Observe an aurora in France

Four practical guides to go from Pulsar alert to successful observation, naked-eye or with a camera.

• See auroras

  When to see the northern lights in France

  The best time to see an aurora from France is at night, away from the full moon, during an active solar cycle (2024-2028). Auroral activity ...

  6 min read
• See auroras

  Where to see the northern lights in France

  A good observation site meets three criteria: clear northern horizon, low light pollution (Bortle ≤ 4), easy road access. The northern and w...

  7 min read
• See auroras

  How to observe the northern lights

  Observing an aurora from France needs little gear: no optics required. The keys are anticipation (check indices the day before), preparation...

  6 min read
• See auroras

  How to photograph an aurora

  To photograph an aurora from France, a tripod and a 4-15 second exposure are enough, with a wide-angle lens open (f/2.8 or faster), ISO 1600...

  7 min read