| Designer: | Starr |
| Country: | France |
| Decade: | 1950 |
| Year: | 1952 |
| Dimensions: | 100.0 x 62.0 cm | 39.370078740000004 x 24.4094488188 inches |
| Condition: | Very good/excellent | | A-/B+ |
| Linen backed | |
| Publisher: | SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) |
| Printed by: | Pub. Yves Alexandre |
| Category / Theme: |
Railroad |
This original vintage French railway travel poster, designed by Starr for SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), was issued in 1952 to promote the Côte d'Azur, one of Europe's most glamorous holiday destinations. Featuring the inviting slogan "Visitez la France – Côte d'Azur" ("Visit France – French Riviera"), the poster encourages travelers to discover the Mediterranean coast by train and motor coach.
The composition presents the Riviera through the window of a railway carriage, transforming the journey itself into part of the holiday experience. Bathed in brilliant sunshine, the scene reveals the sparkling blue Mediterranean, palm trees, beaches, sailboats, and the mountainous coastline stretching into the distance. The smiling sun, vivid colors, and expressive painterly style perfectly capture the warmth and carefree atmosphere of the French Riviera during the golden age of post-war tourism.
Issued by SNCF as part of its campaign to promote rail travel throughout France, the poster reflects the optimism and growing popularity of leisure travel in the early 1950s. It remains a striking example of French railway advertising, combining bold graphic design with the romance of train travel and the timeless appeal of the Mediterranean coast.
A beautiful original vintage French railway poster that celebrates both the elegance of rail travel and the enduring attraction of the Côte d'Azur.
Mounted on linen. The linen has been trimmed close to the poster edge, leaving approximately a 0.5 cm margin. In very good condition with light age wear.