La Cote D’Emeraud poster – Le Port de Saint Malo – Maurice Toussaint
Maurice Toussaint’s Vision of Le Port de Saint-Malo
Created in 1923 by the celebrated French artist Maurice Toussaint, this remarkable La Cote D’Emeraud poster transports us back to the golden age of travel. It beckons us, delivering us by rail directly into the bustling heart of Le Port de Saint-Malo. This historic walled port stands as an iconic and enduring symbol of Brittany’s rich maritime heritage. Its compelling story is one of strategic importance, fierce independence, and remarkable resilience, beautifully encapsulated in this stunning La Cote D’Emeraud poster.
Toussaint’s La Cote D’Emeraud poster, produced and published by the Chemins de Fer de L’Etat, masterfully portrays a truly bustling and vital port. It served as a multi-faceted gateway, handling a diverse array of activities crucial to the regional economy and connectivity.
Passenger transport was a key function, with ferry lines regularly connecting Saint-Malo to England and the Channel Islands like Jersey and Guernsey. This made it a primary point of entry and exit for travellers, fostering essential cultural and economic exchanges across the English Channel, all hinted at within the vibrant details of this La Cote D’Emeraud poster.
Saint-Malo: A Port of Commerce and Culture
Beyond its significant passenger traffic, the port was also a thriving commercial and fishing hub. Freight traffic, though undergoing a period of modernisation in the early 1930s, remained substantial. Many boats and ships, depicted with lively accuracy, hint at the town’s thriving fishing industry. Scallops, spiders, whelks, and various fish were routinely landed by both inshore and offshore fishing boats, contributing to the rich tapestry of life portrayed in the La Cote D’Emeraud poster.
Even in the 1920s, the unique walled city (Intra Muros), with its formidable granite ramparts and historic buildings, would have held immense appeal for visitors. Those interested in history, architecture, and a tangible sense of old-world charm found Saint-Malo irresistible. Its intriguing history as a corsair city only added to its mystique. While not as famous a “classic” resort as nearby Dinard, Saint-Malo offered fine sandy beaches and the bracing sea air of the Emerald Coast, attracting visitors seeking seaside relaxation – a lifestyle implicitly promised by the La Cote D’Emeraud poster.
The construction of two basins in the 1880s and a large lock in 1931 significantly enhanced Saint-Malo’s capabilities for handling larger vessels. The railway station, built in 1864, further cemented its role as a key transport hub. However, this historic walled port faced its greatest challenge during World War II.
In August 1944, Saint-Malo, designated a fortress by the German Atlantic Wall programme, endured a brutal week-long siege between German and American forces. The city, particularly the Intra Muros (within the walls), was almost entirely destroyed by fire and bombardment, with 80% of its buildings gutted and the port’s docks and locks deliberately blown up by the retreating Germans. It’s a stark contrast to the peaceful scene on the La Cote D’Emeraud poster.
The Enduring Spirit of Saint-Malo
Beyond the medieval walls, the roofs and chimney pots in the La Cote D’Emeraud poster portray a tightly knit community of houses and buildings. The skyline is pierced by the tall steeple of Saint-Malo Cathedral, a landmark that has stood over the city since the twelfth century, a silent witness to its changing fortunes.
Remarkably, the resilient people of Saint-Malo embarked on an ambitious and painstaking reconstruction effort immediately after the war. The decision was made to rebuild the Intra Muros almost identically to its pre-war appearance, using traditional methods and materials. This monumental task took over two decades, with the reconstruction of the Saint-Vincent Cathedral spire in 1987 marking a symbolic completion.
Today, the historic walled port of Saint-Malo stands as a powerful testament to this incredible resilience. The towering granite ramparts, largely spared from the 1944 destruction, invite visitors to walk their two-kilometre length, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, the intricate network of port basins, and the magnificently reconstructed city within.
It continues to be a bustling hub for ferries to the UK and Channel Islands, a vibrant fishing port, and a major tourist attraction, its ancient walls whispering tales of corsairs, explorers, and a city that refused to be defeated. The enduring appeal of the original La Cote D’Emeraud poster is a reflection of this indomitable spirit.
Own a Piece of History: The Chemins de fer de l’Etat La Cote D’Emeraud Poster
The enduring appeal of the La Cote D’Emeraud poster is evident in the remarkable prices original copies command today. In 2024, genuine La Cote D’Emeraud posters by Toussaint were available to buy, if you could afford the €3000 price tag – a testament to its artistic and historical significance.
These original posters are becoming increasingly rare. We are proud to offer high-quality reproduction posters that faithfully capture the essence of the original artwork. Our stunning reproductions of the La Cote D’Emeraud poster look superb and allow you to own a piece of this enchanting history without breaking the bank.
