SNCF - Visitez la France 1952

This vibrant 1952 original travel poster by the French artist Jal captures the optimism and dynamism of postwar France through the lens of national pride and modern infrastructure. Commissioned by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), it invites viewers to "Visitez la France" by showcasing the country as both beautiful and accessible, thanks to its expanding rail and coach networks.

At the center of the composition, a gleaming green electric locomotive charges forward across the French countryside, a symbol of technological progress and national unity. Above it, a softly painted map of France bursts from the sky like a cloud-shaped canvas, adorned with a tricolor bouquet of cornflower, marguerite, and poppy—emblems of remembrance, peace, and patriotism. Surrounding the scene are idyllic rural villages, winding roads, and hints of regional charm, emphasizing the diversity and richness of the French landscape.

Jal’s fluid watercolor technique and light-filled palette bring a sense of freshness and motion to the design, echoing the rejuvenated spirit of France in the early 1950s. The poster promotes rail travel not just as a means of transport but as a cultural journey, connecting cities and countryside, heritage and modernity. With its bold message and inviting visual language, this piece exemplifies the golden age of European travel posters—where art met infrastructure in the service of exploration and national pride.

Railway - Tourism - France

Take our trains and our coaches

Printed by Paul Martial in Paris

Good condition