Old Map of Languedoc, France by Visscher, 1690: Toulouse, Montpelier, Perpignan, Avignon, Cévennes National Park

Discover the rich history and intricate beauty of ‘Languedoc’, a stunning map crafted by the skilled hands of Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. As a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, Visscher’s work is a testament to the precision and artistry of this era. This map, focusing on the Province of Languedoc in France, offers a glimpse into the political and geographical divisions of the time. The name ‘Languedoc’ translates to ‘Language of Oc’, referring to the Occitan language spoken in this southern region of France.

Notable cities highlighted on this map include Toulouse, Montpelier, Perpignan, and Avignon. Each city holds its own historical significance, from Toulouse, known as the ‘Ville Rose’ for its distinctive brick architecture, to Perpignan, a city rich in Catalan culture. The map also features the Cévennes National Park, a rugged wilderness area that is a testament to the diverse natural beauty of France.

The map is hand-colored in outline, a technique that adds depth and dimension to the detailed engravings. It showcases a variety of geographical features such as forests, waterways, canals, and mountains. The administrative boundaries are clearly marked, providing a clear understanding of the political landscape of the time. The decorative cartouches, coat of arms, compass rose, and rhumb lines add an artistic flair that elevates this map beyond a mere geographical tool.

The relief of the map is shown pictorially, offering a unique perspective of the terrain. The use of color and shading provides a visual guide to the topography of the region, from the rolling hills to the towering mountains. This map is not just a piece of history, but a work of art that captures the essence of Languedoc. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of Nicolaes Visscher II and a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Languedoc Region

• Toulouse: Known as the ‘Ville Rose’ for its distinctive brick architecture, it was a major city of the Roman Empire.
• Montpellier: Founded in the 10th century, it was known for its university, one of the oldest in the world.
• Nîmes: Known in Roman times as Nemausus, it has a well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
• Béziers: Known for the Béziers Massacre during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century.
• Narbonne: A key Roman port and a major city during the Middle Ages.
• Carcassonne: Known for its fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Albi: Known for the Albi Cathedral and the birthplace of famous painter Toulouse-Lautrec.
• Castres: Known for its houses on the Agout river, often compared to Venice.
• Mende: The capital of the Gevaudan region, known for its cathedral.
• Rodez: Known for its Gothic cathedral and Fenaille museum.
• Cahors: Known for its medieval bridge, the Pont Valentré.
• Millau: Known for its glove-making industry since the 12th century.
• Lodève: Known for its cathedral and textile industry.
• Uzès: Known for its preserved medieval towers and chapel.
• Lunel: Known for its vineyards and wine production.
• Agde: One of the oldest towns in France, founded by the Greeks.
• Sète: Known for its canals and the Mont Saint-Clair.
• Foix: Known for its impressive castle, the Château de Foix.
• Pamiers: Known for its three bell towers and as the birthplace of Gabriel Fauré.
• Limoux: Known for its winter festival and production of Blanquette, a sparkling wine.
• Castelnaudary: Known for its cassoulet, a traditional dish of the region.
• Saint-Girons: Known for its lively market and the nearby cave of Mas d’Azil.
• Prades: Known for its summer music festival and as the home of cellist Pablo Casals.
• Céret: Known for its Museum of Modern Art and its cherry festival.
• Elne: Known for its Romanesque cathedral and cloister.
• Villefranche-de-Conflent: A fortified town known for its medieval architecture.
• Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste: Known for its fortifications and thermal spa.
• Banyuls-sur-Mer: Known for its sweet wine and as the birthplace of sculptor Aristide Maillol.
• Collioure: Known for its Royal Castle and as a favorite location of Fauvist painters.
• Port-Vendres: Known for its deep-water port and its obelisk.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Cévennes National Park: A rugged wilderness area known for its biodiversity.
• The Canal du Midi: A feat of civil engineering linking the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
• The Tarn Gorges: A dramatic canyon known for its outdoor activities.
• The Pyrenees Mountains: A natural border between France and Spain, known for its hiking trails.
• The Aude River: Known for its whitewater rafting.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The Edict of Nantes (1598): Granted substantial rights to the Protestants in the region.
• The Siege of Montpellier (1622): A significant event during the Huguenot rebellions.
• The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685): Led to the persecution of Protestants and a mass exodus from the region.

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.