France's August 12 2026 Solar Eclipse Spurs Public Events and Safety Warnings
On 12 August 2026 a solar eclipse will blank out up to 99 % of the Sun’s disc over parts of France. In Alsace the eclipse will begin around 19:20, reach maximum coverage at 20:16–20:17 and end after sunset near 21:07. The Société astronomique du Haut‑Rhin and the CNES have provided timings for Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar and other locations, noting that the low sun and potential cloud cover may hinder viewing.
French health and consumer authorities warned that ordinary sunglasses do not protect eyes during the eclipse. Only certified eclipse glasses that filter 100 % of UV radiation are safe, and the DGCCRF is inspecting manufacturers, with fines up to €200 000 for non‑compliant products.
A public celebration is planned in Paris at the Hôtel Molitor rooftop, featuring a flamenco show, tapas, astrology readings and a minimum spend of €40 per guest from 19:00 to midnight. In Franche‑Comté observers are advised to seek high, unobstructed points such as the Montfaucon belvedere, the Citadel of Besançon or Larmont near Pontarlier, with the eclipse’s peak expected around 20:20.
Entities: Centre national d’études spatiales (CNES) · Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des · Hôtel Molitor · Montfaucon belvedere · Société astronomique du Haut‑Rhin