The "Maine" map, crafted by the esteemed Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a vibrant pictorial representation of the Maine-et-Loire region in France. Liozu, renowned for his artistic cartography, imbues this map with a unique blend of historical depth and cultural richness. The map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a visual journey through the heart of this storied region, highlighting its historical landmarks, local customs, and the picturesque landscape that defines it.

Liozu's map is a masterclass in design, featuring a decorative compass rose oriented to the upper right margin, which adds a touch of elegance and navigational clarity. The relief is shown pictorially, bringing the terrain to life with artistic flair. This map is not just a tool for navigation but a piece of art that captures the essence of Maine-et-Loire, with its rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the meandering rivers that nourish the land.

The map is rich with illustrations that depict the local culture and historical landmarks. Castles, churches, and other significant buildings are meticulously drawn, providing a window into the region's architectural heritage. The map also showcases local agriculture and livestock, reflecting the area's agrarian roots and the traditional way of life that has shaped its identity over centuries. These elements are woven together with a keen eye for detail, making the map a tapestry of history and culture.

Cities and towns such as Le Mans, Laval, and Château-Gontier are prominently featured, each illustrated with a charm that captures their unique character. The map also highlights smaller settlements like La Flèche, Mayenne, and Mamers, providing a comprehensive view of the region's human geography. These towns are not just points on a map but vibrant communities with rich histories and cultural significance, all brought to life through Liozu's artistic vision.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its visual appeal. It serves as a snapshot of the Maine region in the mid-20th century, reflecting the cultural and historical landscape of the time. The artistic borders and decorative elements add a layer of sophistication, making this map a coveted piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Jacques Liozu's "Maine" map is more than a geographical document; it is a celebration of a region's heritage, meticulously crafted by a master cartographer.

Cities and towns on this map

• Le Mans
• Laval
• Château-Gontier
• La Flèche
• Mayenne
• Mamers
• Château-du-Loir
• Sablé
• Châteauneuf
• Montsûrs
• Evron
• Gorron
• Ernée
• Ambrières
• Villaines
• Sillé-le-Guillaume
• Beaumont
• Ballon
• Bonnétable
• La Ferté-Bernard
• Saint-Calais
• La Chartre
• Montmirail
• Saint-Jean-de-Monts
• Solesmes
• Broons
• Marolles
• Bellême
• Mortagne

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative compass rose.
• Illustrations of local culture and historical figures.
• Pictorial relief showing terrain.
• Major historical landmarks such as castles and churches.
• Illustrations of local agriculture and livestock.
• Representation of local industries and crafts.
• Depictions of traditional clothing and customs.
• Notable rivers and bodies of water.
• Artistic borders and decorative elements.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Maine
• When the map was made: 1951
• Mapmaker or publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating detailed and artistic pictorial maps that often included whimsical and decorative elements.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• The map is a thematic and pictorial representation of the Maine region in France.
• It includes illustrations of local culture, historical landmarks, and significant buildings.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• The map primarily focuses on the Maine region in France.
• It includes surrounding regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and Anjou.
• Design or style of the map:
• The map features a decorative style with artistic illustrations.
• It includes a compass rose and pictorial relief to show terrain.
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• The map is a mid-20th century artistic representation of the Maine region, reflecting the cultural and historical aspects of the area during that period.

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.