Old Map of Provence, France by Liozu, 1951: Marseille, Avignon, Cannes, Nice, Monaco

Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues and intricate details of Jacques Liozu's 1951 masterpiece, 'Provence'. This map, more than a mere geographical representation, is a thematic and pictorial homage to the rich culture, history, and beauty of the Provence region of France. Each corner of the map is adorned with vignette drawings, each a visual narrative of the people, products, and historical events that have shaped the region. From the bustling port city of Marseille to the glamorous coastal city of Cannes, this map invites you to explore Provence in a truly unique way.

As a state map, 'Provence' offers a fascinating exploration of the region's diversity. The map's thematic style highlights the distinctive characteristics of each province, from the lavender fields of Luberon to the vineyards of Côtes de Provence. The map also features the region's historical figures and events, resources, sights, churches, important buildings, and activities, all depicted in Liozu's distinctive artistic style. This is not just a map, but a journey through time and space, an invitation to explore Provence's past and present.

The map's pictorial elements are particularly noteworthy. The decorative compass rose, a staple of traditional cartography, adds an element of old-world charm. The relief is shown pictorially, providing a three-dimensional perspective that brings the map to life. The map's other subjects - Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Avignon, and Marseille - are all represented with their unique landmarks and features, offering a snapshot of their distinctive identities within the larger Provence region.

'Provence' is more than a geographical representation; it's a celebration of a region steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. It captures the essence of Provence, from the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera to the rugged beauty of the Alpilles mountains. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of French culture, or simply a connoisseur of fine art, this map offers a captivating journey through one of France's most enchanting regions.

Major Cities:

• Marseille
• Avignon
• Cannes
• Nice
• Monaco

Historic Landmarks:

• Palais des Papes, Avignon
• Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille
• Le Suquet, Cannes
• The Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice
• Prince's Palace, Monaco

Historical Events:

• The establishment of Marseille as a trading port by the Greeks
• The Papacy's move to Avignon in the 14th century
• The rise of Cannes as a resort town in the 19th century
• The development of Nice as a winter resort for the British upper class in the 18th century
• The declaration of Monaco as a principality in the 15th century

Artistic Style:

• Thematic and pictorial representation of the region
• Use of vignette drawings to depict historical figures and events
• Representation of local products and activities
• Use of a decorative compass rose
• Pictorial relief showing the region's topography

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.