Pictorial Map of Southwestern France by Flornoy Jean, 1950: Toulouse, Bordeaux, Pyrenees, Garonne River, Way of St. James

Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and storied heritage of southwestern France with "France Sud - Ouest Touristique et Monumentale," a captivating pictorial map created by the esteemed cartographer Flornoy Jean in 1950. This map, whose title translates to "Southwest France – Touristic and Monumental," is a visual ode to a region renowned for its vibrant culture, historic towns, and breathtaking scenery. It was meticulously designed to guide travelers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a harmonious blend of practical travel information and artistic celebration of the region’s most cherished monuments.

Flornoy Jean, a master of mid-20th-century French cartography, was celebrated for his ability to blend accuracy with artistry. His maps are distinguished by their detailed illustrations and thematic flourishes, transforming geographical documentation into works of art. In this map, Jean’s hand brings to life the lush valleys of the Dordogne, the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees, and the meandering courses of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. His approach elevates the map beyond mere navigation, offering a window into the region’s soul and a testament to the enduring allure of French cartographic tradition.

The map’s design is a feast for the eyes, featuring richly illustrated castles, Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, and the intricate network of pilgrimage routes such as the famed Way of St. James. Iconic bridges, like the medieval Pont Valentré in Cahors, and natural wonders such as the vast Landes de Gascogne forest and the Parc National des Pyrénées, are all depicted with meticulous care. Each vignette and symbol invites the viewer to explore the region’s layered history, from prehistoric caves to medieval bastide towns, and from ancient spa resorts to celebrated vineyards.

This cartographic masterpiece encompasses a constellation of storied cities and towns, including Toulouse, Bordeaux, Pau, and Bayonne, each rendered with a reverence for their unique character and significance. The map’s boundaries stretch from the Atlantic coastline’s sandy beaches and bustling ports, through the fertile wine country of Bordeaux, to the mountainous frontiers of the Pyrenees. It elegantly traces the arteries of commerce and culture, capturing the essence of southwestern France at a pivotal moment in its post-war renaissance.

Historically, "France Sud - Ouest Touristique et Monumentale" reflects a period of renewed interest in regional identity, tourism, and cultural preservation in France. It stands as both a practical guide and an educational resource, inviting modern collectors and connoisseurs to experience the grandeur and diversity of this beloved region as it was celebrated in the mid-20th century. For those who appreciate the intersection of history, geography, and art, this map offers an evocative journey through time and place, guided by the hand of one of France’s most talented mapmakers.

Cities and towns on this map

• Toulouse
• Bordeaux
• Pau
• Bayonne
• Tarbes
• Agen
• Montauban
• Périgueux
• Cahors
• Auch
• Dax
• Lourdes
• Bergerac
• Biarritz
• Mont-de-Marsan
• Albi
• Foix
• Sarlat-la-Canéda
• Saint-Jean-de-Luz
• Condom

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Pyrenees mountain range, depicted along the southern edge
• The Atlantic coastline, including notable beaches and coastal features
• The Garonne River, running through the region
• The Dordogne River, another major waterway
• The Canal du Midi, a historic canal linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
• Vineyards and wine regions, particularly around Bordeaux
• Castles and châteaux, illustrated throughout the region
• Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, highlighted as monumental sites
• Pilgrimage routes, including the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)
  
• Forested areas, such as the Landes de Gascogne forest
• Caves and prehistoric sites, notably in the Dordogne region
• Thermal spa resorts, indicated in the Pyrenean foothills
• Regional parks and natural reserves, such as Parc National des Pyrénées
• Fortified bastide towns, shown with distinctive iconography

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: France Sud - Ouest Touristique et Monumentale
• Mapmaker: Flornoy Jean, known for detailed and artistic regional maps
• Date of creation: 1950
• Type: County or State Thematic and Pictorial map
• Region depicted: Southwestern France, covering the Pyrenees (south), Bordeaux (north), and Toulouse (east)
• Style: Pictorial map, with illustrated landmarks and thematic icons highlighting cultural and geographical features
• Educational value: Provides both travel guidance and historical context for the region’s heritage
• Historical significance: Reflects the post-war interest in regional tourism and cultural heritage in France
• Design elements: Richly illustrated with drawings of monuments, natural features, and thematic symbols
• The map offers a historical snapshot of the era, omitting modern infrastructure developments post-1950

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.