Rare Old Pictorial Map of Nice by Poisson, 1950: Promenade des Anglais, Victorine Studios, Castle, Notre Dame, Baie des Anges

Step into the vibrant past of the French Riviera with the captivating map titled "Nice," crafted by the talented O. Poisson in 1950. This pictorial masterpiece offers a bird’s-eye view of Nice, capturing the essence of a city renowned for its leisurely elegance and cultural richness. As you explore this map, you’ll be transported to a time when Nice was re-emerging as a premier tourist destination, reflecting the optimism and allure of the post-war era. The detailed illustrations and thematic elements make this map not just a guide, but a celebration of Nice’s timeless charm.

The map beautifully showcases the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a symbol of the city’s blend of relaxation and sophistication. This sweeping thoroughfare along the seafront is depicted with tiny figures, illustrating the daily parade of visitors and locals alike. The Promenade is more than just a road; it’s a cultural landmark that encapsulates the Riviera’s unique lifestyle, inviting you to imagine leisurely strolls under the Mediterranean sun.

In addition to its scenic beauty, the map highlights Nice’s contribution to the arts through the depiction of Victorine Studios. This hub of the film industry positioned Nice as a significant player in French cinema, drawing international attention and adding to the city’s cosmopolitan aura. The studios are a testament to Nice’s vibrant cultural scene, which continues to thrive and attract artists and filmmakers from around the world.

Further inland, the map reveals the historic Castle of Nice, complete with its famous waterfall. Perched on a hill, this site offers a visual narrative of Nice’s layered history, from its strategic military significance to its current status as a cultural landmark. Nearby, the majestic Notre Dame de Nice stands as a testament to the city’s religious heritage and architectural grandeur, inviting exploration of its storied past.

The map’s design, with its detailed depiction of roads, train stations, and parks, suggests a city that is both accessible and inviting. The inclusion of Nice’s coat of arms symbolizes civic pride and identity, linking the contemporary city to its historical roots. This map is not merely a navigational tool; it is an artifact of its era, reflecting the revival of tourism and the enduring appeal of Nice as a destination of choice for travelers worldwide.

Streets and roads on this map

• Avenue Thiers
• Boulevard Dubouchage
• Boulevard Gambetta
• Boulevard Risso
• Boulevard Victor Hugo
• Chemin de Fer
• Cours Saleya
• Place Massena
• Promenade des Anglais
• Quai des Etats-Unis

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Promenade des Anglais
• Baie des Anges
• Victorine Studios
• Castle of Nice
• Notre Dame de Nice
• City’s coat of arms
• Cascade de Gairaut
• Parc Chambrun
• Arènes
• Gare de Nice
• Monument aux Morts

Historical and design context

• Created by O. Poisson in 1950, published by Bonfant & Rampelberg.
• Designed to appeal to tourists, serving as both a functional guide and a visual celebration of Nice.
• Positioned above the Baie des Anges, looking northwards upon the cityscape.
• Highlights Nice's contribution to arts and cinema, and its post-WWII tourism revival.
• Pictorial and thematic design with detailed illustrations, reflecting the era's optimism and Nice’s allure.

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 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.