Rare Old Map of France Departments by Vidal Lablache, 1897: Educational Wall Chart
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FREE delivery in 2 to 3 days
Free delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery, worldwide.
We make maps by hand locally in 23 countries, including Canada
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. If you're buying a gift for someone in another country, we will make the map locally to them.You will never pay import tax or customs duty.
Free delivery will gradually get slower towards Christmas, as postal services start to struggle with larger volumes of post. I recommend ordering sooner rather than later to make sure you get everything with time to spare.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1-2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend $80 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
- Framing & personalisation available
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60 day money back guarantee
60 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 60 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
Our usual returns window is 30 days, but to give you extra peace of mind during the Christmas period, we have an extended returns period of 60 days.
For personalised and customised items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell personalised orders.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
- The model holds the 16x20in (40x50cm) map
Custom size and finish
If you are looking for a size or finish that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French geography and history with the "France: Départements" map, crafted by the esteemed Paul Vidal de La Blache in 1897. Vidal de La Blache, a luminary in the field of geography and a pivotal figure in its modern evolution, brings his scholarly expertise and passion for the French landscape to this detailed political and physical map. As a professor at the École Normale Supérieure and the Collège de France, his work not only reflects the academic rigor of his research but also his profound connection to the land, making this map a testament to the depth of his understanding and appreciation of France's diverse regions.
The map itself emerges from a period of profound transformation within France, a nation rebuilding in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War and amidst the birth pangs of the Third Republic. This historical context breathes life into the "France: Départements" map, illustrating the newly established political and administrative divisions with meticulous detail. The inclusion of cities, rivers, mountains, and departmental borders serves not just as a geographical reference but as a narrative of resilience and renaissance, capturing the essence of a country on the cusp of modernity.
Paul Vidal de La Blache's masterpiece is a harmonious blend of art and science, with its detailed depiction of France's physical and political geography. From the rugged peaks of the Alps and Pyrenees to the meandering courses of the Rhine and Loire rivers, each feature is rendered with precision and clarity. The map also highlights France's strategic position within Europe through detailed borders, including its coastal boundaries with the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and the English Channel, underscoring the country's natural and geopolitical significance.
Beyond its utility as a reference tool, the map serves as an educational instrument, designed to be legible from across the classroom. The exaggerated features of cities, rivers, and department names are not merely stylistic choices but deliberate enhancements to facilitate learning. This educational purpose aligns with Vidal de La Blache's broader pedagogical goals, making the map an invaluable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts of geography and history alike.
Owning the "France: Départements" map is more than an acquisition of a rare artifact; it is an invitation to journey through the heart of France, guided by one of the most influential geographers of the 19th century. It is a piece that not only adorns a space with its exquisite detail and craftsmanship but also serves as a bridge to the past, offering insights into the geographical and historical contours that have shaped France. This map is a celebration of French identity, a tribute to its resilience, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Paul Vidal de La Blache's scholarly contributions.
Cities and towns on this map
- Paris (2,175,601)
- Marseille (863,310)
- Lyon (522,963)
- Toulouse (479,553)
- Nice (340,013)
- Nantes (316,786)
- Strasbourg (280,968)
- Montpellier (275,244)
- Bordeaux (257,806)
- Lille (231,491)
- Rennes (216,815)
- Reims (182,462)
- Le Havre (178,906)
- Saint-Étienne (172,023)
- Toulon (171,954)
- Grenoble (158,105)
- Dijon (156,920)
- Angers (154,518)
- Brest (140,064)
- Le Mans (140,043)
- Clermont-Ferrand (140,029)
- Amiens (136,105)
- Aix-en-Provence (144,414)
- Limoges (137,352)
- Tours (136,564)
- Orléans (116,672)
- Rouen (110,755)
- Metz (110,336)
- Nancy (105,329)
- Besançon (115,931)
- Caen (105,336)
- Nîmes (151,876)
- Avignon (94,234)
- Poitiers (88,291)
- Mulhouse (108,033)
- Perpignan (120,154)
- Colmar (68,784)
- La Rochelle (75,735)
- Saint-Quentin (55,690)
- Charleville-Mézières (46,399)
- Tarbes (44,365)
- Arras (41,017)
- Valenciennes (40,782)
- Dunkerque (39,274)
- Cambrai (36,229)
- Douai (35,664)
- Boulogne-sur-Mer (34,503)
- Calais (72,944)
- Lens (34,233)
- Béthune (34,133)
- Montluçon (34,022)
- Nevers (33,220)
- Auxerre (33,023)
- Châteauroux (32,464)
- Blois (32,120)
- Évreux (31,941)
- Bourges (31,713)
- Agen (30,936)
- Montauban (30,696)
- Albi (30,356)
- Roanne (30,147)
- Saint-Brieuc (29,603)
- Quimper (29,224)
- Lorient (28,807)
- Vannes (28,416)
- Cherbourg (28,263)
- Le Puy-en-Velay (27,924)
- Valence (27,666)
- Carcassonne (27,444)
- Narbonne (27,336)
- Auch (27,232)
- Foix (27,183)
- Mende (27,179)
- Privas (27,161)
- Tulle (27,147)
- Ussel (27,133)
- Saint-Flour (27,119)
- Aurillac (27,105)
- Rodez (27,091)
- Figeac (27,077)
- Villefranche-de-Rouergue (27,063)
- Cahors (27,049)
- Gourdon (27,035)
- Sarlat-la-Canéda (27,021)
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Alps
- Massif Central
- Pyrenees
- Jura Mountains
- Vosges Mountains
- Ardennes Mountains
- Atlantic Ocean
- Mediterranean Sea
- North Sea
- English Channel
- Bay of Biscay
- Rhine River
- Loire River
- Seine River
- Garonne River
- Rhone River
- International borders
- Departmental borders
Historical and design context
- Map title: France: Départements
- Date: 1897
- Mapmaker/Publisher: Paul Vidal de La Blache
- Paul Vidal de La Blache was a French geographer and historian, considered one of the founders of modern geography.
- The map reflects the new political and administrative divisions of France during a time of great change, following the Franco-Prussian War and the establishment of the Third Republic.
- Designed as an educational tool, with exaggerated features for easy classroom visibility.
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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.
For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.
Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.
I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.
All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.
I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.
If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).
We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.
My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.
I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.
Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.
Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.
All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.
Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.
If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.
My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.
I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.
My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.
I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.
I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.
Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.
Map personalisation
If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.
The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.
To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.
Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.
Map ageing
I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.
Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.
All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.
If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!
If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.
If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.
I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.
I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.
Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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