Old Map of France: 'Gallia Vulgo' by Visscher, 1690: Paris, Brussels, Provinces & Regions of France, French Riviera

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French history with this meticulously detailed map, 'Gallia Vulgo La France', crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. As a renowned cartographer from the illustrious Dutch Golden Age, Visscher's work presents an accurate and comprehensive depiction of France's geographical and political landscape during the late 17th century. The full name of the map translates to 'Gaul, commonly called France', indicating the areas covered by this exquisite piece.

The map prominently features the capital city of Paris, a bustling metropolis even in the 17th century, known for its architectural grandeur and cultural vibrancy. Brussels, another city of note, represents the historical connection between France and Belgium, a relationship intricately woven through centuries of shared history. Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland, is also included, showcasing the extensive reach of Visscher's work beyond France's borders.

The map also highlights the Provinces of France, providing an in-depth look at the country's political divisions during the period. This aspect of the map offers a unique insight into the historical administrative structure of France, a topic of interest for history enthusiasts and scholars alike. The French Riviera, a region synonymous with glamour and the arts, is also depicted, adding a touch of luxury to this historical piece.

This 'Gallia Vulgo La France' map by Nicolaes Visscher II offers a fascinating journey through the landscapes, cities, and political divisions of 17th century France. Whether you're a history buff, a cartography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine artistry, this map is sure to be a captivating addition to your collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Within the Provinces of France:

1. Paris - Known as 'Lutetia' during the Roman period, it was the most populous city in France during the 17th century and was already a cultural and economic hub.
2. Lyon - Known as 'Lugdunum' in ancient times, Lyon was a significant trade city due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
3. Marseille - Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC as 'Massalia', it was an important Mediterranean seaport.
4. Toulouse - Known as 'Tolosa' in the Roman period, it was a key city in southern France.
5. Bordeaux - Known as 'Burdigala', it was a major wine trade center.
6. Nantes - An important port and industrial center.
7. Rouen - Known for its cathedral and as a key northern trade city.
8. Orléans - Known as 'Cenabum', it was a significant city on the Loire River.
9. Montpellier - Known for its medical school, the oldest in the world.
10. Avignon - Known as 'Avenio', it was the seat of the Catholic popes in the 14th century.
11. Dijon - An important trade and manufacturing center.
12. Amiens - Known for its Gothic cathedral.
13. Limoges - Known for its enamel work in the Middle Ages.
14. Clermont-Ferrand - Known for its cathedral built entirely of black lava stone.
15. Caen - Known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror.
16. Tours - Known as 'Civitas Turonum', it was a key city in the Loire Valley.
17. Besançon - Known as 'Vesontio', it was the capital of the Sequani.
18. Metz - Known as 'Divodurum Mediomatricum', it was a key city in the Moselle region.
19. Poitiers - Known for its religious architecture and as a key city on the Clain river.
20. Grenoble - Known as 'Cularo', it was a key city in the Dauphiné region.

Outside the Provinces of France:

1. Brussels - Capital of Belgium and known as 'Bruocsella' during the Roman period.
2. Bern - De facto capital of Switzerland and known for its medieval cityscape.
3. Antwerp - Known as 'Andwerpia', it was a key city in the Duchy of Brabant.
4. Zurich - Largest city in Switzerland and known as 'Turicum' in Roman times.
5. Strasbourg - Known as 'Argentoratum', it was a key city in the Alsace region.
6. Geneva - Known for its role in the Protestant Reformation.
7. Luxembourg City - Capital of Luxembourg and known for its fortifications.
8. Lausanne - Known for its cathedral and as a key city on Lake Geneva.
9. Liège - Known as 'Leodium', it was a key city in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.
10. Namur - Known as 'Namurcum', it was a key city in the County of Namur.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• The French Riviera - Known for its stunning coastline and as a tourist hotspot.
• The Loire Valley - Known for its vineyards, fruit orchards and artichoke fields.
• The Rhône River - One of the major rivers in Europe, flowing through Switzerland and France.
• The French Alps - Known for their stunning beauty and as a popular skiing destination.
• The Massif Central - Known for its mountains, plateaus, and dormant volcanoes.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

• The French Wars of Religion (1562-1598) - A violent period of conflict between Catholics and Protestants.
• The Edict of Nantes (1598) - Granted the Calvinist Protestants of France substantial rights in a predominantly Catholic nation.
• The Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678) - France invaded the Dutch Republic, leading to a major European conflict.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

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

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.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.