Marseille’s Historic Tide Gauge Comes to Life in a New Comic
So let me tell you about a really fascinating piece of Marseille’s heritage that’s getting a fresh spotlight. It’s the story of the marégraphe — the tide gauge station — a place that has quietly shaped how France understands its own geography. And now, this whole journey has been brought to life in a brand-new comic book.
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The marégraphe of Marseille was built way back in 1884. At the time, France needed a precise way to define the “altitude zéro,” the baseline used for all continental altitude measurements. Instead of picking a theoretical point, it was decided that the sea itself would be used — but of course, only if its level could be measured with absolute precision. That’s where the marégraphe came in. Since its installation on the Marseille coastline, it has served as the reference point for the entire country, recording sea levels for nearly 150 years. It’s one of a kind in the world, both a scientific instrument and a historic monument.
And the timing couldn’t be better. With the holiday season approaching, the comic is being released as a perfect gift idea. It will be available for pre-sale at 12 euros, and then officially in bookstores from 21 January 2026 at 13 euros. For anyone living in or around Marseille, there are even special signing events. On Friday, 12 December, a pre-sale is being hosted at the Marfret maritime company headquarters on the Quai de la Joliette, running from midday to 6 p.m., with signatures between 4 and 6 p.m. The next day, Saturday the 13th, another session will take place directly at the marégraphe itself on the Corniche Kennedy, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a signing window in the afternoon.
The comic doesn’t just tell a technical story — it brings to life a monument that has quietly shaped France’s understanding of its own land and coastline. It’s the kind of project that blends history, science, and local pride, all wrapped in a format that’s accessible and engaging. For anyone curious about Marseille, French geography, or simply a good story rooted in real places, it’s a beautiful way to rediscover a part of the city that many people don’t even know exists.
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