Old Map of Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) by Flornoy Jean, 1950: Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Saint-Tropez

La Côte D'Azur Touristique et Monumentale, crafted in 1950 by the accomplished cartographer Flornoy Jean, stands as a captivating testament to the allure of the French Riviera at the dawn of the modern travel era. The original title, elegantly inscribed across the map, evokes both a sense of discovery and reverence for the region’s storied past. This map was conceived at a time when the Côte d'Azur was emerging as a glamorous destination for travelers seeking sun, culture, and sophistication along the Mediterranean’s fabled shores. Flornoy Jean’s creation masterfully blends practical navigation with the romance of exploration, inviting viewers to trace the Riviera’s sinuous coastline and immerse themselves in its legendary ambiance.

Flornoy Jean’s artistry is evident in every detail, with a pictorial style that transcends mere cartography to become a visual celebration of the region’s character. Each element, from the undulating mountains to the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean, is rendered with a painterly touch that draws the eye and stirs the imagination. The map’s thematic focus on both the “touristique” and “monumentale” aspects of the Côte d’Azur is brought to life through whimsical illustrations of castles, churches, and seaside villas, as well as lively depictions of leisure and maritime culture. The result is a map that is as much a work of art as it is a guide, embodying the spirit of mid-20th-century travel and the timeless beauty of the Riviera.

The geographical sweep of the map encompasses the most celebrated towns and cities of the Côte d’Azur, including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Tropez, each immortalized with their unique architectural silhouettes and scenic backdrops. Monaco, the independent city-state famed for its opulence, is also depicted, underscoring the region’s international prestige. The coastline is adorned with sailing boats and yachts, a nod to the Riviera’s storied association with maritime leisure and the jet set. The mountainous hinterland, dotted with perched villages and historic fortresses, provides a dramatic counterpoint to the sun-drenched beaches, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich tapestry of culture and history.

Beyond its urban centers, the map highlights the Côte d’Azur’s natural wonders and architectural landmarks. The artistic renderings of Château Grimaldi in Antibes and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat serve as visual anchors, reminding viewers of the region’s layered heritage and enduring allure. Prominent roads and scenic routes snake along the coast, inviting the traveler to explore hidden coves, verdant hills, and storied monuments. The absence of modern distractions allows the viewer to experience the Riviera as it was in the golden age of travel—timeless, enchanting, and full of promise.

For collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of cartographic art, La Côte D'Azur Touristique et Monumentale is more than a map; it is a portal to an era when the French Riviera was the playground of artists, writers, and aristocrats. Flornoy Jean’s evocative style and meticulous attention to detail offer not only a practical guide but also a window into the soul of the region. This map is a rare and beautiful artifact that captures the essence of the Côte d’Azur, making it an exceptional addition to any collection dedicated to the history, culture, and enduring mystique of the Mediterranean world.

Cities and towns on this map

• Nice
• Cannes
• Antibes
• Menton
• Grasse
• Saint-Raphaël
• Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Saint-Tropez
• Monaco (Principality of Monaco, independent city-state)
• Èze
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Prominent depiction of the Mediterranean coastline and beaches
• Illustrations of sailing boats and yachts, indicating the region's maritime culture
• Artistic representations of historical architecture, such as castles, fortresses, and churches
• Depictions of mountainous terrain and natural landscapes in the background
• Illustrations of leisure activities associated with tourism, such as swimming, sunbathing, and sailing
• Notable landmarks clearly illustrated include:
• Château Grimaldi (Antibes)
• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
• Casino buildings, indicating the region's historical association with luxury tourism and leisure
• Prominent roads and coastal routes depicted, emphasizing accessibility and travel routes along the Riviera

Historical and design context

• Crafted in 1950 by Flornoy Jean, an accomplished cartographer
• Artistic, illustrative, pictorial style typical of mid-20th-century tourist maps, emphasizing visual appeal and charm
• Intended for travelers and tourists, highlighting key sites, attractions, and notable landmarks
• Reflects the Côte d'Azur as a popular tourist destination in the post-war era, capturing the region's allure and cultural prominence during the mid-20th century
• Provides insights into the historical evolution of the region, documenting changes in tourism, infrastructure, and local heritage

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.

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.