France observes Jour de la nuit to combat light pollution

The 18th edition of ‘Jour de la nuit’ (Day of the Night) is being held on October 10, 2026, to raise awareness about light pollution and its impact on biodiversity and energy consumption. Coordinated by the NGO Agir pour l’environnement and supported by the ANPCEN, the event features hundreds of activities across France, including public lighting shutdowns in municipalities like Grenoble and Royan, stargazing sessions, and educational conferences.

While global satellite data shows a 16% increase in nocturnal artificial light between 2014 and 2022, France has seen a 33% reduction during the same period due to lighting modernization and energy sobriety measures. Despite this progress, the Office français pour la biodiversité reports that 85% of metropolitan France remains subject to significant light pollution, which can disrupt biological cycles in plants and animals.