Rare Old Pictorial Map of Alsace–Lorraine by Liozu, 1951: Strasbourg, Metz, Vosges, Verdun, Maginot Line

The "Alsace and Lorraine" map, crafted by the esteemed cartographer Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a stunning example of mid-20th-century cartographic artistry. Liozu, renowned for his detailed and culturally rich maps, has masterfully captured the essence of these historically significant regions. This map is not merely a geographical representation but a vibrant tapestry that weaves together the cultural, historical, and natural elements of Alsace and Lorraine. Each illustration is meticulously drawn, bringing to life the rich heritage and diverse landscapes of these French regions.

The map's design is a feast for the eyes, featuring vivid colors and intricate illustrations that depict the relief and terrain pictorially. The artistic style is both decorative and informative, with charming depictions of local people in traditional attire, iconic landmarks, and significant historical events. This map is a visual journey through time, showcasing the architectural marvels such as the Cathedral of Strasbourg and the Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg, alongside poignant reminders of history like the Battle of Verdun and the Maginot Line.

Alsace and Lorraine, regions with a complex history of shifting borders between France and Germany, are beautifully represented in this map. The map highlights key cities such as Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Metz, and Nancy, each illustrated with distinctive architectural and cultural landmarks. The inclusion of neighboring countries like Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland adds a broader geographical context, emphasizing the regions' strategic and cultural significance in European history.

Natural features are also prominently displayed, with the Vosges Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop to the lush landscapes of Alsace. Rivers meander through the map, connecting towns and cities and highlighting the regions' rich natural resources. The pictorial relief brings a sense of depth and texture, making the map not only a tool for navigation but also a piece of art that captures the viewer's imagination.

This map is more than a historical document; it is a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of Alsace and Lorraine. Jacques Liozu's attention to detail and artistic flair make this map a valuable addition to any collection, offering a unique glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of these fascinating regions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of fine art, or a discerning collector, this map is sure to captivate and inspire.

Cities and towns on this map

• Alsace:
• Strasbourg
• Mulhouse
• Colmar
• Haguenau
• Sélestat
• Guebwiller
• Thann
• Erstein
• Wissembourg
• Ribeauvillé
• Saverne

• Molsheim

• Lorraine:

• Metz
• Nancy
• Thionville
• Épinal
• Bar-le-Duc
• Verdun
• Toul
• Saint-Dié
• Longwy
• Sarreguemines
• Commercy
• Lunéville
• Remiremont
• Mirecourt
• Neufchâteau
• Château-Salins

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Battle of Verdun (1916)
• Cathedral of Strasbourg
• Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg
• The Vosges Mountains
• Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial
• The Battle of Sedan (1870)
• The Maginot Line
• The city of Metz
• The city of Nancy
• The city of Colmar
• The city of Mulhouse
• The city of Thann
• The city of Epinal
• The city of Belfort
• The city of Bar-le-Duc
• The city of Toul
• The city of Verdun
• The city of Charleville-Mézières
• The city of Remiremont
• The city of Saint-Dié

Historical and design context

• This is a color pictorial map of the Alsace and Lorraine regions in France.
• Relief is shown pictorially, meaning the map uses illustrations to represent elevation and terrain.
• The map was created by Jacques Liozu in 1951.
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating detailed and artistic maps, often with a strong emphasis on cultural and historical elements.
• The map is thematic and pictorial, focusing on cultural, historical, and geographical features of the regions.
• Illustrations include landmarks, historical events, and local customs.
• The map primarily features the Alsace and Lorraine regions in France.
• It also shows parts of neighboring countries such as Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland.
• The map is highly decorative, using vibrant colors and detailed illustrations.
• It includes artistic representations of people in traditional clothing, buildings, and landscapes.
• The map reflects the rich cultural heritage of Alsace and Lorraine, regions with a complex history of shifting national borders between France and Germany.
• The map was created post-World War II, during a period of reconstruction and renewed emphasis on regional identity in Europe.

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.