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Wonderful vintage souvenir postcard booklet devoted to Avignon, France, issued in connection with the Grand Hôtel d’Europe, Avignon.The striking illustrated front cover reads “AVIGNON – Série B bistre” and “Grand Hotel d’Europe, Avignon,” with artwork depicting the historic walled city. The lower corner bears the mark Édition Artistique – Idéal M.F.B.Inside are 20 vintage photographic views of Avignon, including streets, historic architecture and city scenes. One especially evocative view shows the Entrée de la Ville / Cours de la République, complete with early automobiles, cafés and pedestrians.The booklet also includes a detailed “Plan d’Avignon” city map, showing the historic walled center, streets, monuments and important buildings—a great addition for collectors of early French travel ephemera and historic maps.The back cover features the historic arms of Avignon, recognizable by the three keys and supporting birds, along with the Latin city motto “Unguibus et Rostro.” The phrase translates literally as “with claws and beak” and historically expressed the city’s determination to defend its liberties. Avignon’s three-key arms date to the period following Pope Clement VI’s acquisition of the city in 1348. Approximate date: Circa 1920s–1930s, based on the automobiles, photographic views and overall printing/style.Details:* Avignon, Vaucluse, France
* Grand Hôtel d’Europe souvenir
* “Série B bistre”
* Édition Artistique / Idéal M.F.B.
* Photographic postcard views
* Interior Plan d’Avignon map
* Avignon coat of arms and Latin motto on rear cover
* Original bound souvenir booklet
* Unused as shownCondition: Very good vintage condition overall with expected age-related wear. Cover shows some edge/corner wear, light toning and handling consistent with age. Interior images appear remarkably clean and well preserved. Please review all photos carefully for condition and contents.A particularly attractive piece of French travel ephemera, with crossover appeal for collectors of Avignon, Provence, vintage hotels, European tourism, historic maps and early 20th-century postcards.♻️ Vintage is always a good idea.A small thank-you for shopping with a real person and choosing reuse over replacement. I hope this piece gets to continue its story with you.
