How to make the most of Wednesday's solar eclipse in France

A rare solar eclipse will be visible from parts of France on Wednesday evening, marking the first such event in the country in 27 years. The Moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, obscuring part of the Sun’s disk and casting its shadow on the ground. In France, viewers can expect 90 percent coverage in some areas, 92 percent in Paris, and 99 percent in the Basque Country.

The best viewing spots are in the Basque Country and Paris, while northeastern France will see around 90 percent coverage. The eclipse will take place in the evening, starting around 7:20pm, peaking at 8:20pm, and ending at 9pm, though exact timings may vary slightly by location. Clear skies are expected across most of the country, with only light clouds possible in Brittany and the Massif Central.

French media outlets have compiled tools to help people find precise viewing times based on their commune. Special events are being held in some towns, often at observatories, while others have listed good viewing spots. Looking directly at the sun is dangerous, so protective glasses are essential. Due to high demand for glasses, some locations in France have sold out, but alternative methods to view the eclipse include creating a pinhole camera or watching via shadows.

With France currently experiencing a heatwave, viewers should take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and using hats. After the eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak during Wednesday night, providing an additional celestial spectacle for outdoor enthusiasts. A total solar eclipse will not be visible in France until September 2081, but the next partial and annular eclipses will occur on August 2nd, 2027, and January 26th, 2028, respectively.