarion, after he received this historic property from a generous admirer. The astronomer, a popular figure in the 19th century, transformed the old building into a haven for scientific exploration.
The Observatory Camille Flammarion was originally an inn that awaited royal guests traveling regularly to Fontainebleau. The structure served as a post relay in the 1800s and even hosted Napoleon Bonaparte for his last night in 1814. He learned of the failed coup d’état here, and eventually departed for Fontainebleau to bid his final farewells.
Flammarion installed a 5-meter diameter dome to house the second amateur telescope of the time, the Observatory became a leading center for scientific research. The astronomer, passionate about all sciences of nature, established a meteorology and radio culture station in the park. He even amassed a library with over 10,000 volumes, filled with works of science history with authors like Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Leibniz, Laplace and Delambre.
The Observatory has seen many illustrious persons grace its grounds, including Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil and the American Astronomer Percival Lowell. Famous writer Raymond Queneau is buried in the Observatory’s park. Unfortunately, the site has been closed to the public for safety reasons. Ongoing restoration plans aim to revive this symbolic place in the spirit of its founder, by contributing to the popularization of astronomy for a broader audience. It could then welcome school groups and the general public alike.