A simple, free, and truly magical moment that we sometimes forget; all it takes is to look up.
The Lyrids, the great spring meteor shower
Every year in April, Earth travels through the debris left by comet Thatcher, leading to the meteor shower of the Lyrids, one of the oldest observed by humanity. Its peak in 2026 is expected on the night of April 22 to 23, with up to 15 to 20 shooting stars per hour under good conditions. The best time to observe the phenomenon? After midnight, especially between 2 AM and 5 AM, when the sky is darker, and the constellation Lyra is clearly visible. The good news this year: the Moon will be less bothersome, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable. No need for a telescope or complicated gear: just your eyes, a little patience… and ideally a spot away from streetlights.
Where to observe this near Lille?
Let’s be honest: right in the city center, surrounded by neon lights and street lamps, it's not the best spot. To truly enjoy the view, it’s better to get a little further away.
Here are some nice spots around Lille:
✨ The H
éron à Villeneuve-d’Ascq : practical and accessible for an impromptu outing✨ The surroundings of Bouvines or Cysoing : less light pollution, clearer skies
✨ The Scarpe-Escaut Natural Park : perfect for a true nature getaway
✨ ValJoly and Avesnois : definitely one of the best spots in the North for stargazing
✨ The Opal Coast (Cap Gris-Nez, Wissant) : super clear horizon and spectacular skies
Clearly, the further you escape the city, the more the magic happens.
Three tips to not miss a thing
Quick guide :
👉 Get away from city lights
👉 Look at the sky after midnight
👉 Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for 15 to 20 minutes
And above all : don’t stare at your phone every two seconds. The sky loves a little attention!
A Perfect Excuse to Slow Down
Deep down, what we love about shooting stars isn't just the show. It's also that little suspended moment where everything slows down. We sit back, gaze at the sky, forget a bit about everything else, and we become that person who still believes that a wish made at the right moment can change something. Honestly, for a Wednesday night, that's pretty great already.