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Departmental Environment and Observation Centre in Valberg

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Nestling at an altitude of 1,700 metres in the Alpes-Maritimes, the resort of Valberg is preparing to welcome a place of discovery like few others in France: the Maison Départementale de l’Environnement et de l’Observation. This project, supported by the Alpes-Maritimes department, is designed to help you experience the mountains in a different way, whatever the season.

Official opening on 16 June 2026!
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A unique blend of nature, culture and astronomy

In spring 2026, this unique home will cover 1,800 m² in the heart of Valberg. It will be housed in the completely renovated Maison Valbergane, which will be extended by a brand new building. Together, they form a cultural and scientific centre open to all: families, schoolchildren, nature lovers, astronomy enthusiasts and the simply curious.

The centrepiece? A 12-metre-diameter immersive planetarium, a veritable technological jewel that plunges you into spectacular experiences – from the heart of the Mercantour National Park to the farthest reaches of the universe. It’s a unique way to contemplate the heavens from one of the first International Dark Sky Reserves in the Southern Alps.

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    What can you find out at the Maison de l'Environnement?

    ©Valberg Planetarium Dome @otvalberg

    The site is packed with areas and activities to suit all tastes:

    • Sessions in the immersive planetarium to travel to the stars without leaving the mountain
    • Educational workshops on astronomy, biodiversity and sustainable development
    • The Maison du Parc national du Mercantour (184 m²), for everything you need to know about this exceptional area
    • An extensive departmental media library to extend your curiosity
    • A multimedia room, a 228-seat cinema and temporary exhibitions
    • An educational garden for young and old alike
    • A 430 m² reception hall with a shop, a space for socialising and contemplation

    And for groups or professionals, the site also hosts seminars, conferences, artistic residencies and private receptions.

    Valberg, much more than a ski resort

    The first resort in the Southern Alps to be awarded the Flocon Vert label in 2018, and winner of the Marianne d’or for sustainable development in 2007, it has reinvented itself as a true four-season destination. In winter, people come here to ski on its slopes. The rest of the year, you can hike to the foot of Mont Mounier (2,817 m), walk the Planetary Trail and marvel at the rare purity of the starry sky.