Four solaire de Mont-Louis Guide
Harnessing the Sun: Discover the Mont-Louis Solar Furnace Guide
The Four Solaire de Mont-Louis (Mont-Louis Solar Furnace) is a fascinating scientific facility dedicated to harnessing the power of the sun. This large solar furnace uses a system of mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a small target, generating extremely high temperatures. It's a unique and impressive demonstration of solar energy technology and a captivating attraction for visitors of all ages. The Mont-Louis Solar Furnace was built in 1949 and was one of the first large-scale solar research facilities in the world. Its location in Mont-Louis was chosen due to the region's high number of sunny days and clear skies. The furnace consists of a field of heliostats (movable mirrors) that track the sun and reflect its rays onto a large parabolic mirror. This mirror then focuses the concentrated sunlight onto a target area, creating temperatures of up to 3,800 degrees Celsius. Visitors can take a guided tour of the solar furnace and learn about its history, technology, and applications. The tour includes a demonstration of the furnace in action, showcasing its ability to melt metal and perform other experiments. The facility is used for research in various fields, including materials science, aerospace, and energy. The intense heat generated by the furnace is used to test the resistance of materials to extreme temperatures and to develop new solar energy technologies.
Transportation
Mont-Louis is accessible by bus from larger towns in the region. Check local bus schedules for routes serving Mont-Louis. From Perpignan, you can take a train to Villefranche-de-Conflent and then a bus to Mont-Louis.