Rare Old Map of Languedoc, France by Visscher, 1690: Toulouse, Montpelier, Perpignan, Avignon, Cévennes National Park

Discover the rich history and intricate beauty of 'Languedoc', a stunning map crafted by the skilled hands of Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. As a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, Visscher's work is a testament to the precision and artistry of this era. This map, focusing on the Province of Languedoc in France, offers a glimpse into the political and geographical divisions of the time. The name 'Languedoc' translates to 'Language of Oc', referring to the Occitan language spoken in this southern region of France.

Notable cities highlighted on this map include Toulouse, Montpelier, Perpignan, and Avignon. Each city holds its own historical significance, from Toulouse, known as the 'Ville Rose' for its distinctive brick architecture, to Perpignan, a city rich in Catalan culture. The map also features the Cévennes National Park, a rugged wilderness area that is a testament to the diverse natural beauty of France.

The map is hand-colored in outline, a technique that adds depth and dimension to the detailed engravings. It showcases a variety of geographical features such as forests, waterways, canals, and mountains. The administrative boundaries are clearly marked, providing a clear understanding of the political landscape of the time. The decorative cartouches, coat of arms, compass rose, and rhumb lines add an artistic flair that elevates this map beyond a mere geographical tool.

The relief of the map is shown pictorially, offering a unique perspective of the terrain. The use of color and shading provides a visual guide to the topography of the region, from the rolling hills to the towering mountains. This map is not just a piece of history, but a work of art that captures the essence of Languedoc. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of Nicolaes Visscher II and a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Languedoc Region

• Toulouse: Known as the 'Ville Rose' for its distinctive brick architecture, it was a major city of the Roman Empire.
• Montpellier: Founded in the 10th century, it was known for its university, one of the oldest in the world.
• Nîmes: Known in Roman times as Nemausus, it has a well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
• Béziers: Known for the Béziers Massacre during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century.
• Narbonne: A key Roman port and a major city during the Middle Ages.
• Carcassonne: Known for its fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Albi: Known for the Albi Cathedral and the birthplace of famous painter Toulouse-Lautrec.
• Castres: Known for its houses on the Agout river, often compared to Venice.
• Mende: The capital of the Gevaudan region, known for its cathedral.
• Rodez: Known for its Gothic cathedral and Fenaille museum.
• Cahors: Known for its medieval bridge, the Pont Valentré.
• Millau: Known for its glove-making industry since the 12th century.
• Lodève: Known for its cathedral and textile industry.
• Uzès: Known for its preserved medieval towers and chapel.
• Lunel: Known for its vineyards and wine production.
• Agde: One of the oldest towns in France, founded by the Greeks.
• Sète: Known for its canals and the Mont Saint-Clair.
• Foix: Known for its impressive castle, the Château de Foix.
• Pamiers: Known for its three bell towers and as the birthplace of Gabriel Fauré.
• Limoux: Known for its winter festival and production of Blanquette, a sparkling wine.
• Castelnaudary: Known for its cassoulet, a traditional dish of the region.
• Saint-Girons: Known for its lively market and the nearby cave of Mas d'Azil.
• Prades: Known for its summer music festival and as the home of cellist Pablo Casals.
• Céret: Known for its Museum of Modern Art and its cherry festival.
• Elne: Known for its Romanesque cathedral and cloister.
• Villefranche-de-Conflent: A fortified town known for its medieval architecture.
• Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste: Known for its fortifications and thermal spa.
• Banyuls-sur-Mer: Known for its sweet wine and as the birthplace of sculptor Aristide Maillol.
• Collioure: Known for its Royal Castle and as a favorite location of Fauvist painters.
• Port-Vendres: Known for its deep-water port and its obelisk.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Cévennes National Park: A rugged wilderness area known for its biodiversity.
• The Canal du Midi: A feat of civil engineering linking the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
• The Tarn Gorges: A dramatic canyon known for its outdoor activities.
• The Pyrenees Mountains: A natural border between France and Spain, known for its hiking trails.
• The Aude River: Known for its whitewater rafting.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The Edict of Nantes (1598): Granted substantial rights to the Protestants in the region.
• The Siege of Montpellier (1622): A significant event during the Huguenot rebellions.
• The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685): Led to the persecution of Protestants and a mass exodus from the region.

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.