Sign In Register

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, France

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur · France

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is a small town in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France with a population of 1,142. Elevation: 1,877 ft (572 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,142 Population 106/sq mi density
1,877 ft Elevation 572 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
30.5 in Annual Rain
Europe / Paris Timezone
$24,430 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.3 / 5.0
$24,430 median income, 11.6% unemployment
B
Affordability
3.5 / 5.0
$139,400 home value, $697/mo rent

Discover Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, France

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. It was the death place of 18th-century botanist Jean-Paul de Rome d'Ardène and Taos Amrouche, the French-speaking Algerian writer, singer of Kabyle music, and activist for women's causes.

People

Population1,142
Density106/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$24,430
Unemployment11.6%
Poverty0.1%

Housing

B
Home Value$139,400
Rent$697
Housing Units457
Rent Burden25.0%

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days281/yr
Elevation1,877 ft (572 m)
Population1,142
Population Density106 / sq mi
Elevation1,877 ft (572 m)
Coordinates43.9098°, 5.7158°
TimezoneEurope/Paris
Country🇫🇷 France
State / ProvinceProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Average Temperature54°F (12°C)
January Average40°F (4°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Annual Precipitation30.5 inches (774 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$24,430

About Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is a small town in France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) with a population of 1,142. The city sits at an elevation of 1,877 feet (572 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 54°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 40°F in January to 71°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 30.5 inches. The timezone is Europe/Paris.

The median household income in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is $24,430, which is 67% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 11.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 69 business establishments.

Income: Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire vs France

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$24,430
67% below France avg

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment11.6%
222% above France avg
Poverty Rate0.1%
99% below France avg
Establishments (County)69

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is $139,400, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $697 (40% below the national average of $1,163). There are 457 total housing units in the city. 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$139,400
51% below France avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$697
40% below France avg
Rent Burden25.0%

Ownership & Property

Housing Units457

Property Tax

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 281 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 1,877 feet.

Temperature

40°F Jan (4°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average53.9°F
0% below France avg
January Average40°F (4°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days281 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,877 ft (572 m)
Area10.7 sq mi (27.8 km²)
Population Density106/sq mi
Coordinates43.9098°N, 5.7158°W
TimezoneEurope/Paris

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 30.5"
20% below France avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Oct) 3.90"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.22"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,482 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.

Apr 7, 2014 7 km SE of Guillestre, France M4.8 110 km
Oct 31, 1997 12 km SE of Seyne-les-Alpes, France M4.8 73 km
Feb 11, 1991 5 km ESE of Briançon, France M4.6 133 km
Feb 25, 2001 28 km SSE of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France M4.6 150 km
Jan 20, 1994 1 km NE of Melle, Italy M4.6 148 km
Mar 2, 2012 8 km NNW of Jausiers, France M4.5 102 km
Oct 3, 2012 2 km N of Melle, Italy M4.5 148 km
Apr 21, 1995 4 km ESE of Menton, France M4.4 148 km
Aug 3, 2011 4 km ESE of Barjac, France M4.3 114 km
Jan 20, 1994 1 km SW of Melle, Italy M4.3 146 km
Jan 11, 1999 2 km W of Saint-Paul-de-Varces, France M4.2 130 km
Feb 26, 2012 13 km ESE of Embrun, France M4.2 103 km
Jul 14, 2014 8 km NNW of Jausiers, France M4.1 100 km
Feb 27, 2012 8 km NNW of Jausiers, France M4.1 101 km
Feb 18, 1996 13 km ESE of Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières, France M4.1 127 km
May 16, 2023 16 km W of Pleyne, Italy M4.1 113 km
Jan 7, 2013 7 km SE of Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières, France M4.1 120 km
Apr 11, 1998 1 km SW of Oncino, Italy M4.1 144 km
May 25, 2003 4 km ESE of Valloire, France M4.0 150 km
Apr 24, 1995 14 km SE of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France M4.0 144 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 10.0 m (33 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1979 FRENCH RIVIERA (LIGURIAN SEA) Meteorological 10.0 m 9 125 km
2004 MARSEILLES Meteorological — — 73 km
1564 LIGURIA-COTE D'AZUR Eruption + Earthquake — 650 126 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 40°F (4°C) 2.6 in Coldest
February 42°F (5°C) 2.1 in
March 46°F (8°C) 2.2 in
April 51°F (10°C) 2.8 in
May 58°F (14°C) 2.7 in
June 65°F (18°C) 2.1 in
July 71°F (22°C) 1.2 in Warmest, Driest
August 70°F (21°C) 2.3 in
September 64°F (18°C) 2.9 in
October 55°F (13°C) 3.9 in Wettest
November 46°F (8°C) 3.0 in
December 41°F (5°C) 2.6 in

