Vintage Besançon Travel Poster by Roger Broders: SNCF Advertisement Featuring the Citadel and Picturesque Landscape of Franche-Comté, 1930s

Ah, Besançon, the delightful heart of Franche-Comté, a town nestled between the bends of the Doubs River and crowned by the formidable Citadel. This magnificent 1930s travel poster, crafted by the celebrated Roger Broders, draws us into the warm embrace of this city’s historic charm. Broders, famed for his Art Deco landscapes, brings the viewer high above the rooftops, capturing the town’s bustling energy from a most intriguing perspective.

One’s eye is immediately drawn to the sprawling, angular shadows cast by the iconic Citadel of Besançon, which looms over the town like a protective sentinel. Below, the zig-zagging streets and red-roofed buildings add a burst of color against the backdrop of rolling green hills. The bridge crossing the river ties the composition together with exquisite harmony, suggesting the constant flow of life, trade, and history that courses through the very veins of this town.

But it is not merely a static view. The vibrant blues of the river and the contrasting golden hues of the buildings seem to dance with the sunlight, evoking a sense of motion and adventure. The promise of this “site pittoresque” lures you to explore its museums, time-honored saline stations, and its revered clockmaking heritage. Broders offers us a painting not just of a place, but of a time and a feeling—a snapshot of an elegant past where the romance of travel was an art form.

Discover Besançon, the Heart of Timeless Elegance.

Step into a world where history meets beauty at every corner. In this vibrant poster, Roger Broders captures the essence of Besançon, a city perched on the banks of the Doubs River, inviting you to experience it all—from its picturesque citadel to its renowned museums.

Besançon is not just a destination. It’s an experience, a journey back in time. Feel the history under your feet as you walk across the iconic bridge, where centuries of artisans, travelers, and storytellers have crossed. Marvel at the grand Citadel, standing watch over the town, protecting a treasure trove of culture and tradition. And indulge in the unique charm of the clockmakers and saline stations that have defined this city for generations.

This isn’t just a poster; it’s a promise. A promise of adventure, discovery, and beauty. Hang this exquisite vintage masterpiece in your home, and let it transport you to the golden age of travel. Every time you look at it, Besançon will beckon—a reminder that the world is full of stories waiting to be explored.

Own a piece of timeless travel history. Let Besançon inspire your next journey.