Rare Old Map of Province of Dauphiné by Visscher, 1690: Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon, Valence, Vanoise National Park

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of 17th century France with the stunning 'Nova et accurata Descriptio Delphinatus vulgo Dauphine', an intricately detailed map crafted by the renowned Nicolaes Visscher II. Translated into English, the title of this masterpiece is 'New and Accurate Description of Dauphiné', which was a province in southeastern France, now part of the modern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Visscher, a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, has meticulously represented the political divisions of the time, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The map captures the essence of Dauphiné, highlighting the major cities of Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon, and Valence. Each city is rendered with remarkable precision, revealing the urban landscape of the late 17th century. The map also features the Vanoise National Park, France's first national park, known for its breathtaking alpine scenery. This inclusion shows Visscher's commitment to representing both the man-made and natural wonders of the region.

The map is more than a geographical representation; it is a work of art. The hand-colored outlines, the engraved details, and the decorative cartouches contribute to its aesthetic appeal. The coat of arms and the compass rose add an extra layer of historical and navigational context. The relief is shown pictorially, with forests, waterways, canals, and mountains all beautifully depicted. This provides a sense of the varied terrain and rich natural resources of Dauphiné.

This map is not just a piece of history, but a testament to the skill and artistry of Nicolaes Visscher II. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the past, understand the political divisions of the time, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cartography lover, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, the 'Nova et accurata Descriptio Delphinatus vulgo Dauphine' is a treasure to behold.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Dauphiné

1. Chambéry: Known as the historic capital of Savoy, it was an important hub in the European crossroads.
2. Grenoble: Known as Gratianopolis during the Roman era, it became the leading city of Dauphiné.
3. Lyon: Known as Lugdunum in ancient times, it was the capital of the Gauls under the Roman Empire.
4. Valence: Known as Valentia during the Roman era, it was a significant stage on the road from Lyon to the Mediterranean.
5. Vienne: An ancient Roman city known as Vienna, it was a major center of trade and commerce.
6. Gap: Known as Vapincum during the Roman era, it was the capital of the southern part of Dauphiné.
7. Die: Known as Dea Vocontiorum during the Roman era, it was an important center of Christianity in the Middle Ages.
8. Romans-sur-Isère: Known for its shoe industry, it was a significant center of trade.
9. Bourgoin-Jallieu: Known for its textile industry, it was a major center of commerce.
10. La Tour-du-Pin: Known for its cattle market, it was a significant center of agriculture.
11. Voiron: Known for its liquor production, it was a major center of industry.
12. Saint-Marcellin: Known for its cheese production, it was a significant center of agriculture.
13. Montélimar: Known for its nougat production, it was a major center of confectionery.
14. Crest: Known for its medieval tower, it was a significant center of defense.
15. Annonay: Known for its paper industry, it was a major center of trade.
16. Tournon-sur-Rhône: Known for its vineyards, it was a significant center of wine production.
17. Aubenas: Known for its silk industry, it was a major center of trade.
18. Privas: Known as the Protestant stronghold during the Wars of Religion, it was a significant center of resistance.
19. Le Puy-en-Velay: Known for its lentil production, it was a major center of agriculture.
20. Saint-Étienne: Known for its coal mining, it was a significant center of industry.
21. Roanne: Known for its textile industry, it was a major center of trade.
22. Saint-Chamond: Known for its iron and steel industry, it was a significant center of industry.
23. Riom: Known for its court of appeals, it was a major center of justice.
24. Clermont-Ferrand: Known for its tire industry, it was a significant center of trade.
25. Montluçon: Known for its music box production, it was a major center of industry.
26. Vichy: Known for its thermal springs, it was a significant center of health and wellness.
27. Moulins: Known for its royal palace, it was a major center of power.
28. Bourges: Known for its cathedral, it was a significant center of religion.
29. Châteauroux: Known for its textile industry, it was a major center of trade.
30. Tours: Known for its medieval district, it was a significant center of history.

Notable natural phenomena:

• Vanoise National Park: France's first national park, known for its alpine scenery.
• Rhône River: One of the major rivers in Europe, it played a significant role in trade and transportation.
• Isère River: Known for its hydroelectric power plants, it was a major source of energy.
• Drôme River: Known for its lavender fields along its banks, it was a significant center of agriculture.
• Chartreuse Mountains: Known for its natural park, it was a significant center of biodiversity.

Historical events:

• 1600: The Treaty of Lyon ended the Franco-Savoyard War, leading to the annexation of Bresse, Bugey, Valromey, and Gex into France.
• 1628-1629: The Siege of Privas during the Wars of Religion led to the town's destruction and the massacre of its inhabitants.
• 1670: The Revolt of the Nu-Pieds in Dauphiné was a major peasant uprising against the fiscal policies of Louis XIV.

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), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), 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.

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.