Services Automobiles de la route du Jura Salins-les-bains et le Fort St André P.L.M. 1923

The 1923 original poster by Roger Broders for the Services Automobiles de la route du Jura promoting Salins-les-Bains et le Fort St André is an exquisite example of early 20th-century travel poster design. Commissioned by the P.L.M. (Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée) railway company, this artwork perfectly reflects the charm of the Jura region while showcasing Broders' mastery of composition, color, and visual storytelling.

Roger Broders, one of the most celebrated travel poster artists of the Art Deco era, was renowned for his ability to capture the essence of a destination with elegance and clarity. His posters played a pivotal role in promoting tourism across France during the golden age of travel, often highlighting scenic routes, idyllic landscapes, and picturesque towns.

In this particular work, Broders portrays the serene beauty of the Jura region with his characteristic style: clean lines, harmonious compositions, and a rich yet restrained color palette. The poster invites travelers to explore the famous Salins-les-Bains, a historic spa town celebrated for its saltwater springs, and the iconic Fort Saint-André, a stunning hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The artwork vividly conveys the natural splendor of the Jura, with rolling hills, lush greenery, and soft, sunlit skies. The carefully composed scene features winding roads, inviting travelers to journey through the tranquil region aboard the “Services Automobiles”—a service that complemented the P.L.M. railway network by connecting train passengers to remote and scenic destinations by road.

Broders’ attention to detail is unmistakable. His use of warm earth tones and subtle shading creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the landscape. The elegantly stylized typography adds to the poster’s charm, seamlessly integrating the text into the composition without distracting from the artwork itself.

This poster is not only a masterpiece of travel advertising but also a reflection of the growing trend of leisure travel in the early 20th century. As rail travel flourished, companies like P.L.M. recognized the need to promote lesser-known but stunning destinations to affluent tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. Broders' work became an essential tool in this effort, helping to define the visual language of travel posters for decades to come.

The 1923 Services Automobiles poster stands as a testament to Roger Broders’ artistic brilliance and the elegance of the Art Deco movement. Today, it remains highly sought after by collectors and admirers of vintage travel posters. Its historical significance, combined with Broders’ timeless aesthetic, makes it a treasured piece of design history and a celebration of France's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Original Poster

Railway - Tourism - Franche-Comté - France

Paris Lyon Méditerranée

Printed by Chaix in Paris

Good condition, traces of folds, restorations