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 40°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.5 inches, with October being the wettest month (3.9") and July the driest (1.2").

View full weather details →

Schools in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
École primaire la Grande Ourse — — — —
École primaire — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

5 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
RMC FR france, info MP3 128 kbps
France Bleu Provence france, provence MP3 128 kbps
Radio Nunc field recording MP3 96 kbps
La Radio Des Artistes Oubliés alternative, pop MP3
Radio Zinzine — MP3 170 kbps

Museums in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Bastide Les Coustètes
Ecomusée de l'Olivier
Ecomusée de la vigne et du vin
Fondation Carzou
Lou Paraïs - Maison Jean Giono
Maison d'Histoire et de Mémoire d'Ongles
Micro-folie
Musée communal
Musée de la mémoire ouvrière, Mines et Mineurs de Provence
Salagon, Musée et Jardins

Libraries in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Biblio-Brousse0.0
Bibliothèque de La-Tour-d'Aigues0.0
Bibliothèque du Castellas0.0
Bibliothèque intercommunale0.0
Bibliothèque municipale0.0
Bibliothèque municipale0.0
Bibliothèque pour tous0.0
La Médiathèque0.0
Librairie l'Arbousier0.0
Médiathèque Gaston Imbert0.0
Médiathèque intercommunale d'Herbès0.0
Médiathèque intercommunale de Vinon0.0
Médiathèque La Passerelle0.0
Médiathèque Les Carmes0.0
Médiathèque Lucien Jacques0.0
Médiathèque Romain Selsis0.0

Farmers Markets in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Grand marché de Pertuis
Marché Bio Forcalquier
Marché bio La Brillanne
Marché de Céreste
Marche du dimanche matin
Marché paysan
Marché Provencal
Place Joseph Fauchier

Hotels in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

3 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Hôtel de l'Observatoire
Hôtel Galilée
L’auberge de la Petite Casserole

Cinemas in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Revest-des-Brousses - Cinéma de Pays

Theatres in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

1 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Théâtre de verdure

Breweries in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Brasserie Artisanale du Luberon
Brasserie artisanale Les Divers Gens
Brasserie Cérévisia
Brasserie La Manosquine
La Brass Bastelle

Ski Resorts Near Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

6 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Station du Mont Serein 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Le Grand Puy 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Chabanon 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Montclar 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Céüse 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Station de ski de Reallon 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

