Old Map of Savoie by Flornoy, 1950: Mont Blanc, Lac du Bourget, Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains

Step into the enchanting heart of the French Alps with "La Savoie Touristique et Monumentale," an exquisite pictorial map created by the esteemed Jean Flornoy in 1950. This masterwork offers a vibrant window into the Savoie region, celebrated for its majestic peaks, crystalline lakes, and storied architectural heritage. The original French title itself evokes a dual sense of adventure and reverence, inviting the viewer to explore both the touristic wonders and monumental landmarks that define this historic province. Flornoy’s artistry and attention to detail transform the map into more than a navigational tool—it becomes a visual ode to the cultural and natural grandeur of Savoie.

Jean Flornoy, renowned for his distinctive approach to cartography, imbued his maps with a sense of artistry that transcends mere geography. His 1950 creation captures Savoie at a pivotal moment in post-war Europe, when tourism flourished and regional identity blossomed anew. Flornoy’s technique blends detailed illustration with a pictorial narrative, rendering each landmark and landscape with both accuracy and charm. The map’s vibrant depictions of alpine terrain, iconic monuments, and lush valleys reflect Flornoy’s deep appreciation for the region’s unique character and enduring legacy.

At the heart of this map lies a celebration of Savoie’s most iconic features. Mont Blanc, the towering sentinel of the Alps, is illustrated with dramatic flair, anchoring the map’s northern reaches. The shimmering expanse of Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural lake, stretches invitingly across the landscape, its shores graced by the historic Abbaye de Hautecombe. These natural wonders are complemented by a tapestry of castles, abbeys, and ancient churches, each meticulously rendered to highlight their architectural significance and storied past.

The map’s thematic richness extends to its portrayal of Savoie’s vibrant towns and cities. From the historic streets of Chambéry, once the seat of the Dukes of Savoy, to the elegant spa town of Aix-les-Bains and the Olympic legacy of Albertville, Flornoy’s illustrations capture the spirit and vitality of these alpine communities. Each settlement is nestled amidst dramatic mountain passes, verdant valleys, and the legendary Col du Mont-Cenis, a route steeped in centuries of cross-border exchange and adventure. The map also hints at the region’s recreational allure, with visual nods to skiing, mountaineering, and the timeless pursuit of alpine exploration.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, "La Savoie Touristique et Monumentale" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Savoie—a region where natural beauty and human achievement intertwine. This map is more than a historical artifact; it is a celebration of a landscape shaped by centuries of history, faith, and innovation. Whether admired for its artistry or cherished as a cultural document, Flornoy’s map invites collectors and connoisseurs alike to embark on a journey through one of France’s most captivating provinces, where every mountain, lake, and monument tells a story.

Cities and towns on this map

• Chambéry
• Aix-les-Bains
• Albertville
• Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
• Moûtiers
• Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Mont Blanc: Prominently illustrated as the highest peak in the Alps, a major natural landmark.
• Lac du Bourget: Clearly depicted, known as the largest natural lake in France.
• Abbaye de Hautecombe: Historical abbey prominently illustrated on the shores of Lac du Bourget.
• Château de Chambéry: Historic castle depicted, significant as a former residence of the Dukes of Savoy.
• Col du Mont-Cenis: Noted mountain pass historically important for travel and trade between France and Italy.
• Thermal baths and spa towns: Illustrated, emphasizing the region's historical reputation for wellness tourism.
• Historical churches and chapels: Numerous religious monuments depicted, reflecting the region’s rich religious and architectural heritage.
• Traditional alpine activities: Illustrations of skiing, hiking, and mountaineering, highlighting the region’s recreational appeal.

Historical and design context

• Created in 1950 by Jean Flornoy, renowned for artistic and detailed pictorial maps.
• Depicts the Savoie region in southeastern France, celebrated for its alpine landscapes, historical architecture, and cultural heritage.
• Designed to highlight the touristic appeal and monumental importance of Savoie for both tourists and local residents.
• Artistic, pictorial style with detailed illustrations of landmarks, monuments, and natural features, typical of mid-20th-century thematic tourism maps.
• Reflects post-war tourism growth and regional pride, serving as a historical snapshot of Savoie’s cultural and natural attractions in the mid-20th century.

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.