Les Vignobles De France -- Vins De Champagne, created by the renowned French artist Remy Hetreau in 1954, is a captivating depiction of the Champagne wine region. This map is part of a series commissioned by the Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin, a government agency dedicated to promoting the French wine industry. Hetreau's artistic prowess is evident in the detailed illustrations that highlight the major wine-producing areas, with clusters of grapes symbolizing red and white wines. The map not only serves as a guide to the Champagne region but also as a beautiful piece of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of French winemaking.
Remy Hetreau, known for his etchings, engravings, and book illustrations, brings his unique artistic style to this map. His work on this map series, including designs for Haviland Limoges china and murals at the Maison de l'Amerique Latine in Paris, showcases his versatility and dedication to French art and culture. The map is adorned with a compass rose, decorative borders featuring grapevines, and charming illustrations of women in traditional attire, all of which add to its visual appeal and historical significance.
The map highlights the Champagne region's major cities and towns, such as Reims, Troyes, and Epernay, which are renowned for their contributions to the world of wine. The detailed depiction of these settlements, along with smaller towns like Aÿ and Vertus, provides a comprehensive overview of the region's viticultural landscape. The inclusion of natural features like the Marne River further enhances the map's utility and aesthetic value, making it a must-have for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
In addition to its artistic and cartographic elements, the map serves as a historical document that reflects the post-war efforts to promote French wine and tourism. The Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin played a crucial role in these efforts, and Hetreau's map is a testament to the importance of the wine industry in France's cultural and economic recovery. The map's vibrant colors and intricate details capture the essence of the Champagne region, inviting viewers to explore its rich history and traditions.
Overall, Les Vignobles De France -- Vins De Champagne is more than just a map; it is a celebration of French winemaking heritage. Remy Hetreau's masterful artistry, combined with the map's historical context and detailed depiction of the Champagne region, makes it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or an art lover, this map offers a unique glimpse into the world of French viticulture and the timeless beauty of the Champagne region.
Cities and towns on this map
- Reims
- Troyes
- Epernay
- Châlons-en-Champagne
- Bar-sur-Aube
- Bar-sur-Seine
- Sézanne
- Vitry-le-François
- Sainte-Menehould
- Aÿ
- Vertus
- Avize
- Montmirail
- Dormans
- Verzy
- Verzenay
- Bouzy
- Ambonnay
- Trepail
- Tours-sur-Marne
- Cumières
- Hautvillers
- Mareuil-sur-Ay
- Oger
- Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
- Cramant
- Chouilly
- Pierry
- Dizy
- Avenay-Val-d'Or
- Mutigny
- Bisseuil
- Mareuil-le-Port
- Châtillon-sur-Marne
- Villers-Marmery
- Ludes
- Rilly-la-Montagne
- Taissy
- Mailly-Champagne
- Monthelon
- Moussy
- Saint-Martin-d'Ablois
- Grauves
- Vert-Toulon
- Congy
- Etoges
- Chavot-Courcourt
- Vauciennes
- Chamery
- Courmas
- Sacy
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Natural features:
- Rivers (e.g., Marne)
- Artistic elements:
- Compass rose
- Grapes on the vine
- Illustrations of two women in traditional attire
- Decorative borders with vine motifs
- Wine regions:
- Red wine regions (indicated with red clusters)
- White wine regions (indicated with yellow clusters)
- Other elements:
- Sailing vessel
- Chateau
- Heraldic shield
Historical and design context
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Name of the map: Les Vignobles De France -- Vins De Champagne (The Vineyards of France -- Wines of Champagne)
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Creation date: 1954
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Mapmaker/Publisher: Remy Hetreau
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Context about the mapmaker: Remy Hétreau was a French artist, printmaker, illustrator, and designer known for his etchings and engravings. He illustrated numerous books and created designs for Haviland Limoges china, painted murals, and designed international exhibitions of French technology.
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Commissioning agency: Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin, a French government agency promoting the wine industry.
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Series: One of a series of 11 maps titled Les Vignobles de France. The series includes maps of Région Est, Région Normandie, Champagne, Roussillon, Val de Loire, Alsace, Côte du Rhône, Bourgogne, Côte de Provence, and the French colony Algeria [Algérie].
- Themes and topics:
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Wine regions: Major wine-producing areas are highlighted with clusters of grapes, using red for red wines and yellow for white wines.
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Tourism and promotion: The map was used to advertise French wines and tourism.
- Design and style:
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Pictorial elements: Includes a compass rose, grapes on the vine, a sailing vessel, and chateau.
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Artistic style: Reflects the illustrative and decorative style of the mid-20th century.
- Historical significance:
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Promotional tool: Part of a broader effort to promote French wine and tourism in the post-war period.
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Cultural representation: Showcases the importance of the wine industry in French culture and economy.
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.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.