45 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Marseille Provence AirportMRSLarge Airport
Le Castellet AirportCTTMedium Airport
Le Luc-Le Cannet Airfield—Medium Airport
Salon-de-Provence (BA 701) Air Base—Medium Airport
Aérodrome d'Eyguières—Small Airport
Aix Les Milles airport—Small Airport
Aix-en-Provence Paramotor Field—Small Airport
Altiport de La Motte Chalancon—Small Airport
Altisurface de Banon—Small Airport
Altisurface de Faucon—Small Airport
Altisurface du Grand Terrus—Small Airport
Aspres-sur-Buëch Airfield—Small Airport
Basse Maure Airfield—Small Airport
Berre-la-Fare Airfield—Small Airport
Brue Auriac St Estève Airfield—Small Airport
Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban Airfield—Small Airport
Clamensane Altisurface—Small Airport
Col de Lèques Airfield—Small Airport
Colombe d'Eyguians Airfield—Small Airport
Coustellet Airfield—Small Airport
Crots Airfield—Small Airport
Cruis Mas des Grailles Airfield—Small Airport
Cuers-Pierrefeu Airfield—Small Airport
Edgar Soumille Airfield—Small Airport
Flayosc Ultralight Airfield—Small Airport
Gap-Tallard AirfieldGATSmall Airport
Jouques Bèdes Airfield—Small Airport
La Limate Airfield—Small Airport
La Motte-du-Caire Glider Field—Small Airport
La Roquebrussanne Airfield—Small Airport
Les Queyrons Airfield—Small Airport
Oraison Airfield—Small Airport
Pampelonne Altisurface—Small Airport
Pourrières Airfield—Small Airport
Puimoisson Airfield—Small Airport
Saint-Martin Airfield—Small Airport
Saint-Martin-de-Castillon Airfield—Small Airport
Saint-Suffren Private Ultralight Airfield—Small Airport
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon Airfield—Small Airport
Ségriès Airfield—Small Airport
Serres - La Bâtie-Montsaléon Airfield—Small Airport
Seyne les Alpes Glider Field—Small Airport
Sistéron-Vaumeilh Airfield—Small Airport
Thèmes Ultralight Club Airfield—Small Airport
Vinon Airfield—Small Airport

Post Offices in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Agence Postale Communale
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

Churches & Religious Organizations in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Église Saint-Côme et Saint-Damien
Église Saint-Martin
Église Saint-Michel
Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

Quick Facts

Timezone
Europe/Paris

🇫🇷 About France

Capital Paris
Population 66,987,244
Area 547,030 km²
GDP (USD) $3,056,250,648,138
GDP per capita $44,700
HDI 0.917
Life expectancy 82.9 years
Internet users 86.8%
Urban population 78.8%
Currency EUR (Euro)
Languages French
Calling code +33
TLD .fr
Driving side right

Public Holidays in France

11 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day Jour de l'an
Apr 6 Easter Monday Lundi de Pâques
May 1 Labour Day Fête du Travail
May 8 Victory in Europe Day Victoire 1945
May 14 Ascension Day Ascension
May 25 Whit Monday Lundi de Pentecôte
Jul 14 Bastille Day Fête nationale
Aug 15 Assumption Day Assomption
Nov 1 All Saints' Day Toussaint
Nov 11 Armistice Day Armistice 1918
Dec 25 Christmas Day Noël

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

What is the population of Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire?

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire has a population of 1,142 residents and is located in France. The population density is 106 people per square mile, spread across 10.7 square miles.

Is Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire expensive to live in?

The median household income is $24,430, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $139,400 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $697 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire?

Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 281 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.5 inches.

How is the job market in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire?

The job market in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. There are 69 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire?

The median home value in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is $139,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $697.

Nearby Cities

Mane 1,243 pop · 3.2 mi Reillanne 1,410 pop · 3.5 mi Forcalquier 4,729 pop · 4.7 mi Manosque 21,351 pop · 6.6 mi Volx 2,890 pop · 6.6 mi Pierrevert 3,564 pop · 7.0 mi Céreste 1,213 pop · 7.4 mi Sainte-Tulle 3,404 pop · 8.9 mi La Bastide-des-Jourdans 1,110 pop · 9.5 mi Oraison 4,399 pop · 10.1 mi Beaumont-de-Pertuis 1,008 pop · 12.0 mi Grambois 1,164 pop · 12.0 mi Gréoux-les-Bains 2,045 pop · 13.4 mi Vinon-sur-Verdon 3,275 pop · 13.6 mi
Compare Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire with another city: