Rare Old Large Map of Burgundy Region, 1927: Beaune, Grands Vins de Bourgogne, Vineyards, Railways, Côte de Beaune

The "Plan des vignobles produisant les grands vins de Bourgogne," crafted by the esteemed Lucien Bonnamas in 1927, is a testament to the rich viticultural heritage of the Burgundy region in France. This exceptional map meticulously details the Arrondisement and Côte de Beaune, showcasing the intricate tapestry of vineyards that produce some of the world's most celebrated wines. With its color-coded fields indicating the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Cuvée, the map offers a vivid and comprehensive overview of the region's winemaking prowess, reflecting the dedication and precision that Bonnamas brought to his cartographic endeavors.

Lucien Bonnamas, renowned for his expertise in thematic maps, particularly those focusing on viticulture, imbued this map with a level of detail and artistry that is both informative and visually captivating. His signature and stamp authenticate the map, adding a layer of historical significance and authenticity. The decorative cartouche, adorned with artistic flourishes, not only frames the map's title but also enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a prized possession for any collector or connoisseur of fine maps.

The map's design is a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty. It features detailed illustrations of the landscape, including hills and elevations that are crucial for understanding the terroir of the vineyards. The presence of major roads, pathways, railways, and stations underscores the importance of transportation in the wine trade, while the inclusion of rivers and water bodies aids in the precise identification of vineyard locations. The legend, with its clear explanation of the color coding and symbols, ensures that the map is both accessible and informative.

Historically, this map provides a fascinating snapshot of the Burgundy wine region as it stood in 1927. It highlights the meticulous classification of vineyards, reflecting the region's long-standing tradition of producing high-quality wines. The boundary lines delineating different vineyard plots and regions underscore the importance of terroir and the nuanced differences between various vineyards. This map is not just a tool for navigation but a document that encapsulates the rich history and cultural significance of Burgundy's winemaking heritage.

The towns and cities featured on the map, such as Beaune, Chagny, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, are renowned for their contributions to the world of wine. Each settlement, from the bustling town of Beaune to the quaint village of Pommard, plays a vital role in the region's viticultural landscape. The map also labels significant vineyards known for their exceptional wine production, providing a comprehensive guide to the region's most esteemed winemaking locales. This map is a celebration of Burgundy's vinous legacy, capturing the essence of a region that has been synonymous with fine wine for centuries.

Cities and towns on this map

• Beaune (Modern-day population: approx. 21,000)
• Chagny (Modern-day population: approx. 5,500)
• Nuits-Saint-Georges (Modern-day population: approx. 5,000)
• Meursault (Modern-day population: approx. 1,500)
• Aloxe-Corton (Modern-day population: approx. 200)
• Savigny-lès-Beaune (Modern-day population: approx. 1,400)
• Chorey-lès-Beaune (Modern-day population: approx. 600)
• Pommard (Modern-day population: approx. 500)
• Volnay (Modern-day population: approx. 300)
• Puligny-Montrachet (Modern-day population: approx. 500)
• Chassagne-Montrachet (Modern-day population: approx. 300)
• Santenay (Modern-day population: approx. 900)
• Saint-Romain (Modern-day population: approx. 200)
• Auxey-Duresses (Modern-day population: approx. 300)
• Monthelie (Modern-day population: approx. 200)
• Saint-Aubin (Modern-day population: approx. 250)
• Bligny-lès-Beaune (Modern-day population: approx. 1,400)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Color-coded fields indicating 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Cuvée vineyards.
• Detailed illustrations of the landscape and vineyard plots.
• Major roads and pathways connecting various towns and vineyards.
• The presence of rivers and water bodies, aiding in the identification of vineyard locations.
• Topographical details showing hills and elevations, crucial for understanding the terroir.
• Boundary lines delineating different vineyard plots and regions.
• Labels for significant vineyards known for their high-quality wine production.
• An arrow indicating the north direction for orientation.
• A legend explaining the color coding and symbols used on the map.
• The map scale for distance measurement.
• Decorative cartouche with the map title and details.
• The signature and stamp of Lucien Bonnamas, authenticating the map.
• Railways and stations, which were essential for the transportation of wine.
• Artistic flourishes around the title and legend, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the map.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Plan des vignobles produisant les grands vins de Bourgogne
• Date of creation: 1927
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Lucien Bonnamas
• Context about the mapmaker: Lucien Bonnamas was known for creating detailed thematic maps, particularly focusing on viticulture and wine regions in France.
• Topics and themes shown on the map: The map primarily focuses on viticulture, specifically the vineyards producing the great wines of Burgundy.
• Countries and regions shown on the map: France, specifically the Burgundy region, focusing on the Côte de Beaune.
• Design or style of the map: The map uses color-coding to differentiate between the vineyards of different classifications. It includes detailed illustrations of the landscape and vineyards.
• Historical significance/context: The map provides a historical snapshot of the Burgundy wine region as it was in 1927, reflecting the importance of wine classification and the meticulous documentation of vineyard locations and quality during that time.

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 is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that 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.

The model in the listing images is holding the undefined 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.