Rare Old Map of Guyenne, France by Visscher, 1690: Toulouse, Bordeaux, Donostia-San-Sebastian, Pau, Pyrénées

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the late 17th century with the exquisite 'Description du Guienne' map, a masterpiece by Nicolaes Visscher II. Translated into English, the title reveals the map's primary focus: 'Description of Guyenne', a historical region of France that now forms part of the larger modern-day area of the country. This stunning cartographic representation brings to life the various regions and political divisions of Guyenne, as they were understood in 1690. The richly detailed design is not only a testament to Visscher's craftsmanship but also a reflection of the Dutch Golden Age of mapmaking, which his family significantly contributed to.

This map is a fascinating exploration of the historical cities of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Donostia-San-Sebastian, and Pau. Each city is intricately depicted, highlighting the unique architectural and cultural characteristics of the time. The map also features the Pyrénées National Park, an iconic natural landmark that forms a majestic backdrop to these urban centers. This detailed depiction of the region's topography allows you to traverse the landscape of the past, from bustling cities to serene natural vistas.

Hand-colored in outline, the engraved map vividly illustrates the region's towns, fortifications, forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and landmarks. It includes decorative cartouches, a compass rose, and rhumb lines, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The relief is shown pictorially, lending a three-dimensional effect to the map and enhancing its visual depth. These features not only add to the map's artistic value but also provide valuable insights into the geographical understanding and artistic conventions of the time.

The 'Description du Guienne' map is more than just a cartographic representation of a historical region. It is a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the geographical, political, and cultural landscape of late 17th-century France. This map is an invaluable addition to any collection, appealing to historians, cartographers, and art enthusiasts alike. Its detailed depiction of Guyenne, combined with its artistic beauty and historical significance, makes it a truly unique and luxurious piece.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Guyenne Region:

1. Toulouse: Known as the 'Pink City', it was a major city in the Roman Empire. Historical name: Tolosa.
2. Bordeaux: Famous for its wine production, it was an important port city. Historical name: Burdigala.
3. Pau: Known for its Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV of France.
4. Agen: A bustling city known for its prune production.
5. Bayonne: A fortified city and important military and commercial port.
6. Bergerac: Known for its wine and tobacco.
7. Mont-de-Marsan: Known for its annual 'Madeleine' festival.
8. Dax: Famous for its hot springs and spa facilities.
9. Montauban: Known for its red brick buildings and the Ingres Museum.
10. Perigueux: Known for its Gallo-Roman ruins.
11. Cahors: Famous for its medieval bridge, the Pont Valentré.
12. Albi: Known for its unique red brick cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
13. Rodez: Famous for its Gothic cathedral and the Soulages Museum.
14. Castres: Known for its houses on the Agout river.
15. Tarbes: Known for its National stud farm and the Massey garden.
16. Auch: Known for its monumental staircase and the statue of d'Artagnan.
17. Marmande: Famous for its tomato festival.
18. Angoulême: Known for its international comics festival.
19. La Rochelle: Famous for its old port and towers.
20. Poitiers: Known for its medieval architecture and the Futuroscope theme park.
21. Limoges: Famous for its porcelain production.
22. Clermont-Ferrand: Known for its black lava stone cathedral.
23. Châteauroux: Known for its dance festival.
24. Tours: Famous for its old town and the Saint-Gatien cathedral.
25. Orléans: Known for its association with Joan of Arc.
26. Blois: Famous for its Renaissance castle.
27. Chartres: Known for its Gothic cathedral.
28. Rouen: Famous for its Gothic cathedral and the Gros-Horloge.
29. Le Havre: Known for its modern architecture.
30. Amiens: Famous for its Gothic cathedral and the Jules Verne house.

Notable Natural Attractions:

1. Pyrénées National Park: A mountain range forming a natural border between France and Spain.
2. Garonne River: One of the major rivers in France, flowing through Toulouse and Bordeaux.
3. Dordogne River: Known for its scenic beauty and prehistoric cave paintings.
4. Landes Forest: One of the largest man-made forests in Europe.
5. Arcachon Bay: Known for its oyster cultivation.

Historical Events (1600-1690):

1. 1627-1628: The Siege of La Rochelle during the French Wars of Religion.
2. 1659: The Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed, ending the Franco-Spanish War.
3. 1674: The city of Strasbourg was annexed to France.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

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.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

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.