Rare Old Map of Compagnie Generale Transatlantique by Blondel La Rougery, 1970: Shipping Routes, Liners
Restored in our London workshop from the original 1970 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Made in the UK
Restored from the original 1970 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
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The "Carte des lignes. Compagnie Generale Transatlantique. French line," crafted by Max Blondel La Rougery in 1970, is a stunning representation of...
Continue readingThe "Carte des lignes. Compagnie Generale Transatlantique. French line," crafted by Max Blondel La Rougery in 1970, is a stunning representation of a bygone era in maritime history. This thematic and pictorial map was published in Paris and serves as a visual testament to the global reach of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, a French shipping company established in 1855. The map is adorned with intricate illustrations, including a compass rose and five illustrious liners, encapsulating the grandeur and prestige of the company’s fleet, which gained international fame with vessels like the Paris, Ile-de-France, and the legendary Normandie.
This map is not merely a navigational tool but a work of art that captures the essence of international travel in the mid-20th century. Highlighting the shipping lines in red, it showcases the extensive routes that connected North America, the West Indies, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia. The map also delineates main airline routes and transatlantic hotels, illustrating the comprehensive network of travel options available at the time. The decorative borders, featuring scenes and characters from various countries, add a cultural richness that enhances its visual appeal and historical significance.
Max Blondel La Rougery, the mastermind behind this map, succeeded his father Edouard Blondel La Rougery in directing the family publishing house. The Blondel La Rougery Editions, founded in 1902, were renowned for their detailed and artistic maps, including a monumental bird's-eye view of Paris. Max continued this legacy, and his work on this map reflects a deep understanding of cartography combined with an artistic flair that makes this piece both informative and aesthetically pleasing.
The map’s design is a harmonious blend of functionality and artistry. The use of vibrant colors to highlight shipping routes and the inclusion of national flags and a table of countries served by the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique add layers of information that are both engaging and educational. The pictorial elements, such as the illustrations of liners and cultural scenes, provide a narrative that goes beyond geographical data, offering a glimpse into the world of international travel and trade during the mid-20th century.
Historically, this map is significant as it marks the twilight years of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique before its merger with the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes in 1975. It captures a moment in time when maritime travel was a luxurious and prestigious mode of transportation, soon to be overshadowed by the rise of air travel. This map is not just a representation of routes and destinations; it is a piece of history that tells the story of a company that played a pivotal role in connecting continents and cultures through the power of the sea.
Countries and regions on this map
- North America:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- South America:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Venezuela
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Paraguay
- Ecuador
- Bolivia
- Europe:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Finland
- Poland
- Austria
- Hungary
- Czechoslovakia (modern-day Czech Republic and Slovakia)
- Yugoslavia (modern-day Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo)
- Greece
- Turkey
- Soviet Union (including modern-day Russia, Baltic states, and other former Soviet republics)
- Africa:
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- South Africa
- Asia:
- Middle East regions including Israel, Lebanon, and Syria
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations outside the map:
- Illustrations of five liners.
- Decorative border with scenes and characters from various countries.
- French flag and a table of countries served with their respective flags.
- Bodies of water:
- Atlantic Ocean (Océan Atlantique)
- Pacific Ocean (Océan Pacifique)
- Indian Ocean (Océan Indien)
- Sea routes:
- Shipping lines highlighted in red.
- Other interesting features:
- Compass rose.
- Transatlantic hotels.
- Main airline routes.
Historical and design context
- Mapmaker or publisher: Max Blondel La Rougery
- The Blondel La Rougery Editions were founded in 1902 by Edouard Blondel La Rougery.
- Max Blondel La Rougery succeeded Edouard around 1955 and directed the company until 1976.
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Shipping lines, main airline routes, and transatlantic hotels.
- The map highlights connections to the American continent, the West Indies, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia.
- Adorned with a compass rose, illustrations of liners, and a French flag.
- Features a table of countries served along with their respective flags.
- The borders are decorated with scenes and characters depicting various countries served by the shipping lines.
- Design or style of the map:
- Thematic and pictorial, with decorative elements including illustrations of ships, flags, and cultural scenes.
