Rare Old Map of Bordeaux, 1950: Place de la Comédie, Quinconces, Grand Théâtre, Pont de Pierre, Parc Bordelais

Discover the enchanting allure of Bordeaux through the "Plan Panoramique et Monumental de Bordeaux," a captivating pictorial map crafted by Creation Havas around 1950. This artistic masterpiece offers a bird's-eye view of Bordeaux, capturing the city's vibrant spirit and architectural grandeur. The map's intricate illustrations bring to life the city's historical landmarks, inviting you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. As you delve into the map, you'll uncover the essence of Bordeaux, a city renowned for its artistic and economic significance in post-war France.

The map beautifully highlights Bordeaux's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. The Place de la Comédie and the Grand Théâtre stand as testaments to the city's cultural heritage, while the expansive Place des Quinconces offers a glimpse into Bordeaux's grandeur. These landmarks, meticulously illustrated, reflect the city's architectural elegance and its pivotal role as a cultural hub. The map's detailed depictions invite you to wander through the streets and experience the city's vibrant history.

Bordeaux's picturesque riverfront is elegantly captured, showcasing the majestic Pont de Pierre and the bustling Quai des Chartrons. These features not only emphasize the city's strategic location along the Garonne River but also highlight its historical significance as a major port. The map's depiction of the river and its surroundings offers a unique perspective on Bordeaux's development and its enduring connection to maritime trade.

The lush greenery of Parc Bordelais and other significant parks is artfully rendered, providing a serene contrast to the urban landscape. These green spaces, integral to the city's charm, offer a glimpse into the leisurely pursuits of Bordeaux's residents. The map's attention to detail in illustrating these parks underscores the city's commitment to preserving its natural beauty amidst urban growth.

Creation Havas, the esteemed mapmaker, has masterfully captured Bordeaux's essence in this panoramic view. Known for their expertise in advertising and media, Havas has imbued the map with a sense of artistry and precision. This map not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a historical document, reflecting Bordeaux's post-war urban development and its status as a cultural and economic powerhouse. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Bordeaux with this exquisite map, a true testament to the city's enduring allure.

Streets and roads on this map

• Avenue de la République
• Avenue Thiers
• Cours de l'Intendance
• Cours du Chapeau Rouge
• Cours Georges Clemenceau
• Cours Victor Hugo
• Place de la Comédie
• Place des Quinconces
• Quai de Bacalan
• Quai de la Douane
• Quai des Chartrons
• Rue d'Albret
• Rue de Cursol
• Rue de Grassi
• Rue de la Devise
• Rue de la Porte Dijeaux
• Rue de la Vieille Tour
• Rue des Remparts
• Rue Fondaudège
• Rue Judaïque
• Rue Mably
• Rue Notre Dame
• Rue Sainte-Catherine
• Rue Saint-Rémi
• Rue Vital Carles

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of buildings and landmarks
• Place de la Comédie
• Place des Quinconces
• Grand Théâtre
• Pont de Pierre
• Quinconces neighborhood
• Gambetta neighborhood
• Parc Bordelais

Historical and design context

• A pop-up map of Bordeaux with descriptive text, estimated around 1950.
• Created by Creation Havas, known for its significance in advertising and media.
• A bird's-eye view highlighting architectural landmarks and urban layout.
• Emphasizes Bordeaux's artistic and cultural heritage.
• Pictorial and illustrative style with vibrant colors and three-dimensional elements.
• Reflects post-war urban development and Bordeaux's role as a cultural and economic hub.

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 16x16in (40x40cm) 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.