The solar eclipse on 12 August 2026

Information you won’t want to miss

The eagerly awaited solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will also be visible in Marseille.

According to forecasts by the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Computation (IMCCE), Marseille will experience a partial eclipse with 96.3 per cent of the Sun obscured – one of the most significant eclipses observable in France.

The phenomenon will begin at 7.31 pm, reach its peak at 8.25 pm, and end at 9.16 pm.

The best spots for viewing the eclipse

To make the most of the spectacle, choose a spot with an unobstructed view to the west, towards the sea.

Among the best vantage points

• Notre-Dame de la Garde, whose commanding position offers an exceptional panoramic view of Marseille and its coastline;
• La Corniche Kennedy
• The Prado beaches

A major stargazing event organised in Marseille

To mark this eclipse, the City of Marseille is organising a free evening event at the Florence Arthaud Water Sports Centre, from 6 pm to midnight, as part of the Été Marseillais festival.

On the programme:

• Distribution of 3,000 pairs of special glasses to view the eclipse safely;
• Commentary on the eclipse by astronomers;
• A live broadcast of the total eclipse as seen from Spain;
• Sky observations through a telescope after sunset;
• An introduction to the constellations and the Perseid meteor shower;
• Entertainment, food trucks and a picnic area.

Precautions to take

Observing a solar eclipse requires a few precautions. Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye, even when it is almost completely obscured by the Moon. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection for your eyes.

To observe the phenomenon safely, use only glasses specifically designed for eclipse viewing, which comply with current safety standards.