Rare Old Pictorial Map of Pyrenees by Liozu, 1951: Perpignan, Pau, Bayonne, Castles, Mountains

The "Pyrenees" map, crafted by the illustrious Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a captivating pictorial representation of the French Pyrenees, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Liozu, celebrated for his illustrative and thematic cartography, imbues this map with a unique blend of artistry and geographical precision. His work is a testament to the mid-20th century cartographic style, where maps were not just navigational tools but also works of art that captured the essence of a place.

This map is a visual feast, adorned with a decorative compass rose and detailed illustrations that bring the Pyrenees to life. The relief is shown pictorially, offering a vivid depiction of the mountainous terrain. The map is teeming with cultural and historical elements, from traditional attire and local festivities to significant landmarks like castles and churches. It beautifully portrays the harmonious blend of nature and human activity that defines the Pyrenees region.

Liozu's map highlights the intricate network of cities and towns that dot the Pyrenees-Orientales. Major settlements such as Perpignan, Pau, and Bayonne are prominently featured, each illustrated with distinctive architectural and cultural markers. The map also showcases smaller towns like Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Ax-les-Thermes, capturing the diverse and vibrant human tapestry of the region. These illustrations provide a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the people who inhabit this picturesque landscape.

The natural features of the Pyrenees are meticulously depicted, with artistic renderings of mountain peaks, rivers, and forests. The map includes visual representations of local flora and fauna, adding to its charm and educational value. Notable natural phenomena such as caves and winter sports activities like skiing are also illustrated, highlighting the region's appeal to adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This attention to detail underscores the map's role as both a geographical guide and a cultural artifact.

Historically, this map offers a snapshot of the Pyrenees region as it was understood in the mid-20th century. It reflects the historical significance of the border between France and Spain, with illustrations of maritime activities along the coast and traditional farming and shepherding in the interior. The map is not just a tool for navigation but a window into the past, capturing the essence of a region steeped in history and tradition. Jacques Liozu's "Pyrenees" map is a masterpiece that continues to enchant and inform, making it a prized addition to any collection.

Cities and towns on this map

• Perpignan
• Pau
• Bayonne
• Tarbes
• Foix
• Lourdes
• Pamiers
• Saint-Gaudens
• Oloron-Sainte-Marie
• Muret
• Bagnères-de-Luchon
• Argelès-Gazost
• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
• Ax-les-Thermes
• Quillan
• Prades
• Lannemezan
• Orthez
• Mirepoix
• Saint-Girons
• Lavelanet
• Cauterets
• Bagnères-de-Bigorre
• Vic-en-Bigorre
• Arreau
• Mauléon-Licharre
• Osséja
• Mont-Louis
• Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via
• Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda
• Céret
• Arles-sur-Tech
• Collioure
• Port-Vendres
• Banyuls-sur-Mer
• Cerbère
• San Sebastián

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative compass rose
• Illustrations of local attire and cultural activities
• Historic landmarks such as castles and churches
• Pictorial relief showing the terrain of the Pyrenees mountains
• Illustrations of animals native to the region
• Depictions of traditional farming and shepherding activities
• Representation of local flora and fauna
• Artistic renderings of historical events and legends
• Visual indication of major rivers and mountain peaks
• Illustrations of local festivals and dances
• Pictorial depictions of winter sports such as skiing
• Drawings of traditional architecture and buildings
• Representation of local crafts and trades
• Illustrations of significant natural features like caves and forests
• Depictions of maritime activities along the coast
• Visual representation of the border between France and Spain

Historical and design context

• The map depicts the French Pyrenees, which are part of the Pyrenees-Orientales.
• Created in 1951 by Jacques Liozu, known for his illustrative and pictorial maps.
• The map features a pictorial and illustrative style, with artistic representations of landmarks, people, and cultural elements.
• The relief is shown pictorially, adding a visual dimension to the terrain.
• The map is a thematic and pictorial representation of the Pyrenees region, including historical landmarks, cultural elements, and geographical features.
• It reflects the cultural and geographical understanding of the region in the mid-20th century.
• Decorative elements such as the compass rose and illustrations of local attire and activities are prominent.
• The map provides a visual representation of the Pyrenees region, capturing the essence of a place steeped in history and tradition.

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.

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.