Journey to the Heart of the Synchrotron – Exceptional Visit of the Particle Accelerators

Please note: the event and guided visits will be conducted in French only.

Every autumn, SOLEIL exceptionally opens the doors of its particle accelerators, usually closed to the public, to let visitors discover what happens behind the scenes of the synchrotron’s operation.

With SOLEIL de minuit, held in the spring, this autumn event dedicated to exploring the accelerators is our second annual public open event.

On Saturday, October 31st, 2026, embark on a Journey to the Heart of the Synchrotron — an immersive 1.5-hour experience to understand how synchrotron light is produced.

Access and Visit Conditions

• Event accessible by registration only.
• Access is prohibited to people with sensitive electronic medical devices (pacemaker, insulin pump, neurostimulator, etc.) due to the presence of powerful magnets. Cochlear implants are authorized, though they may produce harmless crackling sounds.
• The tunnels include narrow and grated passages, not accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). It is strongly advised not to wear high-heeled shoes.
• Children under 10 years old are not allowed. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Program

Please note: the event and guided visits will be conducted in French only.

• Guided tour of the SOLEIL Synchrotron, with exceptional access inside the tunnels to discover the particle accelerators.
• Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes.
• Limited to 10 participants per time slot.

Please note: the event and guided visits will be conducted in French only.