Marseille | 1930

Marseille, 1930, by Roger Broders

This striking 1930 travel poster by Roger Broders promotes Marseille as the starting point for journeys along the Côte d’Azur. The composition is divided into two distinct elements: on the left, a powerful black steam locomotive dominates the frame, its sleek surface reflecting light as a trail of white steam rises into the sky. In the foreground, a streamlined open-top tour bus filled with silhouetted passengers speeds along the coastal route. The vehicle bears the inscription “Route des Alpes et du Littoral,” referencing the scenic road connecting Marseille to other coastal and alpine destinations. The bold typography at the bottom angles dynamically across the image, reinforcing the sense of movement.

In the early 20th century, Marseille was a major transportation hub, linking inland France to the Mediterranean coast and beyond. The Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) railway company commissioned posters like this one to entice travellers to visit the Riviera, capitalizing on the rise of tourism among Europe’s elite. The combination of train and road transport in the image highlights the efficiency and modernity of travel at the time, with Marseille serving as a gateway to the glamorous Côte d’Azur. By the 1930s, the region had established itself as a playground for the wealthy, with its sun-soaked beaches, luxury hotels, and cultural attractions.

Roger Broders (1883–1953) was one of France’s most celebrated travel poster artists, renowned for his elegant and highly stylized depictions of leisure destinations. Working extensively for the PLM railway company, he created posters that captured the allure of the French Riviera, the Alps, and other picturesque locations. His work, characterized by strong compositions, bold colours, and simplified forms, epitomized the Art Deco style.