Apave and the Observatoire de Haute Provence: a story of trust and proximity

Top News03/04/2026

At Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire (Alpes de Haute Provence), the CNRS manages a prestigious astronomical site. Apave experts carry out all regulatory inspections of the technical installations at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, guaranteeing the protection of researchers, the 1,350 annual residents and visitors, as well as the durability of scientific equipment. Watch the video ...

An exceptional scientific site

Founded in 1937, the Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP) is a major center for astronomical research. It was here that the first exoplanet was discovered in 1995. Today, the site combines historical heritage and cutting-edge technology, with a dozen domes and interferometric laboratories.

The complexity of the infrastructure, including public buildings and critical technical areas, demands absolute rigor in terms of regulatory compliance. Today, the site houses a dozen domes, interferometry laboratories and environmental monitoring stations. Beyond its scientific dimension, the observatory is also a place to live. In 2024, it welcomed over 1,350 visitors, including international scientists, technical staff and numerous school groups. The complexity of these infrastructures, combining historical heritage and cutting-edge technology, demands absolute rigor in terms of safety and compliance.

Apave's inspection expertise at the service of CNRS

The collaboration between Apave and CNRS is a long-term one. Our employees work on more than fifteen buildings, including technical areas, tertiary buildings and accommodation classified as ERP (Établissement Recevant du Public).

*As Jean-Paul Payan, OHP's Logistics Manager, points out: "Apave gives us this expertise and enables us to work with confidence, above all to guarantee the durability of our installations".

The technicians carry out meticulous regulatory checks on all the site's technical installations. This constant monitoring makes it possible to anticipate faults on equipment which, although modernized, has a rich and complex technical history requiring in-depth knowledge of current standards.

Focus on the inspection of high-voltage electrical installations

The observatory site has three high-voltage transformer substations. These installations generate considerable electrical power, essential for the operation of measuring instruments, but also a source of significant risk. Inspections carried out by Apave Gap inspectors are based on a dual requirement: personal protection and regulatory compliance.

Nicolas Turin, a multi-skilled inspector, explains: "We carry out differential tests, earth continuity measurements and check the resistance of earth connections. These rigorous checks are essential to prevent any risk of electrical accident, fire or short-circuit that could paralyze ongoing scientific research or endanger visitors staying on the plateau.

Proximity for responsiveness

One of the strengths of Apave's support lies in its local presence. Local teams intervene regularly to monitor the site's progress. OHP's facilities are subject to the climatic constraints of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, which can accelerate the deterioration of certain components. "On installations with this kind of history, equipment deteriorates quickly. Regular preventive maintenance is essential," explains Benoît Quilichini, head of Apave's Gap branch. This local presence means we have in-depth knowledge of the technical history of each building. By adapting its protocols to the specific features of each dome, Apave ensures optimum continuity of activity for astronomers who depend on the reliability of the electrical network for their night-time observations.

Securing the future of research and risk management

In addition to verifying compliance, Apave plays an active role in the establishment's risk management strategy. By providing detailed reports and clear recommendations, Apave helps CNRS managers prioritize their modernization investments. Whether it's for the protection of isolated workers in the cupolas, or for fire safety in the accommodation areas, each inspection contributes to making the observatory a safe and sustainable working environment. This relationship of mutual trust enables the Observatoire de Haute-Provence to concentrate on its core business: exploring the universe and understanding our atmosphere, while guaranteeing an exemplary welcome for the public and schoolchildren.

Our services and training to secure your facilities

Regulatory electrical checks

Maintenance of high-voltage substations

Electrical hazards training