Old Pictorial Map of Loire Valley by Liozu, 1951: Orléans, Tours, Angers, Chateaux, Vineyards, Wine

"Val de Loire," an exquisite creation by Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a captivating pictorial map that beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Loire River Valley in France. Known for his artistic flair and meticulous attention to detail, Liozu has masterfully depicted the region's rich cultural and historical tapestry. The map is adorned with vibrant illustrations that bring to life the scenic landscapes, historic chateaux, and the region's famed vineyards, offering a visual feast that transports viewers to the heart of the Loire Valley.

The design of this map is both thematic and pictorial, showcasing Liozu's unique ability to blend cartographic precision with artistic expression. The decorative compass rose and pictorial relief add depth and dimension, creating a three-dimensional feel that enhances the viewer's experience. Traditional costumes, historical figures, and local flora and fauna are intricately woven into the map's design, providing a rich cultural context that reflects the region's heritage and traditions.

Historically significant landmarks such as the chateaux of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise are prominently featured, highlighting the architectural grandeur and historical importance of these sites. The map also includes depictions of key historical figures like Descartes, Rabelais, and Balzac, further enriching its narrative. The Loire River, the lifeblood of the valley, meanders gracefully through the map, connecting the various towns and cities that dot its banks.

The towns and cities of the Loire Valley, including Orléans, Tours, Angers, and Blois, are meticulously illustrated, each with its unique charm and historical significance. The map also captures the region's agricultural activities, market scenes, and traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. This blend of historical and cultural elements makes the map not only a geographical guide but also a historical document that tells the story of the Loire Valley.

Jacques Liozu's "Val de Loire" is more than just a map; it is a work of art that celebrates the rich history and cultural heritage of one of France's most beloved regions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of fine art, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old maps, this exquisite piece is sure to captivate and inspire.

Cities and towns on this map

• Orléans
• Tours
• Angers
• Blois
• Saumur
• Chinon
• Vendôme
• Châteauroux
• Châteaudun
• Montargis
• Romorantin-Lanthenay
• Châtellerault
• Gien
• Pithiviers
• Châteauneuf-sur-Loire
• Beaugency
• Loches
• Montrichard
• Amboise
• Bourgueil
• Sully-sur-Loire
• Thouars
• Baugé

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative compass rose
• Chateaux (e.g., Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise)
• Vineyards and wine barrels, indicating the wine production in the region
• Historical figures (e.g., Descartes, Rabelais, Balzac)
• Traditional costumes of the region's inhabitants
• Illustrations of local flora and fauna
• Artistic representations of churches and cathedrals (e.g., Orleans Cathedral)
• Illustrations of local crafts and trades (e.g., basket weaving, farming)
• Rivers and waterways, prominently featuring the Loire River
• Depictions of historical events and legends
• Agricultural activities (e.g., harvesting, plowing)
• Scenic landscapes and natural features
• Traditional houses and rural architecture
• Local festivals and cultural events
• Illustrations of knights and medieval scenes
• Artistic borders and cartouches
• Market scenes and trading activities
• Illustrations of local cuisine and food production
• Decorative elements such as scrolls and banners

Historical and design context

• Color pictorial map of Loire River Valley, France.
• Includes a decorative compass rose.
• Relief is shown pictorially, adding a three-dimensional feel to the terrain.
• Date of creation: 1951
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating detailed and artistic maps that often included cultural and historical elements of the depicted regions.
• The map highlights the Loire River Valley, known for its rich history, chateaux, and vineyards.
• Thematic elements include historical landmarks, cultural representations, and the natural landscape of the region.
• The map is pictorial and thematic, with an artistic representation of the terrain and landmarks.
• The inclusion of local costumes, historical figures, and buildings adds a cultural context.
• The Loire Valley is often referred to as the "Garden of France" and is known for its historic towns, architecture, and wine production.
• The map reflects the post-World War II interest in cultural heritage and tourism in 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 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.

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.

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 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.