Introducing 'Le Govvernement De L'Isle De France', a breathtaking cartographic masterpiece crafted by the renowned mapmaker, Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated into English, the title means 'The Government of the Isle of France', indicating the political divisions and regions portrayed on this map. The focus of this work is the Île-de-France, a significant region in modern-day France. This map, steeped in history, provides a glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on the geography and politics of the time.

The map showcases several prominent cities, each with its own historical significance. Paris, the vibrant capital of France, stands out as a major hub of culture, art, and history. Versailles, renowned for its opulent palace and beautiful gardens, symbolizes the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. Créteil, a commune in the southeastern suburbs of Paris, and Compiègne, a city known for its historic monuments, are also depicted.

In addition to cities, the map also highlights various landmarks and geographical features. One such feature is the Vexin Français Regional Nature Park, a protected area of woodland, farmland, and historic towns. This map is more than just a geographical representation; it is a work of art. The hand-colored outlines, engraved details, and decorative cartouches add to its aesthetic appeal. It also features the coats of arms, a symbol of pride and identity, further enriching its historical value.

The map's intricate detailing extends to the depiction of administrative boundaries, fortifications, forests, waterways, canals, and mountains. The relief is shown pictorially, offering a three-dimensional perspective. This map serves as a testament to the cartographic skills of the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Nicolaes Visscher II. The grandeur of 'Le Govvernement De L'Isle De France' makes it a perfect addition to any collection, a true treasure for history and map enthusiasts alike.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Île-de-France

• Paris: Known as the "City of Light", Paris is the capital of France and was already a thriving city in 1690. It was known as Lutetia during the Roman era.
• Versailles: A city in the Île-de-France region, it is famous for the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.
• Créteil: A commune in the southeastern suburbs of Paris, it was known as Cristoilum in the Merovingian era.
• Compiègne: A city in northern France, it is known for its historic monuments and was a royal residence in the past.
• Saint-Denis: An important cultural and commercial center, it houses the royal necropolis of the Basilica of Saint-Denis.
• Melun: Known as Metiosedum during the Roman era, it was a strategic crossroads in Gaul.
• Meaux: Known for its Brie de Meaux cheese and the Siege of Meaux during the Hundred Years' War.
• Chelles: Known for the Chelles Abbey, an important center of Merovingian culture in the 7th century.
• Pontoise: Known as Briva Isarae during the Roman era, it was an important medieval fort.
• Argenteuil: Known for its old windmill and the medieval abbey.
• Montreuil: Known for its ramparts, constructed in the 13th century.
• Nanterre: Known for its cathedral, built in the 4th century.
• Vincennes: Known for the Château de Vincennes, a massive 14th-century royal fortress.
• Neuilly-sur-Seine: Known for its wealthy residential character.
• Aulnay-sous-Bois: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Pierre.
• Rueil-Malmaison: Known for the Château de Malmaison, residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• Courbevoie: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul.
• Champigny-sur-Marne: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Saturnin.
• Colombes: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul.
• Vitry-sur-Seine: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Germain.
• Levallois-Perret: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Justin.
• Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine: Known for its flea market, one of the largest antique markets in the world.
• Asnières-sur-Seine: Known for its medieval church of Sainte-Geneviève.
• Rambouillet: Known for the Château de Rambouillet, a summer residence for the Presidents of the French Republic.
• Fontainebleau: Known for the Palace of Fontainebleau, one of the largest royal châteaux in France.
• Provins: Known for its medieval fortifications, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Brie-Comte-Robert: Known for its medieval castle.
• Étampes: Known for its flamboyant Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Fort.
• Meulan-en-Yvelines: Known for its medieval bridge over the Seine.
• Mantes-la-Jolie: Known for its medieval church of Saint-Maclou.

Notable Natural Features

• Seine River: The second-longest river in France, flowing through Paris.
• Marne River: A major waterway of northeastern France, it merges with the Seine in Paris.
• Oise River: A tributary of the Seine, it flows through several departments in northern France.
• Vexin Français Regional Nature Park: A protected area of woodland, farmland, and historic towns.
• Forest of Fontainebleau: A former royal hunting park, it is now a popular tourist destination.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The construction of the Palace of Versailles began in 1661 under the reign of Louis XIV.
• The Fronde, a series of civil wars in France, occurred from 1648 to 1653.
• The Treaty of Rueil was signed in Rueil-Malmaison in 1649, ending the first phase of the Fronde.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.