Astrofarm!

We are still here! Rural Retreat started life 10 years ago, as the purpose built, residential astronomy centre ‘Astrofarm’. And we havent gone away, we’ve just expanded the retreats on offer.

We still have the velvet black skies, incredible unbroken South views and a micro climate giving above average cloudless nights. We have the expertise and the equipment to provide you with a unique astrophotography experience.

We will be running regular astronomy retreats around the new moon periods and we are very happy to take bookings for group visits for astronomy clubs outside the organised retreat dates. Email sue@ruralretreatfrance.com to discuss your visit.

Rural Retreat Astronomy Centre

Our Astronomy Centre, fondly known as ‘Astrofarm’, is the perfect place for an astronomy retreat. With great weather, huge, velvet dark skies and stunning south and west views, Astrofarm specialises in astronomy breaks for the astronomer and astro-photographer.

Our Astronomy Centre includes a warm room with tea & coffee making facilities, wifi, plentiful outdoor power points, observing area, tripods, telescopes, piers and equipment. Our viewing area and observing platforms and clear, dark skies provide the perfect location for viewing and photographing the night sky.

Astronomy retreats

Astronomy retreats have been carefully designed to offer flexibility for guests. Astronomers who are up throughout the night, are offered hospitality to fit with their nocturnal schedule.

We provide hot drinks 24/7, breakfast is served until midday and evening meals are planned around a night of observing.

The Dortoir was built for astronomers and is a quiet, dark sleeping room for those heading to bed at daybreak! A minimum guest age of 18 guarantees peace and quiet and the chance to sleep until lunchtime, after a full night observing.