This 1913 original railway poster by Géo Dorival was created for the Chemins de fer de l’État to promote travel to Vire in Normandy, presented here as part of the romantic vision of “La Vieille Normandie.” Produced during the golden era of illustrated railway advertising, the poster reflects France’s early twentieth-century effort to encourage regional tourism through evocative imagery.
Dorival depicts a picturesque Norman canal lined with timber-framed houses, stone buildings, and warm terracotta roofs reflected in calm water. The stylised composition — with strong black outlines, flat colour areas, and a softly glowing yellow sky — blends Art Nouveau influence with emerging modern graphic simplification. This creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and inviting, emphasising heritage, tranquillity, and provincial charm.
Rather than focusing on modern transport, the image celebrates timeless architecture and scenic beauty, suggesting rail travel as a gateway to authentic French landscapes and historic towns. The composition subtly evokes serenity and tradition, appealing to urban travellers seeking cultural escape.
Today, this poster stands as an excellent example of early French travel advertising — combining artistic refinement, regional identity, and railway promotion — while capturing the enduring allure of Normandy’s historic towns on the eve of the First World War.
Original Poster
Railway - Tourism - Calvados - France
Printed by Cornille & Serre in Paris
Good condition, slight creases
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