Photos: Storms in France replaced by…northern lights

The aurora borealis illuminated skies across France during the night of October 10-11.

This solar storm was a welcome pause from the rainstorms which have swept through the country this week.

The Northern Lights were once again visible in the UK as well as France, as far south as Montpellier and across the Côte d'Azur, following a similar display last month.

When occurring in the higher parts of the sky, pinkish-violet shades appear as was the case in the south of France. In the lower parts and closer to the Arctic Circle, the Lights are green.

Astrophysicist Eric Lagadec from the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur deemed it an exceptional night, saying: “We only know 24 hours in advance that there is going to be a big solar flare and it only becomes clear an hour before the phenomenon,” reports France3. 

Star-gazers across France wrapped up to witness the nighttime display of dancing lights, sharing photos and videos on social media. 

Green hues in the north of France

Visible despite the clouds

A first-time sighting for many

The Northern Lights have been visible multiple times in France this year. On May 10 and September 12, they were seen as far south as Montpellier, Hérault. 

Read also: Spectacular Northern Lights display illuminates France's night sky

Read also: PHOTOS: Northern Lights stun in skies across southern France

The solar flares that cause these coloured Lights will peak in 2025 as the sun ends its standard 11-year activity cycle. 

So there is a chance to see them again.