How I acquired a complete Cassini map collection (and my plans with It)

Many of you have been following my 587 Map Challenge. For a week, I arranged the 587 maps of the Service Vicinal one by one to recreate a giant map of France at the end of the 19th century. This project fascinated and inspired me, to the point of wanting to do it again… but this time, with an even more legendary map: the Cassini map.

In this article, I tell you how I managed to get my hands on a complete collection of the Cassini map, an absolute rarity, and above all what I intend to do with it.

The chance to find a complete collection of Cassini's map

At the end of 2024, while I was enjoying the success of the 587 Map Challenge, I stumbled upon an announcement that immediately caught my eye: an auction of a complete collection of Cassini's map.

A historical reminder is in order: the Cassini map is the first detailed and consistent topographical map of France, produced in the 18th century. It is an essential reference for cartography and history enthusiasts.

But there's one major obstacle: the estimates are very high. This is no surprise, given how valuable these maps are. After some research, I discovered that the last sale of a complete set was in 2016. Such a rare opportunity may never come around again.

After some quick thought, I decided to take the plunge and acquire this unique set!

An authentic, magnificent collection in excellent condition

A few months later, after an unbearable wait, I finally received the collection. A lovely 70 kg package awaited me!

The whole thing is impressive:

• A custom-made, compartmentalized trunk, painted black with a white title on the lid
• 15 midnight blue marbled paper slipcases, reinforced with green vellum
• And of course, the 181 maps, folded and lined with gray canvas

As soon as I opened the trunk, I was struck by the exceptional condition of the maps. It's a true treasure for any history buff.

What am I going to do with it?

Unlike the Service Vicinal maps, which I gathered myself after extensive research, this set of Cassini maps has always been preserved as a whole. There is therefore no question of reselling them individually.

If you unfold and assemble the whole thing, the resulting map measures more than 12 meters by 12. An impressive size!

My goal is therefore to present this map in museums, galleries and prestigious cultural venues in order to give it visibility commensurate with its historical importance and share my passion.

Conclusion: a new professional and life project!

With this acquisition, I am embarking on a new project which, I hope, will open my eyes to new horizons.

If you are interested in this project, please help me. I am looking to get in touch with:

• Professionals from the cultural world : museums, art galleries, French Institutes, Alliances Françaises, etc.
• Companies promoting “Made in France” : luxury, wine, gastronomy, etc.
• Entrepreneurs or history enthusiasts abroad, interested in an association around a crazy project!

If you have any contacts, ideas or opportunities, please feel free to share them with me by writing to me.

The story of the Cassini map continues, and this is just the beginning of a new adventure.