Old Map of Brittany by Flornoy Jean, 1950: Nantes, Rennes, Brest, Castles, Coastline, Megaliths

Immerse yourself in the enchanting region of Brittany with "La Bretagne Touristique et Monumentale," an exquisite 1950 pictorial map by the esteemed cartographer Flornoy Jean. Bearing its original French title, this map is a celebration of Brittany’s storied past and vibrant culture, capturing the essence of a land where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. Designed at a time when post-war France was rediscovering its regional identities, the map offers a unique window into the soul of Brittany, inviting viewers to explore its monumental heritage and scenic wonders through the eyes of a master mapmaker.

Flornoy Jean’s artistry is immediately evident in the map’s thematic and pictorial style, where every corner is adorned with evocative illustrations of Brittany’s most cherished landmarks. Medieval castles rise majestically from the countryside, while ancient churches and abbeys punctuate the rolling landscape, each rendered with meticulous attention to architectural detail. The map’s design is not merely functional; it is a work of art, seamlessly blending geographic precision with vibrant visual storytelling, making it as captivating for collectors as it is informative for historians and travelers.

The map’s coverage is both comprehensive and intimate, encompassing the entirety of Brittany—one of France’s most distinctive regions, famed for its Celtic roots and rugged coastline. Major cities such as Nantes, Rennes, and Brest are prominently featured, their historical significance underscored by surrounding illustrations of fortresses, cathedrals, and bustling ports. Yet, the map also celebrates the charm of lesser-known towns and the natural beauty of Brittany’s rivers, forests, and dramatic seascapes, offering a holistic portrait of the region’s physical and cultural geography.

One of the most striking aspects of "La Bretagne Touristique et Monumentale" is its celebration of Breton identity. The map is rich with symbols of regional pride, from the iconic Breton flags and coats of arms to lively depictions of traditional folk costumes. Scattered throughout are evocative representations of prehistoric megaliths—menhirs and dolmens—that speak to Brittany’s ancient heritage, as well as lighthouses and coastal landmarks that highlight the enduring relationship between the Bretons and the sea.

Historically, this map stands as a testament to the renewed appreciation for local culture and tourism in mid-20th-century France. Created during a period of national recovery and regional revival, it not only guided travelers to Brittany’s most treasured sites but also fostered a deeper understanding of the region’s unique legacy. For the discerning collector or connoisseur of history, Flornoy Jean’s masterpiece offers both a visual feast and a richly layered narrative—an invitation to journey through time and place, discovering the enduring allure of Brittany in every detail.

Cities and towns on this map

• Nantes
• Rennes
• Brest
• Saint-Malo
• Quimper
• Vannes
• Lorient
• Saint-Brieuc
• Morlaix

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of historical monuments such as medieval castles, fortresses, and ancient churches.
• Depictions of Brittany's coastline, including notable lighthouses and coastal landmarks.
• Visual representation of traditional Breton culture, including folk costumes and cultural symbols.
• Prominent illustrations of significant religious sites, such as cathedrals and abbeys.
• Notable natural landmarks, including forests, rivers, and coastal features.
• Artistic representations of regional symbols, such as Breton flags and coats of arms.
• Depiction of megalithic monuments (e.g., menhirs and dolmens), characteristic of Brittany's prehistoric heritage.

Historical and design context

• Created in 1950 by Flornoy Jean, a cartographer known for thematic and pictorial maps.
• Emphasizes tourism, historical monuments, architectural landmarks, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty of Brittany.
• Pictorial and thematic style, combining artistic illustrations with geographic accuracy.
• Created post-World War II, reflecting renewed interest in regional heritage and identity in France.
• Serves as a visual guide to Brittany’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, charming villages, ancient churches, and notable monuments.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

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.