1907 Hôtel de Ville Arras France Vintage Postcard, TVC

About This Vintage Postcard

Marvel at the intricate Flamboyant Gothic stonework of the Arras Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) with this detailed monochrome postcard featuring "Le Balcon." This architectural masterpiece, originally constructed in the 16th century, is renowned for its elaborate facade characterized by pointed arches, delicate tracery, and ornate cloverleaf motifs. The scene captures the grand balcony from which important civic announcements were traditionally made, set against the backdrop of the building's monumental arcade. This "Timbre Côté Vue" (TCV) card offers a poignant look at the structure before it was largely destroyed by heavy shelling during World War I, serving as a vital record of the original craftsmanship that defined the historic heart of the Pas-de-Calais region.

Details

Era: Divided Back (circa 1907–1914)
City: Arras
State or Region: Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France
Country: France
Topic: Arras Town Hall, Flamboyant Gothic Architecture, Le Balcon, French Civic Landmarks, TCV Postcard
Condition: Circulated (TCV style)
Postage: 5c Green Sower stamp (on front); postmark date obscured
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Vertical (Portrait)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: E.D., Roubaix (Trademark: E.D.)
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Collotype

Additional Information

The Arras Hôtel de Ville and its famous belfry are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. This card, published by "E.D." of Roubaix, features a brief handwritten message in French on the reverse: "Bons Souvenirs à tous" (Kind memories to all), signed by J. Marthe. It is addressed to "Madame et M'elle Bernadou" at 35 Rue de Passy in Paris, a recurring recipient in this collection. During the Great War, Arras was on the front lines, and the Town Hall was reduced to ruins by October 1914; it was later meticulously reconstructed between 1924 and 1932 to match its original medieval and Renaissance design. The number "137" indicates its position in the publisher's series documenting the architectural highlights of Northern France.

Love it ♡
Get it ☆
Get Lucky 💋 Vintage