Astronomy festival at La Chapelle-aux-Lys | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

Astronomy Festival 22 & 23 August 2026

For a whole weekend, La Chapelle-aux-Lys becomes a base camp for cosmic explorers. In the heart of one of the most beautiful starlit skies in the Vendée, the Astronomy Festival brings together enthusiasts, the curious and families on the same mission: to understand the universe… and marvel together.

Daytime events, lectures, meetings, workshops and night-time observations immerse young and old alike in a fascinating adventure combining science, imagination and contemplation.

In 2026, the festival celebrates its 18ᵉ edition around a theme as mysterious as it is spectacular: “Eclipse(s)”.

Focus on 2026 programming

The full festival programme will be unveiled in the coming weeks. But one thing is certain: the weekend already promises a cosmic immersion rich in discovery and emotion under the stars.

Theme for 2026: “Eclipse(s)”!
Celestial mysteries, rare phenomena, records and extraordinary stories will be at the heart of this new edition.

Conference on Saturday 22 August at 8.30pm
New this year: online booking is now open for the Saturday evening lecture.

Price: €4 per person – Payment on site

Observations, events and astronomy-related meetings will round off the weekend’s programme.

Book the conference

The spirit of the event What people like, beyond the programme

A festival for dreamers and explorers

The Astronomy Festival invites everyone to slow down, look up and rediscover the beauty of the night sky.

When night becomes a living spectacle

There’s no need for a giant stage or special effects here: the real show takes place above your heads.

An adventure for everyone

You don’t need to be an astrophysicist to enjoy the show. Here, curiosity is your best rocket.

About the organiser

Astrolys Association

Helping people to discover and understand the secrets of the universe: that’s the mission that the enthusiasts of the Astrolys association have set themselves. They are behind the Astronomy Festival, the Planetarium and the Star Trail in La Chapelle-aux-Lys, and all year round they share their fascination for the heavens through events, observations and immersive experiences accessible to all.

www.astrolys.fr