Rare Old Pictorial Map of Rhone River by Boucher, 1938: Lyon, Nimes, Avignon, Mont-Ventoux, Landmarks

Discover the captivating allure of Lucien Boucher's 1938 masterpiece, the "Pictorial Map of the Rhone River Region." This exquisite map offers a vibrant journey through the heart of southern France, capturing the essence of a region steeped in history and culture. Boucher, renowned for his artistic flair, presents a whimsical yet informative depiction of the Rhone River, stretching from the bustling city of Lyon to the serene shores of the French Mediterranean. His work celebrates the centennial of St. Maries de la Mer's renaming, infusing the map with historical significance and charm.

Boucher's distinctive style is evident in the map's colorful caricatures and intricate details. Each illustration serves as a portal to the past, with landmarks like Mont-Ventoux and Pont St. Esprit brought to life through his unique artistic lens. The map is not just a geographical representation but a vibrant tapestry of stories and legends, weaving together the cultural fabric of the region. The flowing Rhone River is depicted with a sense of movement and vitality, guiding the viewer through this picturesque landscape.

The map's historical context is as rich as its visual appeal. Created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of St. Maries de la Mer's renaming, it pays homage to the legendary arrival of the three Marys by boat, a scene beautifully illustrated at the map's edge. This narrative element adds depth and intrigue, inviting viewers to explore the historical events and figures that have shaped the region. Boucher's work serves as both a celebration and a preservation of the Rhone River's storied past.

As you explore the map, you'll encounter a series of enchanting cities and towns, each with its own unique character and history. From the vibrant streets of Lyon to the ancient Roman amphitheater in Nimes, Boucher captures the essence of these iconic locations. The map also highlights lesser-known gems like Valence and Vienne, inviting viewers to discover the hidden treasures of the Rhone Valley. Each settlement is depicted with care and precision, reflecting the rich tapestry of life along the river.

In addition to its cultural landmarks, the map showcases the region's natural beauty, from the majestic peaks of Mont-Ventoux to the tranquil waters of Lake Geneva. Boucher's artistic talent shines through in his depiction of these landscapes, creating a harmonious blend of nature and civilization. This map is not only a visual delight but a testament to the enduring allure of the Rhone River region, offering a glimpse into a world where history, art, and geography converge in perfect harmony.

Cities and towns on this map

• Lyon
• Nimes
• Avignon
• Arles
• Vienne
• Valence
• St. Maries de la Mer
• Pont St. Esprit
• Orange
• Aigues-Mortes
• Tarascon
• Beaucaire
• Viviers
• Tournon
• La Voulte
• St. Vallier

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Caricatures of famous sites such as Mont-Ventoux and Pont St. Esprit.
• Depiction of the arrival of the three Marys by boat at St. Maries de la Mer.
• Illustrations of historical events and figures, such as Roman soldiers.
• Artistic representation of the Rhone River flowing through the landscape.
• Iconic structures like the Roman amphitheater in Nimes.
• Compass rose with a unique design.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Pictorial map of the Rhone River region by Lucien Boucher.
• Creation date: 1938.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Lucien Boucher, a notable French illustrator known for his colorful and artistic maps.
• Themes and topics: Depicts the Rhone River region in southern France with a focus on historical and cultural landmarks.
• Historical significance: Highlights the cultural and historical richness of the Rhone River region, emphasizing key locations and events.

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 50in (125cm). 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.

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.