1954 Direction Generale du Tourisme Map of French Chateaux (Castles)

A c. 1954 Direction Générale du Tourisme map of France highlighting famous chateaux, castles, ruins, and other historic buildings. Intended for English-speaking tourists, it reflects the French efforts to boost tourism, today a major contributor to the economy.

A Closer Look

The European départements of France, including Corsica at bottom-right, are illustrated. A legend explains the symbols used for various monuments, ruins, and other buildings while admitting that these distinctions can be very difficult given the accretion of structures at a single site over centuries. A grid along the border corresponds to a verso index.

Two boxes on the recto highlight the Ile-de-France and the Loire River Valley, which offer a dense concentration of well-preserved and imposing chateaux. These two regions are detailed via inset maps on the verso.

The verso also includes explanatory text on the history and definition of 'chateaux'. Architectural periods and styles are discussed, some of which were opulent but never gaudy, having been 'saved by French good taste from the excesses and extravagances which seemed to threaten.'

This map was published in the early phase of France's postwar economic recovery known as the Trente Glorieuses. Although most economic growth at that time was due to industrialization, increasing wealth across Europe and beyond, combined with greater ease of international travel, boosted domestic and international tourism.

Publication History and Census

This map was prepared by the Direction Générale du Tourisme in or around 1954. The OCLC lists it among the holdings of 13 institutions.