Map of Loiret France with Orléans and Loire River by Vuillemin, 19th c
This antique hand-colored map of the Loiret department, engraved by Alexandre Vuillemin and published by Migeon in the mid-19th century, is part of the renowned Nouvel Atlas Illustré des Départements et des Colonies. Both a geographic document and a decorative piece, this map showcases the region’s detailed topography, cultural history, and political divisions during the 1800s.
At the heart of the map is the city of Orléans, the prefecture of Loiret and one of France’s most historically significant cities, located on the banks of the Loire River. The map depicts the river's meandering course and highlights the surrounding communes, roads, rail lines, and departmental borders, delicately outlined in green. Several rivers, including the Loiret, Loing, and Essonne, are also marked, as are forests and agricultural zones.
The upper right vignette offers a finely rendered panoramic view of Orléans, complete with the towers of Orléans Cathedral and the city’s famous bridge crossing the Loire. In the upper left is a portrait of the painter Girodet de Roucy-Trioson, a native of Montargis, whose work bridges the neoclassical and romantic movements. The lower right contains the departmental coat of arms, framed with botanical ornamentation.
Loiret is part of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO-listed region celebrated for its châteaux and wine production. While better known for white wines to the west, Loiret itself produces several regional wines including Orléans AOC and Orléans-Cléry AOC, with reds based on Pinot Meunier and Cabernet Franc. Vineyards around Meung-sur-Loire, Mareau-aux-Prés, and Cléry-Saint-André remain active, continuing a tradition that stretches back to medieval times.
Alexandre Vuillemin (1812–1880) was a respected cartographer whose maps are prized for their fine engraving, clarity, and the integration of historical and artistic detail. His maps for Migeon’s atlas series combine cartographic accuracy with visual storytelling, making them both educational tools and decorative objects.
Condition summary: Very good antique condition with light toning at the edges and faint foxing in the margins. Plate imprint strong, original color fresh and intact.
Framing tips: Frame in a traditional gold or black wood frame. Use a light beige or soft grey mat to enhance the engraving and green border tones. UV-protective glass is recommended for preserving the color and fine linework.
Key Locations Featured on the Map of Loiret:
1. Orléans – Capital of Loiret, cultural and historic hub 2. Montargis – Subprefecture and canal town 3. Pithiviers – Subprefecture in the north 4. Châteauneuf-sur-Loire – Along the Loire 5. Beaugency – Historic riverside town 6. Meung-sur-Loire – Literary and wine-producing town 7. Briare – Known for its canal and aqueduct 8. Gien – Town with a faience factory and castle 9. Sully-sur-Loire – Château and gateway to the Sologne 10. Artenay – Northern railway hub 11. Jargeau – Medieval town on the Loire 12. Saint-Jean-de-Braye – Suburban to Orléans 13. Saint-Jean-le-Blanc – On the Loire’s left bank 14. Olivet – Loiret River runs through this commune 15. La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin – West of Orléans 16. Ingré – Growing suburb west of Orléans 17. Saran – Industrial suburb north of Orléans 18. Chécy – Loire canal town 19. Châteaurenard – On the Yonne border 20. Ferrières-en-Gâtinais – Medieval abbey town 21. Lorris – Historic market town in the Forêt d’Orléans 22. Ouzouer-sur-Loire – Eastern edge, near forests 23. Neuville-aux-Bois – Rural commune 24. Courtenay – Near the northern boundary 25. Bellegarde – Town with Renaissance architecture 26. Chilleurs-aux-Bois – In the Beauce plain 27. Sermaises – Market village 28. Fay-aux-Loges – Canal town 29. Dampierre-en-Burly – Southeast, forested region 30. Ouzouer-le-Marché – Northeastern Loiret 31. Patay – Battlefield of Joan of Arc’s campaign 32. Malesherbes – Northern limits of Loiret 33. Saint-Denis-en-Val – East of Orléans 34. Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle – West Orléans suburb 35. Cléry-Saint-André – Pilgrimage site and wine village 36. Marigny-les-Usages – North of Orléans 37. Traînou – Forested commune 38. Sandillon – Southeast of Orléans 39. Tigy – Village near Sologne 40. Vienne-en-Val – Agricultural area 41. Ouvrouer-les-Champs – East of Orléans 42. Saint-Père-sur-Loire – Opposite Sully 43. Châtillon-sur-Loire – Overlooking the Loire and canal 44. Ligny-le-Ribault – Forest and game lands 45. Saint-Loup-des-Vignes – Rural commune 46. Rebréchien – North of Orléans 47. Boulay-les-Barres – Between Orléans and Artenay 48. Bouzy-la-Forêt – On the edge of the Forêt d’Orléans 49. Boiscommun – Near Lorris 50. Courcelles – Southeast of Montargis
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.