Jour de la Nuit in Saorge: an evening under the stars celebrating astronomy, nature and environmental awareness

Rediscovering the night sky above Saorge

For one evening, visitors to Saorge will be invited to look upwards and rediscover the beauty of the night sky while learning why protecting darkness is so important.

The “Jour de la Nuit” event will take place on Saturday, October 10 at 7:00 pm, at the village’s Salle des Fêtes. The programme will combine astronomy, environmental awareness and the discovery of nocturnal wildlife, offering participants a different perspective on the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the evening will be the issue of light pollution, an environmental problem that affects our ability to see the stars and can also impact ecosystems and animals that are active after dark.

The Alpes Azur Mercantour International Dark Sky Reserve

The evening will begin with a short presentation dedicated to the Réserve Internationale de Ciel Étoilé Alpes Azur Mercantour, a protected area recognised for the exceptional quality of its night skies.

The presentation will explore the importance of preserving natural darkness and the impact of artificial lighting on the environment. It will also highlight why protecting the visibility of the stars means protecting biodiversity and the delicate balance of nocturnal ecosystems.

A warm bowl of soup before the night walk

Following the introduction, participants will be invited to enjoy a soup offered by the La Sauce association.

This convivial moment will provide an opportunity to warm up and share a relaxed break before continuing the evening’s exploration of Saorge, as the village becomes immersed in the atmosphere of night.

A walk through Saorge after dark

The programme will then continue with a walk through the streets of Saorge, offering participants the chance to observe the village’s public lighting and understand more about how artificial light interacts with the surrounding environment.

The walk will also provide an opportunity to learn about local nocturnal wildlife and discover the relationship between artificial lighting, biodiversity and animal behaviour.

The village itself will become a kind of open-air classroom, allowing participants to see how the presence—or absence—of artificial light can influence life after dark.

Looking up at the stars

The highlight of the evening will be a guided observation of the night sky with an astronomer.

Away from the brightest artificial lights, participants will be able to explore the heavens and potentially observe Mars, the Milky Way and other celestial objects.

The experience is designed not only for astronomy enthusiasts, but also for anyone who simply wants to rediscover the pleasure of looking up at a star-filled sky and learning more about what lies beyond the lights of towns and cities.

Practical information for the Jour de la Nuit in Saorge

Participants are advised to wear warm clothing, as temperatures can drop during the evening and especially during the night-sky observation.

It is also recommended to bring a headlamp with a red light, which is particularly useful for astronomical observation as it allows participants to move around without significantly affecting their eyes’ adaptation to darkness.

Those without a red-light headlamp will be able to use their smartphone and adapt its light to red during the evening.

The event is also open to participants wishing to bring their pets, making it possible to share the experience with four-legged companions.

An invitation to protect the night

The Jour de la Nuit in Saorge will therefore be much more than an evening of stargazing. It will be an opportunity to rediscover the importance of darkness, learn more about the surrounding environment and understand why protecting the night sky is closely connected to protecting nature.

Between a walk through the historic village, a shared bowl of soup and the spectacle of the Milky Way, Saorge will invite visitors to slow down, switch off artificial lights for a few hours and simply look up at the sky.