This captivating original lithographic poster, created circa 1890 by the artist H. Colb, promotes seaside tourism along the Breton coast between Granville and Brest, under the banner of the Chemins de fer de l'Ouest (Western Railway Company). It stands as a testament to the golden age of railway travel and the burgeoning fashion for sea bathing in late 19th-century France.
The composition showcases a romanticized view of the rugged Breton coastline, likely intended to evoke both natural beauty and invigorating health benefits associated with the Atlantic seashore. With an emphasis on open air, picturesque cliffs, and bathing figures, Colb presents the Brittany littoral as a desirable and accessible escape for city dwellers thanks to the expanding rail network.
Part of a broader campaign by French railway companies to promote regional tourism, this poster combines artistic flair with commercial intent. It exemplifies the style of the Belle Époque travel poster—an era when visual design played a central role in shaping public imagination and encouraging mobility.
Today, original examples of this poster are rare, particularly in good condition. It is prized not only for its historical significance in the development of French tourism and graphic advertising, but also for its aesthetic appeal as an early lithographic work blending realism and charm.
Railway - Tourism - Brittany - France
Printed by B. Sirven
Good condition
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