ESA background
Richard worked for 30 years at ESA and continues to contribute to mission development after retirement.
Observatory story
A private observatory shaped by decades under the night sky.
Le Bourdieu Observatory brings together decades of engineering, observing, imaging, and steady refinement in one working site above La Romieu.
Richard Francis, founder of GersAstronomie and designer of Le Bourdieu Observatory.
From ESA missions to a private observatory in Gers.
Richard Francis began as an amateur astronomer and photographer in his teens, then built a long technical career at British Aerospace and the European Space Agency.
After years dealing with weather and light pollution in the Netherlands, Richard and Huguette found their ideal site in La Romieu in 2013: elevated ground, practical access, low light pollution, and the calm of rural Gers.
Construction of Le Bourdieu Observatory began the same year and reached first light in 2015. Since then, the site has continued to evolve through regular improvements.
Always evolving
Software, electronics, and practical improvements continue to refine and protect the main equipment.
Background
Richard Francis and the observatory.
Clear guidance
The observatory experience makes the sky easier to understand, whether guests arrive as beginners or experienced photographers.
English and French
Sessions can be hosted in English or French.
Setup
Observing and imaging tools.
Large-aperture observing
The public observing experience is built around a large 30 cm telescope suited to visually rich deep-sky sessions.
Astrophotography platform
Richard currently uses an Officina Stellare Ultra Corrected RC360 telescope with a Paramount MEII mount and a Moravian C5A-100M camera.
Working test bed
A replica observatory in Richard's office acts as a safe environment for testing software and electronics before changes reach the main setup.
The observatory comes fully alive after dark.
That is when the sky, the instruments, and Richard Francis's explanations come together.