France - Notre-dame de Paris Circa 1950

Published around 1950, this original French travel poster by Foucault was issued by the Commissariat Général au Tourisme, under the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Tourism, to promote France's rich architectural heritage. Featuring a magnificent photographic view of Notre-Dame de Paris, the poster belongs to the celebrated post-war series of official French tourism advertisements that introduced international visitors to the country's most iconic landmarks.

The dramatic black-and-white photograph presents Notre-Dame Cathedral from the banks of the Seine, emphasizing the grandeur of its Gothic architecture. The soaring central spire, elegant flying buttresses, twin western towers, and famous rose window are all rendered with remarkable clarity beneath a sky filled with imposing clouds. Reflected in the calm waters of the river, the cathedral appears both monumental and timeless, embodying nearly eight centuries of French history.

Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII and continued for almost two centuries before its completion in the mid-thirteenth century. Widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of French Gothic architecture, the cathedral has witnessed some of the nation's most significant historical events, including royal ceremonies, imperial coronations, and national commemorations. Its worldwide fame was further enhanced through Victor Hugo's 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris, which helped inspire the great nineteenth-century restoration led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, including the reconstruction of the cathedral's iconic spire.

The photographer Foucault, whose work appears on several official French tourism posters of the period, specialized in capturing historic monuments through carefully composed architectural photography. Rather than relying on illustration, these post-war posters embraced photography to present France with authenticity and elegance, reflecting the country's renewed commitment to welcoming international visitors after the Second World War.

During the 1950s, the Commissariat Général au Tourisme commissioned a distinguished series of large-format photographic posters promoting France's cultural landmarks, historic cities, and natural landscapes. Displayed in railway stations, travel agencies, embassies, and tourist offices throughout Europe and North America, they played a significant role in establishing France as one of the world's leading travel destinations.

Originally intended for temporary promotional use, these official tourism posters were produced in relatively limited quantities, and comparatively few have survived in excellent condition. Their refined typography, exceptional photographic quality, and historical significance have made them increasingly sought after by collectors of vintage travel posters and French cultural memorabilia.

Today, France – Notre-Dame de Paris stands as one of the finest examples of mid-century French tourism design. Combining masterful architectural photography with understated graphic elegance, it celebrates one of the world's most celebrated monuments and captures the enduring romance and grandeur of Paris.

Original Poster

Tourism - Religion - France

Ile de la Cité

Printed by Georges Lang

Good condition