This original poster was created in 1974 by French illustrator Hervé Morvan for the SNCF. Entitled Voyages Heureux—“Happy Journeys”—it promoted the Carte Vermeil, a railway discount card intended for senior passengers.
Morvan depicts a smiling elderly couple comfortably seated together while holding an oversized Carte Vermeil. The affectionate characters, simplified forms and humorous proportions give the composition the warm and immediately accessible quality characteristic of his advertising work.
The card offered a 30% reduction on first- and second-class railway travel. As stated on the poster, it was available from the age of 60 for women and 65 for men, with the card priced at 22 francs.
This original poster was printed in offset, with Morvan’s signature appearing within the image. Its bright yellow background, deep red lettering and colourful central illustration create a cheerful and highly visible design perfectly suited to SNCF’s nationwide advertising campaign.
Hervé Morvan (1917–1980) was a prominent French poster artist known for his playful characters, bold colours and visual humour. This charming original SNCF poster is an excellent example of 1970s French commercial design and would appeal to collectors of railway, travel and vintage advertising posters.
Original Poster
Railway - Advertisement - France
Vermeil Card
Perceval Printed by Lalande Courbet in Wissous
Good condition
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