This original circa 1955 French tourism poster promotes the Massif de la Meije in the Hautes-Alpes. Featuring a photograph credited to the Touring Club de France, it was issued by the French Ministry of Public Works and Transport together with the Commissariat Général au Tourisme.
The dramatic composition looks across a compact Alpine village towards the immense rocky slopes, glaciers and snow-covered summits of the Meije massif. The elevated viewpoint emphasises the extraordinary scale of the mountains dominating the settlement below.
Presented entirely in black and white, the photograph uses strong contrasts and finely rendered textures to reveal the rugged character of the landscape. The monumental “France” lettering provides a simple and powerful conclusion to the design.
The Touring Club de France was an influential organisation devoted to encouraging travel and promoting the country’s natural and cultural heritage. Its photographic archives helped introduce generations of visitors to France’s mountains, villages and regional landscapes.
A striking example of mid-century French photographic tourism design, this original poster would make an excellent addition to a collection devoted to the Alps, mountaineering, the Hautes-Alpes or vintage European travel.
Original Poster
Mountain - Tourism - Hautes-Alpes - France - Photography
Printed by E. Desfossés in Paris
Good condition, slight creases
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