Paris à Londres poster, Chemins De Fer De L’Ouest Et De Brighton. Gare St Lazare
An Iconic Image: The Paris à Londres Poster
This superb reproduction print of a vintage Paris à Londres poster captures a beautifully idyllic scene. Created by the prolific artist René Péan for the Chemins De Fer De L’Ouest Et De Brighton, the artwork masterfully blends charm and practical information. This print of the iconic Paris à Londres poster is perfect for collectors.
Péan’s image depicts a cheerful French sailor in a dark uniform and blue beanie, engaged in a conversation with a fashionably dressed young woman. He points to the horizon, perhaps indicating landmarks as the boat approaches the English coastline, adding a subtle narrative to the Paris à Londres poster. The image subtly suggests the journey from Gare St Lazare is both safe and enjoyable.
A Glimpse into 1920s Fashion
The young woman’s attire is a fascinating detail that anchors the Paris à Londres poster in the 1920s. She wears a striking red blouson with a high collar and a belt, paired with fashionable culottes. Her look is completed by a large, bright yellow bonnet adorned with lace and long, transparent taffeta ribbons that flutter in the sea breeze.
To complete her elegant ensemble, the woman holds a red polka-dot parasol, a charming accessory that adds a pop of colour to the scene. Her white gloves and refined posture further enhance the sense of confidence and independence she embodies. The meticulous detail in her outfit makes this Paris à Londres poster a must-have for anyone interested in vintage fashion or design.
Journey Details and Nostalgic Charm
The bottom right-hand corner of the Paris à Londres poster provides all the essential journey information. The text clearly states the route: Paris to London, via Rouen, Dieppe, and Newhaven. It also promotes the journey as “economical and picturesque,” assuring travellers that trains depart daily from Gare St Lazare.
The poster lists the prices for single and return tickets for first, second, and third class, offering a fascinating historical glimpse. For example, a first-class single journey was priced at 48F 25c, which is equivalent to approximately €184 today. This detail, featured on the original Paris à Londres poster, adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgic charm.
The Evolution of the Boat Train
The concept of the Paris to London boat train was a logical progression in the history of railway and intercontinental travel. For centuries, shipping routes across the English Channel had connected Paris and London. As the global railway network expanded, it facilitated a significant rise in tourism and simplified long-distance journeys.
Initially, railway companies transported passengers to rail stations close to the ports. From there, travellers would disembark the train to board a ferry for the Channel crossing. On the other side, they would transfer to a second train to finish their journey. This multi-step process paved the way for a more streamlined solution.
A Revolutionary Service
Recognising a significant business opportunity, railway companies soon started running their own “boat ship” services. This innovation offered a much smoother travel experience for passengers, as a single rail ticket would cover all three legs of the journey: the first train, the ferry, and the second train.
The first company to introduce a true Paris to London boat train service was Wagon-Lits. In a partnership with the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway, they launched a dedicated service to transport visitors to the 1889 Paris World Exhibition. This new service, known as the Club Train, revolutionised the journey between the two capital cities.
The Club Train: A Brief but Important History
The inaugural Paris to London boat train journey from Victoria Station in England to the Gare du Nord in Paris was an impressive feat. The entire trip took just seven hours, a remarkable time that included the 70-minute Channel crossing. This speed and efficiency made the service an instant success for those attending the exhibition.
Despite its initial popularity, the Club Train service was surprisingly short-lived. Just four years after its inception, the partnership between Wagon-Lits and the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway ended in 1893, and the service was terminated. Although brief, its existence demonstrated the potential of a seamless, single-ticket journey between the two major cities, forever changing how people travelled.
The Golden Arrow: A New Era of Travel
After a gap of more than three decades, a new integrated Paris à Londres connection was finally established. It was a service that was truly worth the wait. Launched in 1926, the service was known as the Golden Arrow in Britain and the Flèche d’Or in France. It quickly became the premier way to travel between the two capitals.
This luxurious new service was operated by Southern Railways (SR) on the English side, while the French leg was managed by the Chemin de fer du Nord. Unlike its short-lived predecessor, the Golden Arrow was built for sustained, opulent travel. It set a new standard for journeys between Paris à Londres.
Luxury on the Rails
The Golden Arrow was a premium Pullman service designed for comfort and elegance. It featured luxury British Pullman parlour cars, a concept that had been successfully introduced on the continent by Wagons-Lits. These opulent carriages offered a level of luxury and service previously unseen on this route.
The Paris à Londres journey was not just about getting from A to B; it was an experience in itself. Passengers travelled in style, enjoying the sophisticated interiors and fine dining on board. The Golden Arrow represented a new era of luxurious travel, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Early Life and Training
René Péan, a talented French painter, poster artist, and illustrator, was born in Paris on 1 July 1875. His artistic journey began in 1881 when he started his training under the celebrated artist Jules Chéret at the Chaix printing house. Under Chéret’s guidance, Péan honed his skills and began his prolific career.
Péan quickly became a sought-after artist, creating numerous posters for some of Paris’s most influential establishments. His work graced the walls of iconic entertainment venues such as the Théâtre Cluny, the Trocadéro, and the world-famous Moulin Rouge. He also designed beautiful advertisements for prominent French department stores like A la Place Clichy and Aux Trois Quartiers.
A Prolific and Recognised Artist
Between 1895 and 1913, René Péan is known to have created around 150 posters, showcasing his incredible productivity and artistic range. While his work for the entertainment and retail industries was highly regarded, Péan is arguably best known for his stunning posters for the Chemins de Fer railway company.
Among his most admired railway posters are two turn-of-the-century prints promoting travel on the picturesque Route Des Alpes. One poster beautifully captures the valleys of Oisins, while the other features the charming Alpine village of Col de Vars. The quality of his work was so high that two of his posters were selected to be part of Jules Chéret’s prestigious Maitres de l’Affiche collection, cementing his legacy as a master of poster art.
