Les Trois épis Circa Turckheim 1930

This stunning original vintage travel poster from circa 1930, created by the artist Gadoud, is a striking celebration of the charm and cultural richness of Turckheim in the Haute-Alsace region of eastern France. Issued by the Alsace and Lorraine Railways to promote tourism to the region, this poster is an exquisite example of the golden age of railway advertising, where destinations were sold not just through schedules and routes but through vivid, romantic visions of travel and place.

At the heart of the composition is the red-roofed medieval gate of Turckheim, bathed in warm afternoon light, rendered with an almost storybook-like vibrancy. Behind it rises a wooded mountain, winding roads, and the distant silhouette of the Trois Épis pilgrimage site perched atop the Vosges foothills. The contrast of architecture and nature highlights Alsace's unique blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty, characteristics that made it a top travel destination in the interwar period. This poster captures the moment when rural France was being reintroduced to modern travelers as both a historic and rejuvenating escape.

The Alsace and Lorraine Railways, later incorporated into the SNCF, used posters like this to entice Parisians and international tourists alike to discover France’s lesser-known corners by train. Gadoud’s illustration expertly communicates this invitation—using clean forms, rich yet restrained color palettes, and a composition that draws the viewer into a scene that is both idyllic and tangible. From the obelisk and square in the foreground to the winding route climbing the hill, the visual cues suggest a journey awaiting the viewer, promising both serenity and discovery.

Today, this poster stands not only as a piece of regional pride and tourism history, but also as a fine example of pre-WWII French graphic design. It reflects the modernist influences of the time, balanced with regionalist romanticism, showing how graphic art played a pivotal role in constructing the idea of travel in the early 20th century. Collectors and historians alike value such posters for their artistic merit and their ability to reflect the cultural aspirations of the era.

Whether viewed as art, ephemera, or cultural document, The Trois Épis – Turckheim remains a timeless invitation to the beauty of Alsace—and to the magic of discovering the world by rail.

Chemin de fer - Haute-Alsace - Tourisme

Sopal - Chemins de fer d'Alsace et de Lorraine

Alsacien Strasbourg

Bon état, traces de plis