The Alps are a stargazer’s paradise—craggy peaks, crisp air, and skies so dark you’ll swear the Milky Way’s close enough to touch. In France and Switzerland, high-altitude spots with barely any light pollution make for epic astrotourism. Whether you’re after a cozy chalet with a telescope or a rugged hike to a starry viewpoint, the Alps deliver. Here’s your guide to chasing stars in the Alpine regions for 2025, with tips on where to go, how to get there, and places to crash that’ll keep you starry-eyed. Written quick, so forgive any typos—it’s the mountains calling!

Why the Alps for Stargazing?

At 2,000-3,000 meters, the Alps put you above city haze and clouds, with air so clear the stars pop like nowhere else in Europe. France and Switzerland have embraced astrotourism, with dark sky zones, guided star walks, and luxe retreats that pair wine with constellations. August is prime time—warm enough for night hikes, plus the Perseids meteor shower (peaking August 11-13, 2025) lights up the sky. From the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, the combo of mountain views and cosmic vibes is unbeatable.

1. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France – Stargazing Under Europe’s Highest Peak

Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc, and its high-altitude spots like Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) offer insane starry views. The valley’s got low light pollution, and local astro-guides make it easy to spot Orion or the Andromeda Galaxy. The vibe’s lively—think apres-ski but for stargazers.

Why Go? You get Mont Blanc’s majesty by day and a sky full of stars by night. Local star parties are beginner-friendly and fun.
Stargazing Spots: Head to Planpraz (reachable by gondola) or hike to Lac Blanc for open skies. Guided tours from Chamonix Astro offer telescopes and hot cocoa.
Getting There: Fly to Geneva (1-hour drive) or take a train to Chamonix via Lyon. Roads are good, but parking’s tight in summer.
Where to Stay: Hotel Le Morgane has rooftop views for casual stargazing; budget travelers can try Chamonix Lodge. For luxury, Terminal Neige Refuge du Montenvers sits high with epic skies.
Pro Tip: Book gondola tickets early for Planpraz. Bring warm layers—nights are chilly at altitude. For photos, a 15-second exposure with a tripod catches meteors.

2. Les Portes du Soleil, France/Switzerland – Cross-Border Stargazing

This massive ski region spanning France and Switzerland doubles as a dark sky haven in summer. Villages like Morzine (France) and Champéry (Switzerland) offer access to high plateaus where stars shine bright. The area’s known for luxe stargazing retreats that blend spa vibes with astronomy.

Why Go? Quiet villages and high meadows mean zero light pollution. Guided night hikes with local astronomers add a personal touch.
Stargazing Spots: Try the Pointe de Mossette (2,277m, accessible by lift) or Col de Cou for wide-open skies. Astro Alps runs guided sessions with portable scopes.
Getting There: Fly to Geneva, then drive 1.5 hours to Morzine or Champéry. Trains to Cluses plus a bus work, but a car’s easier for remote spots.
Where to Stay: Chalet Etoile in Morzine offers stargazing decks; budget options include Hostel Morzine. In Switzerland, try Hotel Beau-Séjour in Champéry for charm.
Pro Tip: Check lift schedules—some close early. A red flashlight saves your night vision. For pics, use a wide-angle lens and 10-20 second exposures for star trails.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland – Stars Over the Matterhorn

Zermatt’s car-free village and the towering Matterhorn make it a bucket-list spot for astrotourists. At 1,600-3,000 meters, the skies are dark, and high-altitude spots like Gornergrat (3,135m) offer unreal views of the Milky Way. The area’s observatories and star walks are top-notch.

Why Go? The Matterhorn’s silhouette under a starry sky is pure magic. The Gornergrat Observatory’s public nights are a treat for science nerds.
Stargazing Spots: Take the Gornergrat railway for high-altitude viewing or hike to Riffelberg for quieter spots. Zermatt Stargazing offers guided tours with lasers.
Getting There: Fly to Zurich or Geneva, then train to Zermatt (3-4 hours). No cars allowed in town, so rely on trains or e-taxis.
Where to Stay: Hotel Schwarzsee near Gornergrat has epic sky access; budget travelers can try Youth Hostel Zermatt. For luxe, Mont Cervin Palace is a splurge.
Pro Tip: Gornergrat’s pricey—book train tickets early. Bring a thermos for warmth. A DSLR with a 20-second exposure grabs great meteor shots during Perseids.

4. Grand Combin, Switzerland – Off-the-Beaten-Path Skies

Tucked in the Valais region, the Grand Combin area is less touristy but a stargazing gem. Its remote valleys and peaks (up to 4,314m) keep light pollution at bay, and small villages like Verbier or Bourg-St-Pierre offer cozy bases for night sky adventures.

Why Go? It’s quieter than Zermatt, with pristine skies and intimate astro-tours. You’ll feel like you’ve got the stars to yourself.
Stargazing Spots: Head to Lac des Toules or hike to Col de Mille for dark skies. Local guides like Verbier Stargazing offer small-group telescope sessions.
Getting There: Fly to Geneva, then drive 2 hours to Verbier or Bourg-St-Pierre. Trains to Martigny plus a bus work, but a car’s best for flexibility.
Where to Stay: Chalet d’Adrien in Verbier is luxe with sky views; try Auberge des Alpes in Bourg-St-Pierre for budget. Camping’s possible but chilly.
Pro Tip: Trails can be steep—stick to guided tours if you’re not a hiker. A star chart helps spot constellations. Phone cameras won’t cut it—bring a DSLR for night shots.

5. Vercors Regional Natural Park, France – Hidden Alpine Gem

South of Grenoble, Vercors is a lesser-known stargazing hotspot with limestone cliffs and high plateaus. Its Dark Sky status ensures clear views, and the rural vibe makes it perfect for families or solo travelers wanting a chill cosmic escape.

Why Go? It’s less crowded than Chamonix, with wide-open plateaus for meteor watching. Local astro-clubs host friendly star parties.
Stargazing Spots: Try Col de Rousset or the Plateau d’Ambel for unobstructed skies. Vercors Astronomie runs public viewing nights with big telescopes.
Getting There: Fly to Lyon or Grenoble, then drive 1-2 hours. Buses to Die are slow, so rent a car for remote spots.
Where to Stay: Hotel du Col de la Machine is central with great views; budget campers can try Camping Les Acacias. Book early for summer.
Pro Tip: August nights are mild but bring a jacket. A red torch is a must for night hikes. For photos, a 15-30 second exposure catches Perseids streaks.

logo