La Route Des Vosges Poster – Vintage Car Poster – Julien Lacaze – 1925
La Route des Vosges Poster: A Vintage French Travel Classic
La Route des Vosges Poster is a captivating vintage French travel poster created by Julien Lacaze in 1925. This classic La Route des Vosges Poster was commissioned by the Chemins de Fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine, the French Alsace and Lorraine Railway, to promote its combined rail and charabanc touring services. The design beautifully captures the spirit of early 20th-century tourism and the stunning natural scenery of the Vosges Mountains.
A Journey Through the Vosges Mountains
The La Route des Vosges Poster depicts the famed scenic mountain road running through eastern France. The poster’s central image focuses on an iconic charabanc, an open-sided bus, filled with tourists journeying up a winding mountain road. The vehicle is heading towards a tunnel carved directly from a cliff face, evoking a sense of adventure and discovery.
Intricate Design and Scenic Beauty
Julien Lacaze’s La Route des Vosges Poster is rich with detail, capturing the essence of the region’s landscape. The scene is likely set near the Munster Valley at Colmar, a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and walkers.
The artwork subtly references this with the inclusion of two walkers sitting on a cliff and a third man climbing up towards them, blending the themes of scenic travel and active exploration. The poster beautifully showcases the alpine meadows, dense forests, and rolling hills that define the Vosges range.
An Era of Travel and Tourism
At the time this La Route des Vosges Poster was created, the automobile was transforming travel, making scenic routes more accessible to the public. The 170km route between Strasbourg and Mulhouse became a popular tourist destination, with the railway offering charabanc tours as part of the excursion. This La Route des Vosges Poster stands as a testament to that era, showcasing the elegance and novelty of early motor tourism.
Collector’s Item and Historical Artifact
The La Route des Vosges Poster is not just a beautiful piece of art but a historical document of early travel and marketing. The text at the bottom of the poster details the route: La Routedes Vosges en trois étapes – Strasbourg-Selestat, Selestat-Colmar, Colmar-Mulhouse of vice-versa, providing historical context for the journey it promotes. This classic La Route des Vosges Poster is a perfect addition for collectors of vintage travel art or anyone who loves French history and scenery.
La Route Des Vosges
This vintage La Route des Vosges poster provides a clear breakdown of the route into three distinct stages. The journey begins at Strasbourg on the French-German border, a city famous for its medieval Old Town and impressive Gothic cathedral. The first section concludes at the historical town of Selestat.
From there, the second stage continues to Colmar, celebrated for its beautifully preserved old town and charming half-timbered houses. The final leg of the route takes travellers from Colmar to Mulhouse, which sits on the Swiss-French border and boasts notable Art Nouveau architecture.
Exploring the Alsatian Cities
For over 150 years, the Alsace region has been a major tourist destination, and the La Route des Vosges poster showcases this perfectly. The route connects four must-see Alsatian cities: Strasbourg, Selestat, Colmar, and Mulhouse. Each city offers unique architectural wonders, from Strasbourg’s grand cathedral to Colmar’s quaint, romantic streets.
Mulhouse, though less known, is home to stunning Art Nouveau buildings like the Maison du Danube. This poster captures the essence of this timeless tourist trail.
A Valuable Piece of Vintage Art
Today the La Route des Vosges affiche is a piece of art that embodies the spirit of early 20th-century travel advertising. Its beautiful depiction of the French countryside and the historical context it provides make it a highly sought-after collector’s item. Due to its rarity, this classic La Route des Vosges poster can command prices up to £5,000 at auction, a testament to its value and historical significance.
A Perfect Souvenir and Timeless Decor
The La Route des Vosges poster is a wonderful souvenir that will hold a special place for anyone who has ever visited this captivating region, whether on a day trip, weekend break, or longer holiday. It’s a wonderful reminder of the area’s unique atmosphere and a way to bring a touch of French flair to your home.
Perhaps you’re a local resident who wants to celebrate the rich heritage of your hometown, or a former resident yearning for a nostalgic reminder of a beloved place. This poster would be a perfect addition to your office, living room, snug, or kitchen, sparking conversations and igniting memories of this special Alsatian route. Order your reproduction La Route des Vosges poster today!