- Historical significance or context:
- Reflects the global reach and importance of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique before the rise of air travel.
- Illustrates the historical context of international shipping routes and the cultural connections facilitated by maritime travel.
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 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.
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.
The "Carte des lignes. Compagnie Generale Transatlantique. French line," crafted by Max Blondel La Rougery in 1970, is a stunning representation of a bygone era in maritime history. This thematic and pictorial map was published in Paris and serves as a visual testament to the global reach of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, a French shipping company established in 1855. The map is adorned with intricate illustrations, including a compass rose and five illustrious liners, encapsulating the grandeur and prestige of the company’s fleet, which gained international fame with vessels like the Paris, Ile-de-France, and the legendary Normandie.
This map is not merely a navigational tool but a work of art that captures the essence of international travel in the mid-20th century. Highlighting the shipping lines in red, it showcases the extensive routes that connected North America, the West Indies, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia. The map also delineates main airline routes and transatlantic hotels, illustrating the comprehensive network of travel options available at the time. The decorative borders, featuring scenes and characters from various countries, add a cultural richness that enhances its visual appeal and historical significance.
Max Blondel La Rougery, the mastermind behind this map, succeeded his father Edouard Blondel La Rougery in directing the family publishing house. The Blondel La Rougery Editions, founded in 1902, were renowned for their detailed and artistic maps, including a monumental bird's-eye view of Paris. Max continued this legacy, and his work on this map reflects a deep understanding of cartography combined with an artistic flair that makes this piece both informative and aesthetically pleasing.
The map’s design is a harmonious blend of functionality and artistry. The use of vibrant colors to highlight shipping routes and the inclusion of national flags and a table of countries served by the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique add layers of information that are both engaging and educational. The pictorial elements, such as the illustrations of liners and cultural scenes, provide a narrative that goes beyond geographical data, offering a glimpse into the world of international travel and trade during the mid-20th century.
Historically, this map is significant as it marks the twilight years of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique before its merger with the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes in 1975. It captures a moment in time when maritime travel was a luxurious and prestigious mode of transportation, soon to be overshadowed by the rise of air travel. This map is not just a representation of routes and destinations; it is a piece of history that tells the story of a company that played a pivotal role in connecting continents and cultures through the power of the sea.
Countries and regions on this map
- North America:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- South America:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Venezuela
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Paraguay
- Ecuador
- Bolivia
- Europe:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Finland
- Poland
- Austria
- Hungary
- Czechoslovakia (modern-day Czech Republic and Slovakia)
- Yugoslavia (modern-day Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo)
- Greece
- Turkey
- Soviet Union (including modern-day Russia, Baltic states, and other former Soviet republics)
- Africa:
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- South Africa
- Asia:
- Middle East regions including Israel, Lebanon, and Syria
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations outside the map:
- Illustrations of five liners.
- Decorative border with scenes and characters from various countries.
- French flag and a table of countries served with their respective flags.
- Bodies of water:
- Atlantic Ocean (Océan Atlantique)
- Pacific Ocean (Océan Pacifique)
- Indian Ocean (Océan Indien)
- Sea routes:
- Shipping lines highlighted in red.
- Other interesting features:
- Compass rose.
- Transatlantic hotels.
- Main airline routes.
Historical and design context
- Mapmaker or publisher: Max Blondel La Rougery
- The Blondel La Rougery Editions were founded in 1902 by Edouard Blondel La Rougery.
- Max Blondel La Rougery succeeded Edouard around 1955 and directed the company until 1976.
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Shipping lines, main airline routes, and transatlantic hotels.
- The map highlights connections to the American continent, the West Indies, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia.
- Adorned with a compass rose, illustrations of liners, and a French flag.
- Features a table of countries served along with their respective flags.
- The borders are decorated with scenes and characters depicting various countries served by the shipping lines.
- Design or style of the map:
- Thematic and pictorial, with decorative elements including illustrations of ships, flags, and cultural scenes.
- Historical significance or context:
- Reflects the global reach and importance of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique before the rise of air travel.
- Illustrates the historical context of international shipping routes and the cultural connections facilitated by maritime travel.
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 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.
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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
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.
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