Mire du Nord, Meridian marker and historical monument in 18th arrondissement, France
The Mire du Nord is a geodetic marker in the 18th arrondissement featuring a cubic base with a pyramidal top and metal point. Inscriptions on the stone record its precise elevation and its spatial relationship to the Paris Observatory.
A wooden pole placed by Abbe Jean Picard in 1675 first marked the Paris Meridian at this site. Jacques Cassini replaced it with the stone monument in 1736, which has remained ever since.
The marker recalls Paris' role as a scientific hub and how measurement points shaped early cartography across Europe. Visitors can still sense how such references influenced the way people understood space and location centuries ago.
The marker sits within the private gardens of the Moulin de la Galette residence, though it may be visible from outside or accessible under certain conditions. The location near the intersection of Rue Girardon, Rue Lepic, and Avenue Junot makes it easy to find while exploring the neighborhood.
The stone preserves measurement data from its original construction carved into the rock, serving as a record of 18th-century scientific precision. This accuracy was fundamental to mapping and surveying across Europe.
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