Séolane (Site for research, observation and lodging focused on nature and the environment in Ubaye) was established in 2011 at the initiative of the municipality of Barcelonnette. It started under the program for rehabilitation of former military barracks in the Craplet neighborhood. Managed by an association of which the Mayor of Barcelonnette is president, the site houses facilities for teaching, research and conferences, as well as an infrastructure dedicated to lodging and catering for teachers and researchers. Séolane hosts researchers mainly in the fields of environmental and natural hazard studies, and biodiversity.

Beginning in September 2012, Séolane has also made available an office, a mechanics/electronics workshop and a storage cellar for the LISE team. Since Barcelonnette is the closest city to the Hypertelescope site, the facilities available at Séolane are particularly valuable for the team. The storage space can suitably shelter the material dismantled during the winter, and in the workshop technical improvements can be made in preparation for the next season. The proximity of Barcelonnette to the valley of the Moutière also makes it possible to organize scientific meetings at the center, providing opportunities for discussing the latest developments in hypertelescopes and optical interferometry in astronomy.

Séolane Center, Barcelonnette ©MR	LISE workshop at Séolane ©JPR