Val d'Esquières | 1930s

Val d'Esquières, circa 1930s, by Michel Bouchaud

This circa 1930s travel poster by Michel Bouchaud captures a lively summer scene at Val d'Esquières, a coastal retreat on the French Riviera. The composition is divided into three distinct layers: in the foreground, sunbathers lounge on a floating wooden platform, some reclining, while others stand near a tall diving structure adorned with French and Austrian flags. A kayaker paddles nearby, adding to the sense of active leisure. In the middle ground, a sleek motor yacht painted in red and white glides across the calm blue waters, with a sailor in a striped shirt standing at the bow. A white sailboat drifts further in the distance. The background presents rolling green hills, a grand hotel with manicured gardens, and a modernist waterfront club.

Val d'Esquières, like many destinations along the Côte d'Azur, was marketed in the early 20th century as a glamorous escape for affluent travellers. The Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) railway company commissioned posters like this one to entice visitors with images of sun-soaked leisure and elegant seaside resorts. The scene highlights the region’s appeal, showcasing not only its natural beauty but also its luxurious accommodations and recreational activities.

Michel Bouchaud (1902–1965) was a French illustrator and graphic artist known for his travel posters and advertisements. His work often featured bold, simplified forms, bright colour palettes, and a strong sense of composition.