This vibrant original travel poster from the early 1930s, illustrated by M. Thierry, is a nostalgic celebration of the seaside town of Courseulles-sur-Mer, located on the Côte de Nacre in the Calvados region of Normandy. With its joyful palette and idyllic imagery, the poster was designed to entice Parisians to take a seaside escape—just three hours from the capital.
Dominating the lower portion of the composition is a lively beach scene, filled with holidaymakers relaxing in swimsuits, children playing, and a calm sea inviting swimmers. Above, a stylized flag unfurls into a series of charming vignettes: small boats bobbing in the harbour, a couple enjoying a flower garden, and a stone bridge over a tranquil stream—each evoking the peaceful charm of this coastal destination.
The poster is anchored by a bold vertical arrow on the left, directing attention to the beach while subtly reinforcing the idea of fast and easy travel from Paris. The town's heraldic emblem and the clear “3 heures de Paris” message emphasize accessibility and prestige. The banner at the top proclaims Courseulles as “The Queen of the Beaches of the Côte de Nacre,” a title well-deserved for its mix of leisure, natural beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Executed in a classic Art Deco-influenced style, this poster exemplifies the golden age of French tourism advertising—when railway companies and regional tourist offices commissioned artists to paint their vision of ideal holidays. M. Thierry’s work is filled with warmth, idealism, and a gentle rhythm that captures the slower pace of life by the sea.
Today, this poster stands as both a beautiful collector’s piece and a window into the carefree spirit of 1930s French coastal holidays.
Tourism - Calvados - France
The Queen of the beaches of the Côte de Nacre
Printed by Crété in Paris
Good condition
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