SNCF Les Alpes trains et autocars 1966

This 1966 original travel poster by the artist J. Jacquelin was produced for the French national railway company SNCF to promote tourism in the spectacular landscapes of the French Alps. Designed to encourage visitors to travel by both train and coach, the poster reflects the expanding tourism infrastructure that made Alpine destinations increasingly accessible during the mid-twentieth century.

The composition presents a dramatic Alpine panorama rendered in a bold graphic style characteristic of the 1960s. Towering snow-covered peaks dominate the background, their sharp geometric shapes contrasting with the lush green slopes and forests below. In the foreground, a picturesque church with a slender spire overlooks a village nestled beside a mountain lake, while a waterfall cascades down the hillside toward the valley.

Jacquelin’s design uses simplified forms and vivid color contrasts to convey the grandeur of the Alpine landscape. Deep blues and whites emphasize the height and majesty of the mountains, while vibrant greens highlight the forests and pastures of the valleys. The stylized approach creates a powerful visual impact, capturing the essence of the Alps rather than presenting a strictly realistic view.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the SNCF commissioned numerous illustrated posters to promote regional travel across France. These posters were displayed in railway stations and travel agencies throughout Europe, presenting France’s landscapes as destinations easily reached by modern rail networks. The addition of autocars (coaches) in the slogan reflects the integrated transport system that connected remote mountain villages and ski resorts with major railway lines.

The Alps had become one of France’s most popular destinations for both summer hiking and winter sports. Improved rail connections allowed travelers to reach Alpine valleys quickly from cities such as Paris and Lyon, transforming the region into a major center for tourism.

Today, posters like Les Alpes – Trains et Autocars are admired not only as historical advertisements but also as works of graphic design. Their clean lines, vibrant colors, and stylized landscapes capture the optimism of postwar travel and celebrate the enduring beauty of the French Alps.

Original Poster

Railway - Tourism - Mountain - France

Printed by Hubert Baille in Paris

Good condition