Old Map of Provence, France by Visscher, 1690: Marseille, Avignon, Cannes, Nice, Parc national des Calanques

Immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking geography of France with the exquisite 'Comte et gouvernement de Provence' map. Crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this masterpiece of cartography is a testament to the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age. The map, whose name translates to 'County and Government of Provence', intricately illustrates the political divisions and regions of the Province of Provence in what is now modern-day France. The detailed engraving, combined with hand coloring in outline, brings to life the vibrant culture and the diverse landscape of this fascinating region.

The map is a treasure trove of cities and landmarks that have shaped the history and identity of Provence. The bustling port city of Marseille, the papal city of Avignon, the glamorous Cannes, the sun-soaked Nice, and the stunning Parc national des Calanques (Calanques National Park) are all beautifully represented. Each city and landmark is not merely a point on the map, but a story waiting to be discovered, a journey waiting to be embarked upon.

Beyond the cities and landmarks, the map also showcases the region's natural beauty and geographical diversity. The intricate engravings depict forests, waterways, canals, and mountains, providing a glimpse into the region's rich biodiversity. The relief shown pictorially further enhances the map's visual appeal, making it a captivating piece of art. The decorative cartouches and coat of arms add an element of regality, underscoring the map's historical significance.

This map is more than just a representation of geographical and political boundaries; it is a window into the past, a reflection of the historical and cultural evolution of Provence. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of art, or a connoisseur of luxury, the 'Comte et gouvernement de Provence' map is a unique piece that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your collection. It is not just a map, but a testament to the enduring allure of Provence, a region that continues to captivate and inspire.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Cities in the Province of Provence

1. Marseille - Known as Massalia in ancient times, it's the oldest city in France, founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC. It became a significant trading port in the Mediterranean.
2. Nice - Known as Nicaea in ancient times, it was founded by the Greeks of Massalia and was an important trading post.
3. Avignon - Known as Avenio in Roman times, it was the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century.
4. Toulon - Known for its strategic port, it became a major center for naval construction in the 17th century.
5. Aix-en-Provence - Known as Aquae Sextiae in Roman times, it was the capital of Provence in the 15th century.
6. Arles - Known as Arelate in ancient times, it was a major city in the Roman Empire.
7. Fréjus - Known as Forum Julii in Roman times, it was an important military base and port.
8. Antibes - Known as Antipolis in ancient times, it was a Greek colony.
9. Cannes - Known for its annual Film Festival in modern times, it was a small fishing village in the 17th century.
10. Draguignan - It was the seat of the Subprefecture of the Var department until 1974.
11. Hyères - Known as Olbia in ancient times, it was a Greek colony.
12. Grasse - Known for its long-established perfume industry.
13. Cavaillon - Known as Cabellio in Roman times.
14. Manosque - It was a major commercial center in the Middle Ages.
15. Digne - Known as Dinia in Roman times, it was the capital of the Briançonnet family in the 14th century.
16. Gap - It was an important center of the Reformation in the 16th century.
17. Sisteron - Known for its strategic location on the Napoleon Route.
18. Orange - Known as Arausio in ancient times, it's home to a well-preserved Roman theatre.
19. Carpentras - It was the capital of the Comtat Venaissin, a Papal territory.
20. Martigues - Known as Maritima Avaticorum in Roman times.
21. Salon-de-Provence - Known for its medieval fortress and Nostradamus' house.
22. Istres - It was an important center of pottery production in the Roman Empire.
23. La Ciotat - Known for its shipbuilding industry.
24. Miramas - It was a major hub for railway transport.
25. Gardanne - Known for its coal mining industry.
26. Aubagne - Known for its pottery and ceramics industry.
27. Les Pennes-Mirabeau - It was a fortified medieval village.
28. Vitrolles - Known for its rocky plateau and medieval architecture.
29. Marignane - Known for its vineyards and olive groves.
30. La Seyne-sur-Mer - Known for its shipbuilding industry.

Notable Natural Phenomena

1. Rhône River - One of the major rivers in Europe, it flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Parc national des Calanques - A national park located between Marseille and Cassis, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
3. Mont Ventoux - Known as the "Giant of Provence", it's a popular destination for cyclists.
4. Verdon Gorge - Known as the "Grand Canyon of Europe", it's a popular destination for hiking and water sports.
5. Luberon - A massif in central Provence, known for its picturesque villages and diverse flora and fauna.

Historical Events (1600-1690)

1. Siege of Toulon (1707) - As part of the War of the Spanish Succession, British forces laid siege to Toulon.
2. Establishment of the French Academy in Rome (1666) - King Louis XIV established the French Academy in Rome. Many artists from Provence studied there.
3. Construction of the Canal de Marseille (1666-1849) - This canal was built to bring water from the Durance River to Marseille.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.