This is a large and decorative map of southeastern France. Fully engraved with mountains, forests, roads and cities. Very decorative borders surround the three insets: fortification plans of Bayonne and Blaye, and a fine vignette birds'-eye view of the city of Bordeaux. The map carries good detail of the Pyrenees and a highly detailed depiction of the Canal du Midi, here labeled the Royal Canal. This fantastic undertaking connected the Atlantic (via the Garonne River) with the Mediterranean in one of the most incredible engineering feats of the 17th century. It was opened in 1681 after fourteen years of construction under the direction of Pierre Paul Riquet. The map is further embellished with a large, allegorical title cartouche.

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Condition: B

Very dark impression and original color. On sound paper that was previously framed leaving behind mounting paper on verso at edges. The map image has overall toning from framing. The centerfold backstrap protected this region from toning resulting in a lighter area.