The "Normandie" map, crafted by the esteemed French cartographer Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a captivating blend of artistry and geographical precision. Liozu, renowned for his thematic and pictorial maps, brings the Normandy region of France to life with vibrant colors and intricate illustrations. This map is not merely a geographical representation; it is a visual narrative that captures the cultural and historical essence of Normandy in the mid-20th century. The inclusion of a compass rose and pictorial relief adds a layer of depth and orientation, making it both a functional and decorative piece.
The map's design is a testament to Liozu's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for storytelling through cartography. Each element on the map, from the bustling ports of Le Havre and Cherbourg to the serene countryside of Lisieux and Alençon, is depicted with a richness that invites viewers to explore and discover. The thematic approach highlights the region's diverse cultural heritage, showcasing landmarks such as the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, the historic Rouen Cathedral, and the picturesque port town of Honfleur. These illustrations are not just accurate representations but also artistic renditions that capture the spirit of each location.
Liozu's "Normandie" map also serves as a poignant reminder of the region's historical significance, particularly during World War II. The D-Day beaches, marked with detailed annotations and illustrations, commemorate the pivotal Allied landings of 1944. Arromanches, with its depiction of the artificial harbor, and the Caen Memorial, symbolizing the events of the war, are prominently featured. These elements provide a historical context that enriches the map, making it a valuable educational tool as well as a beautiful work of art.
The natural beauty of Normandy is another key theme of this map. The scenic Côte Fleurie, known for its stunning coastline, and the dramatic white cliffs of Étretat are illustrated with a sense of wonder and admiration. The map also highlights the region's agricultural heritage, with depictions of the famous Camembert cheese and the lush, pastoral landscapes that define much of Normandy. This blend of natural and cultural elements creates a holistic view of the region, offering a comprehensive snapshot of its unique character.
In summary, Jacques Liozu's "Normandie" map is a masterful fusion of art, history, and geography. It captures the essence of Normandy with a richness and depth that few maps can rival. From its detailed illustrations of historical landmarks and natural wonders to its thematic focus on cultural heritage, this map is a celebration of Normandy's past and present. Whether as a decorative piece or a historical document, it stands as a testament to Liozu's skill and vision as a cartographer.
Cities and towns on this map
- Rouen
- Le Havre
- Caen
- Cherbourg
- Évreux
- Dieppe
- Lisieux
- Alençon
- Granville
- Bayeux
- Falaise
- Avranches
- Vernon
- Pontorson
- Domfront
- Vire
- Mortain
- Argentan
- Valognes
- Coutances
- Saint-Lô
- Carentan
- Honfleur
- Pont-l'Évêque
- Villers-Bocage
Notable Features & Landmarks
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Mont Saint-Michel: The iconic island commune with its historic abbey.
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D-Day Beaches: Marked with illustrations and annotations, significant for the 1944 Allied landings.
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Bayeux Tapestry: Depicted to highlight its historical importance.
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Rouen Cathedral: The Gothic cathedral, prominently illustrated.
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Arromanches: Site of the D-Day artificial harbor.
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Caen Memorial: Symbolizing the events of World War II.
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Falaise: Birthplace of William the Conqueror, with its castle depicted.
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Pont de Normandie: The modern bridge over the Seine.
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Abbey of Jumièges: Historical abbey ruins, illustrated.
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Château Gaillard: The medieval castle overlooking the Seine.
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Côte Fleurie: The scenic coastline known for its beauty.
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Camembert: Depicted with cheese, highlighting its culinary significance.
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Dieppe: Known for its beaches and historic significance in WWII.
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Lisieux: Known for the Basilica of St. Thérèse.
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Giverny: Associated with the artist Claude Monet.
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Honfleur: The picturesque port town, illustrated with its harbor.
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Étretat: Famous for its dramatic white cliffs.
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Villers-Bocage: Noted for its WWII battle.
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Granville: Known for its maritime heritage.
Historical and design context
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Name: Normandie
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Notes: Color pictorial map of Normandy Region, France. Includes compass rose. Relief shown pictorially.
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Date: 1951
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Mapmaker: Jacques Liozu, a notable French cartographer known for his thematic and pictorial maps.
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Themes: The map highlights cultural, historical, and geographical elements of the Normandy region.
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Countries/Regions: Focuses on the Normandy region in France.
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Design/Style: Thematic and pictorial map, featuring vibrant colors and detailed illustrations.
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Historical Significance: Captures the essence of Normandy post-World War II, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.