This striking circa 1970 original travel poster by French artist Georges Mathieu captures the unique energy and elegance of the Rhône-Alpes region through an abstract, painterly lens.
Mathieu, renowned for his lyrical abstraction and dynamic calligraphic style, brings his signature expressive brushwork to the world of travel promotion in this rare piece. Here, he layers intricate architectural motifs—evoking the soaring Gothic façades, rose windows, and cathedral spires found across the Rhône-Alpes—with soft floral branches and explosive white lines, suggestive of both light and motion.
The composition is both ethereal and architectural. Landmarks appear almost dreamlike, embedded in a misty, muted palette of sage green, stone grey, and mossy gold, accented with delicate touches of violet blossom and fine linear detail. The result is a poetic visual homage to the region’s rich historical and natural heritage—from medieval cathedrals to Alpine springtime.
The word "FRANCE" anchors the composition confidently at the top, while "RHÔNE-ALPES" below serves as both a destination and a declaration of cultural grandeur. Unlike the bold commercial posters of earlier decades, this image is closer to fine art than advertisement, reflecting a shift in poster design during the 1970s toward more painterly and emotional representation.
This is a must-have for collectors of vintage French travel posters, fans of Mathieu’s artistic legacy, or anyone seeking a sophisticated representation of one of France’s most storied regions.
Original Poster
Tourism - France
Printed by Offset 94 in Créteil
Good condition, creases
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.