Marseille is famous for its Old Port, the Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the Calanques. But beneath the city lies an incredible feat of engineering at the cutting edge of innovation: its sewers.
Built in 1891 to combat cholera and smallpox epidemics, and expanded in 1979 to protect the Prado beaches, Marseille’s sewer system stretches over 2,000 kilometers and is constantly evolving. Since 2019, it has even housed France’s largest biomethane production unit – providing heating for thousands of homes in a more environmental-friendly way.
How was this gigantic network built? What innovations accompanied its creation? And how are engineers reimagining it today to meet the challenges of tomorrow?
Production: La Famiglia for NOVO19
Delivery: July 2026