Antique Map of Manche, France – Mont-St-Michel and Cherbourg Region – c.1850
This highly decorative mid-19th century map of Manche, engraved by A. Vuillemin and published by Levasseur in Paris, is a beautifully detailed representation of this northwestern department of France. With hand-colored department borders and finely engraved surrounding vignettes, it forms part of the renowned *Atlas National Illustré*, a series that combined cartographic accuracy with rich illustrative embellishment.
The map features major towns, rivers, roads, and topographic detail, all labeled in delicate copperplate engraving. The department of Manche, named after the English Channel, is bordered by the sea on three sides and includes some of France’s most iconic coastal and historical landmarks.
Particularly striking is the large vignette at the bottom left featuring Mont-Saint-Michel, the famous tidal island and abbey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also depicted are military figures, coats of arms, and a classical figure likely symbolizing regional strength or patriotism, enhancing the visual impact and collectability of the piece.
This map would appeal to collectors of French regional cartography, military or naval history, or those with connections to Normandy or the D-Day region. The inclusion of dozens of historical towns, ports, and strategic locations makes it valuable for both display and research.
**50 Important Places Featured on the Map and Their Significance:**
1. Saint-Lô – Departmental capital 2. Cherbourg – Major naval port 3. Coutances – Historic cathedral town 4. Avranches – Gateway to Mont-Saint-Michel 5. Valognes – Aristocratic heritage town 6. Granville – Fishing and seaside resort 7. Barfleur – Medieval embarkation port 8. Carentan – WWII battle site 9. Mortain – Strategic WWII location 10. Torigni-sur-Vire – Castle and governance 11. Lessay – Famous Romanesque abbey 12. Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte – Knightly stronghold 13. La Haye-du-Puits – WWII liberation site 14. Montebourg – WWII parachute drop 15. Périers – Battle of Normandy 16. Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët – Market and pilgrimage site 17. Bréhal – Coastal resort town 18. Ducey – Château and bridges 19. Villedieu-les-Poêles – Copper crafts hub 20. Saint-James – American war cemetery 21. Pontorson – Access to Mont-Saint-Michel 22. Isigny – Butter and dairy center 23. Portbail – Ancient Roman port 24. Quettehou – English landing site 25. Beaumont-Hague – Nuclear research center 26. Bricquebec – Feudal castle ruins 27. Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue – Vauban fortifications 28. Saint-Clair-sur-l’Elle – Strategic river crossing 29. Barneville – Twin town with Carteret 30. Hambye – Abbey ruins site 31. Saint-Pair-sur-Mer – Seaside retreat 32. Canisy – Château and WWII damage 33. Sainte-Mère-Église – First liberated town WWII 34. Jullouville – Coastal holiday spot 35. Donville-les-Bains – Thermal spa town 36. Tourlaville – Industrial suburb of Cherbourg 37. Domjean – Rural charm and church 38. Saint-Laurent-de-Cuves – Cultural festival venue 39. Notre-Dame-de-Cenilly – Parish and heritage site 40. Saint-Denis-le-Gast – Rural historical village 41. Vire – Fortified border town 42. Marigny – WWII battle site 43. Cérences – Local commerce hub 44. Saint-Fromond – River crossing importance 45. Saint-Michel-de-Montjoie – Granite quarry village 46. Percy – Village with church ruins 47. La Glacerie – Near Cherbourg Arsenal 48. Agon-Coutainville – Popular beach resort 49. Roncey – Picturesque countryside commune 50. Le Teilleul – Border village near Mayenne
Condition Report:
Excellent condition with light age toning to the margins. Plate mark visible. No tears or foxing.
Framing Suggestions:
For an elegant and timeless presentation, frame with a dark walnut or black wooden frame and a double mat: outer mat in ivory and inner mat in pale grey or French blue to highlight the coastal theme. Ideal for libraries, living rooms, or offices with a historical or nautical decor.
Technique: Engraving with hand-color Maker: A. Vuillemin, Paris, circa 1850 Published by: Levasseur, Paris
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.