France - Le golfe de Bonifacio 1964

Published in 1964, this original travel poster by Alain Perceval was commissioned to promote Corsica, showcasing the spectacular Gulf of Bonifacio, one of the island's most breathtaking natural landmarks. Issued as part of France's national tourism campaigns during the post-war boom in leisure travel, the poster captures the dramatic beauty of southern Corsica through a stunning aerial photograph.

The image offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the fortified town of Bonifacio, perched atop towering white limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by turquoise waters and rugged coastal landscapes, the medieval citadel appears almost suspended above the sea, illustrating why Bonifacio has long been regarded as one of the most remarkable coastal towns in Europe.

Unlike the illustrated travel posters that dominated the first half of the twentieth century, French tourism campaigns of the 1960s increasingly embraced high-quality color photography. Advances in aerial photography and offset printing allowed designers such as Alain Perceval to present destinations with striking realism while maintaining the clean typography and modern layout characteristic of mid-century graphic design. The result is a sophisticated visual invitation that reflects the optimism and mobility of the era.

The Gulf of Bonifacio occupies a unique geographical position between Corsica and Sardinia, connected by the famous Strait of Bonifacio. The area is renowned for its spectacular limestone cliffs, sea caves, hidden coves, and exceptional biodiversity. For centuries, the natural harbor made Bonifacio a strategic military and commercial stronghold, contested by the Genoese, Pisans, French, and other Mediterranean powers. Today, the region is protected as part of the Bonifacio Nature Reserve, preserving one of the Mediterranean's richest marine ecosystems.

During the 1960s, Corsica became an increasingly popular destination as improved ferry services and expanding road networks made the island more accessible to visitors from mainland France and across Europe. Posters such as this played a significant role in shaping the image of Corsica as a destination of unspoiled landscapes, historic towns, and crystal-clear waters, helping establish its reputation as one of the Mediterranean's premier holiday destinations.

Original French travel posters from this period were printed in relatively limited numbers for railway stations, travel agencies, and tourist offices. Because they were intended for seasonal display, well-preserved examples have become increasingly desirable among collectors of vintage travel posters, French graphic design, and Mediterranean tourism memorabilia.

Today, France – Le Golfe de Bonifacio remains an outstanding example of 1960s travel promotion. Combining spectacular aerial photography with elegant minimalist typography, it celebrates one of France's most extraordinary coastal landscapes and captures the enduring appeal of Corsica as a destination of natural beauty and historic charm.

Original Poster

Tourism - Corsica - Sea - France

Printed by Draeger in Paris

Good condition, small tears, one stain