Rare Old Wine Map of Champagne Region by Hetreau, 1954: Reims, Troyes, Epernay, Marne River, Vineyards

Les Vignobles De France -- Vins De Champagne, created by the renowned French artist Remy Hetreau in 1954, is a captivating depiction of the Champagne wine region. This map is part of a series commissioned by the Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin, a government agency dedicated to promoting the French wine industry. Hetreau's artistic prowess is evident in the detailed illustrations that highlight the major wine-producing areas, with clusters of grapes symbolizing red and white wines. The map not only serves as a guide to the Champagne region but also as a beautiful piece of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of French winemaking.

Remy Hetreau, known for his etchings, engravings, and book illustrations, brings his unique artistic style to this map. His work on this map series, including designs for Haviland Limoges china and murals at the Maison de l'Amerique Latine in Paris, showcases his versatility and dedication to French art and culture. The map is adorned with a compass rose, decorative borders featuring grapevines, and charming illustrations of women in traditional attire, all of which add to its visual appeal and historical significance.

The map highlights the Champagne region's major cities and towns, such as Reims, Troyes, and Epernay, which are renowned for their contributions to the world of wine. The detailed depiction of these settlements, along with smaller towns like Aÿ and Vertus, provides a comprehensive overview of the region's viticultural landscape. The inclusion of natural features like the Marne River further enhances the map's utility and aesthetic value, making it a must-have for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In addition to its artistic and cartographic elements, the map serves as a historical document that reflects the post-war efforts to promote French wine and tourism. The Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin played a crucial role in these efforts, and Hetreau's map is a testament to the importance of the wine industry in France's cultural and economic recovery. The map's vibrant colors and intricate details capture the essence of the Champagne region, inviting viewers to explore its rich history and traditions.

Overall, Les Vignobles De France -- Vins De Champagne is more than just a map; it is a celebration of French winemaking heritage. Remy Hetreau's masterful artistry, combined with the map's historical context and detailed depiction of the Champagne region, makes it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or an art lover, this map offers a unique glimpse into the world of French viticulture and the timeless beauty of the Champagne region.

Cities and towns on this map

• Reims
• Troyes
• Epernay
• Châlons-en-Champagne
• Bar-sur-Aube
• Bar-sur-Seine
• Sézanne
• Vitry-le-François
• Sainte-Menehould
• Aÿ
• Vertus
• Avize
• Montmirail
• Dormans
• Verzy
• Verzenay
• Bouzy
• Ambonnay
• Trepail
• Tours-sur-Marne
• Cumières
• Hautvillers
• Mareuil-sur-Ay
• Oger
• Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Cramant
• Chouilly
• Pierry
• Dizy
• Avenay-Val-d'Or
• Mutigny
• Bisseuil
• Mareuil-le-Port
• Châtillon-sur-Marne
• Villers-Marmery
• Ludes
• Rilly-la-Montagne
• Taissy
• Mailly-Champagne
• Monthelon
• Moussy
• Saint-Martin-d'Ablois
• Grauves
• Vert-Toulon
• Congy
• Etoges
• Chavot-Courcourt
• Vauciennes
• Chamery
• Courmas
• Sacy

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural features:
• Rivers (e.g., Marne)
• Artistic elements:
• Compass rose
• Grapes on the vine
• Illustrations of two women in traditional attire
• Decorative borders with vine motifs
• Wine regions:
• Red wine regions (indicated with red clusters)
• White wine regions (indicated with yellow clusters)
• Other elements:
• Sailing vessel
• Chateau
• Heraldic shield

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Les Vignobles De France -- Vins De Champagne (The Vineyards of France -- Wines of Champagne)
• Creation date: 1954
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Remy Hetreau
• Context about the mapmaker: Remy Hétreau was a French artist, printmaker, illustrator, and designer known for his etchings and engravings. He illustrated numerous books and created designs for Haviland Limoges china, painted murals, and designed international exhibitions of French technology.
• Commissioning agency: Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin, a French government agency promoting the wine industry.
• Series: One of a series of 11 maps titled Les Vignobles de France. The series includes maps of Région Est, Région Normandie, Champagne, Roussillon, Val de Loire, Alsace, Côte du Rhône, Bourgogne, Côte de Provence, and the French colony Algeria [Algérie].
• Themes and topics:
• Wine regions: Major wine-producing areas are highlighted with clusters of grapes, using red for red wines and yellow for white wines.
• Tourism and promotion: The map was used to advertise French wines and tourism.
• Design and style:
• Pictorial elements: Includes a compass rose, grapes on the vine, a sailing vessel, and chateau.
• Artistic style: Reflects the illustrative and decorative style of the mid-20th century.
• Historical significance:
• Promotional tool: Part of a broader effort to promote French wine and tourism in the post-war period.
• Cultural representation: Showcases the importance of the wine industry in French culture and economy.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.