Rare Old Pictorial Map of Limousin & Marche by Liozu, 1951: Limoges, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Tulle, Oradour-sur-Glane, Château de Val

The "Limousin & Marche" map, crafted by the renowned Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a stunning pictorial representation of two historic French provinces. Liozu, celebrated for his artistic cartography, imbues this map with vibrant colors and intricate illustrations, capturing the essence of the regions' cultural and geographical richness. His work is not merely a navigational tool but a visual journey through the landscapes and heritage of Limousin and Marche, making it a perfect addition for any connoisseur of historical maps.

This map vividly portrays the diverse terrain of Limousin and Marche, with relief shown pictorially to highlight the undulating landscapes, majestic mountains, and serene lakes. The Plateau de Millevaches and Mont Gargan are among the natural landmarks beautifully illustrated, offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty. The Gorges de la Dordogne and Lac de Vassivière further enrich the map, showcasing the stunning natural phenomena that define these provinces.

Liozu's attention to detail extends to the historic landmarks that dot the map, each depicted with a unique illustration. The Château de Val, Château de Rochechouart, and Château de Boussac are just a few of the historic castles that add a layer of historical depth to the map. These landmarks are not only significant for their architectural beauty but also for the rich history they represent, making the map a valuable piece for history enthusiasts.

The map also highlights numerous cities and towns, each illustrated with charming detail. Limoges, Brive-la-Gaillarde, and Tulle are among the prominent cities depicted, each serving as a cultural and economic hub in the region. Smaller towns like Aubusson, known for its tapestry, and Oradour-sur-Glane, a poignant reminder of World War II history, are also featured, providing a comprehensive view of the human settlements that shape these provinces.

In addition to its geographical and historical richness, the "Limousin & Marche" map is a testament to Jacques Liozu's skill as a cartographer and artist. His ability to blend artistic elements with accurate geographical representation makes this map not only a functional piece but also a work of art. Whether for educational purposes, historical interest, or aesthetic appreciation, this map is a remarkable artifact that offers a window into the mid-20th century perception of Limousin and Marche.

Cities and towns on this map

• Limousin:
• Limoges
• Brive-la-Gaillarde
• Tulle
• Ussel
• Saint-Junien
• Aubusson
• Guéret
• Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche
• Bellac
• Rochechouart
• Eymoutiers
• Bourganeuf

• Argentat

• Marche:

• Boussac
• La Souterraine
• Auzances
• Chambon-sur-Voueize
• Bourganeuf

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Historic landmarks and historical events:
• Oradour-sur-Glane: Site of the infamous World War II massacre.
• Château de Val: A historic castle depicted on the map.
• Château de Rochechouart: Another significant historic castle.
• Château de Boussac: Highlighted as a notable landmark.
• Château de Châlus-Chabrol: Known for its historical significance.
• Château de Ventadour: Another historic castle depicted on the map.
• Château de Pompadour: Known for its historical and cultural importance.
• Château de Montbrun: A significant historic site.
• Château de Crozant: Depicted as a notable landmark.

• Château de Saint-Germain-Beaupré: Highlighted on the map.

• Major parks and natural landmarks:

• Mont Gargan: A notable natural landmark.
• Plateau de Millevaches: A significant natural area.
• Gorges de la Dordogne: A major natural feature depicted on the map.
• Monts de Blond: Highlighted as a significant natural area.
• Lac de Vassivière: A notable lake in the region.
• Puy de Sancy: A significant mountain depicted on the map.
• Puy de Dôme: Another notable mountain.
• Lac de Saint-Pardoux: A significant lake in the region.

Historical and design context

• Map context:
• Color pictorial map of Limousin and Marche provinces, France.
• Relief shown pictorially, indicating the terrain and landscape features through artistic illustrations.
• Date created: 1951
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating detailed and artistic maps that often included historical and cultural elements.
• The map features various cultural and historical elements, such as traditional clothing, local architecture, and significant landmarks.
• It highlights the geographical features and the cultural heritage of the Limousin and Marche regions.
• The map is a thematic and pictorial type, using illustrations to convey information about the region.
• It includes vibrant colors and detailed drawings to represent different aspects of the regions.
• The map provides a visual representation of the Limousin and Marche regions as they were perceived in the mid-20th century.
• It serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the art style and cartographic techniques of the 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 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 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.

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.