This 1936 original French travel poster features a striking photographic view of the historic town of Obernai, located in the culturally rich region of Alsace. The image was captured by photographer Auclair, whose work contributed to the promotion of France’s regional heritage during the interwar years.
The composition presents a picturesque street scene leading toward the distinctive tower of Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul d'Obernai, framed by traditional Alsatian houses with steep tiled roofs and shuttered windows. The cobbled street and half-timbered architecture evoke the charm and historic character that made Alsace a popular destination for travelers.
During the 1930s, French tourism authorities actively promoted regional destinations through posters and photographic prints. Many of these images were produced for campaigns organized by the Centre National d’Expansion du Tourisme, which aimed to encourage both domestic and international visitors to discover the country’s cultural landscapes.
Alsace held particular symbolic importance in France at the time. Having returned to French control after the Treaty of Versailles, the region became a powerful emblem of national identity and heritage. Posters highlighting towns such as Obernai emphasized their historic architecture, vineyards, and scenic countryside.
Unlike many illustrated travel posters of the era, this work relies on photography rather than painting or graphic illustration. The crisp black-and-white image conveys a sense of authenticity and documentary realism, allowing viewers to imagine themselves walking through the quiet streets of the Alsatian town.
Today, posters like France – Obernai (Alsace) remain valuable historical documents as well as decorative works. They capture the atmosphere of pre-war Europe while preserving a visual record of France’s regional heritage, making them especially appealing to collectors of vintage travel posters and photographic prints.
Original Poster
Tourism - Bas-Rhin - Photography - France
Printed by La Platinogravure in Montrouge
Good condition
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.