Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris

Introduction

Conveniently located in the center of Paris, IAP is a quite famous institute, initially a laboratory from CNRS, it is also associated to the Paris 6 university.

Population

The current populations is estimated at 160 people, including searchers, technicians, engineers, administrative staff and Phd students. Being in the center of Paris, the french arrogant capital, some of the local population suffers from giant egos (even by astronomer standards).

What to see

Around 2000, many work has been done in the building. You can enjoy the nice entrance hall, and the modern cafeteria on level 2, with an outdoor terrace. Also visit the amphitheater, with old-fashion wooden sits. The absence of air conditioning in this theater is well known from attendants to the yearly colloquium held at IAP each year in summer. The rumor is that AC will be installed there soon.

Where to eat/drink ?

The canteen of the observatory is relatively good, even by french standards. Lots of restaurants and “brasseries” are located around and in Daguerre street, a small pedestrian street, very close. There is a cafeteria, but if you want a real italian coffee, ask around, the legend says that one of the offices hosts a real coffee machine.

Events

Seminar is every week, on friday at 11. A yearly colloquium is hosted by the institute, cycling trough the subjects studied there. Notice that a series of public lectures is also given in IAP.