Old Map of Hautes-Alpes by Vuillemin, 1869: Gap, Briançon, Embrun, Alpine Peaks, Coats-of-Arms

Step into the storied landscapes of 19th-century France with “Hautes-Alpes,” an original 1869 cartographic masterpiece by the esteemed French mapmaker A. Vuillemin. Bearing its evocative title, this map captures the essence of the Hautes-Alpes department—a region defined by its soaring Alpine peaks, winding rivers, and centuries-old settlements. Vuillemin’s work is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and rich visual storytelling, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a window into the culture and history of a unique French territory.

A. Vuillemin was renowned for his ability to combine scientific precision with artistic flourish, and this map is a testament to his legacy. Each boundary and subdivision is rendered with clarity, while the map’s margins are adorned with vibrant vignettes. These illustrations bring to life the local customs, traditional attire, and agricultural abundance of the Hautes-Alpes, inviting the viewer to explore both the geography and the spirit of the region. The decorative coats-of-arms and finely drawn figures underscore the pride and identity of the department during the Second French Empire.

The map’s design seamlessly blends form and function, with political boundaries and natural features elegantly intertwined. Mountainous terrain dominates the composition, capturing the dramatic topography that has shaped both the history and daily life of the Hautes-Alpes. Rivers and waterways, vital arteries of commerce and sustenance, are clearly marked, guiding the eye through valleys and pastures. These geographical elements are not mere backdrops but central characters in the story of the region, echoing the enduring relationship between people and place.

Vuillemin’s cartography extends beyond the physical landscape to celebrate the cultural richness of the Hautes-Alpes. Vignettes depict scenes of rural life, from the tending of crops to the pastoral rhythms of local agriculture. The inclusion of notable historical figures and regional wildlife adds further depth, offering a nuanced portrait of a community shaped by both its environment and its heritage. Each detail, from the attire of the inhabitants to the emblematic animals, is rendered with an affection that speaks to the mapmaker’s deep appreciation for the region.

The cities and towns highlighted—Gap, Briançon, Embrun, and others—stand as enduring witnesses to centuries of history. Their placement on the map not only aids orientation but also anchors the narrative of the Hautes-Alpes, connecting the viewer to the rhythms of daily life and the passage of time. This map is more than a historical document; it is a celebration of place, artistry, and the enduring legacy of one of France’s most gifted cartographers. For the discerning collector, “Hautes-Alpes” offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of cartographic history imbued with both beauty and meaning.

Cities and towns on this map

• Gap
• Briançon
• Embrun
• Veynes
• Guillestre
• Serres
• Chorges
• Laragne

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Clearly marked departmental boundaries and subdivisions within Hautes-Alpes
• Decorative coats-of-arms representing the department
• Illustrations depicting local agricultural activities and crops
• Scenes illustrating local customs and traditional clothing
• Depictions of mountainous terrain, highlighting the Alpine geography of the region
• Rivers and waterways clearly labeled, emphasizing their importance to local geography and economy
• Illustrations of local animals representative of the region's wildlife
• Notable historical or cultural figures associated with the Hautes-Alpes region

Historical and design context

• Created in 1869 by A. Vuillemin, a renowned 19th-century French cartographer
• Detailed political map of the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France
• Features decorative elements, including colored boundaries, coats-of-arms, and detailed vignettes illustrating local culture, agriculture, and notable figures
• Accompanied by descriptive text in the original publication, providing statistical data and geographical context
• Reflects the administrative organization, cultural identity, and economic activities of the Hautes-Alpes during the Second French Empire

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 50in (125cm). 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.

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.