Paris Travel Poster: Visitez l’Exposition Coloniale Internationale by Dransy, 1931

Chemins de Fer Français. Visitez l’Exposition coloniale internationale by Dransy (1931) is a classic French railway poster inviting travelers to the International Colonial Exposition in Paris. The composition surges with motion: a smiling figure lifts a sweeping indigo cloth that arcs across the top of the image, while sketch-like evocations of domes and temple spires suggest the global pavilions of the fair. The typography urges, “Visitez l’Exposition Coloniale Internationale – Paris – Mai–Novembre 1931,” with the railway’s promise of “Billets à prix réduits – Trains directs,” capturing the excitement of interwar travel and spectacle.

This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print produced on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Each piece is made to order by The Unique Maps Co., with multiple sizes available, optional frames and mounts tailored to your space, and personalization upon request—such as custom captions, dates, or a commemorative inscription on the margin.

About the artist: Dransy was a Paris-based poster artist and caricaturist active in the early 20th century, working in the golden age of lithographic advertising. Known for bold outlines, simplified forms, and buoyant figures, he contributed striking designs for railways, expositions, and consumer brands, distilling messages into instantly legible images ideal for the billboards and stations of a bustling city.

About the subject: The International Colonial Exposition drew visitors to Paris from May to November 1931, a grand, world’s-fair–scale event that presented monumental pavilions and cultural displays to curious crowds. French rail companies promoted special fares and direct trains to the site, and this poster is both an invitation and a snapshot of a distinct historical moment in European travel culture.

About the design: The palette is anchored by deep blue, lifted by sunlit yellow and fresh green, with warm ochres giving the figure depth. Dransy sets the figure on a bold diagonal that pulls the eye from the uplifted arm to the blocky “PARIS 1931” type, while the softly sketched architecture behind creates a dreamlike promise of far-flung places. It’s an Art Deco showpiece—vibrant, graphic, and immediate—perfect for anyone who loves Paris, vintage rail posters, or the clean geometry and color of 1930s design.

A thoughtful gift for travelers and Francophiles alike, this print suits birthdays, housewarmings, Father’s or Mother’s Day, Christmas, or as a keepsake for someone who has recently visited Paris or explored its exhibition history.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. 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.