This vibrant 1962 original poster by Paul Colin celebrates the charm and artistic spirit of Haut-de-Cagnes, a historic hilltop village on the French Riviera. Titled “Haut de Cagnes ou la joie de vivre” (“Haut-de-Cagnes or the joy of living”), the work perfectly captures the carefree, sun-drenched atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur during the golden age of postwar tourism.
Paul Colin, one of the most influential French poster artists of the 20th century, is renowned for his bold graphic language and expressive compositions. Here, he moves away from strict realism toward a playful, almost abstract arrangement of forms and symbols. The composition blends stylized objects—a jug, a lyre-like shape, a theatrical mask—with a tender sketch of a couple, evoking music, art, love, and conviviality.
The color palette is striking: deep black contrasts with luminous yellows and vivid reds, creating a dynamic and festive visual rhythm. The handwritten-style typography enhances the spontaneity of the design, reinforcing the message of joy and artistic freedom.
Rather than depicting the village in a literal way, Colin conveys its essence—its creative energy, its Mediterranean lifestyle, and its appeal as a destination for artists and dreamers. Haut-de-Cagnes, long associated with painters such as Renoir, becomes here a symbol of inspiration and pleasure.
Commissioned by the local association of merchants and artisans, the poster reflects the broader movement of regional promotion in 1960s France, when towns and cultural centers embraced modern graphic design to attract visitors.
Today, this poster is highly sought after by collectors of French Riviera imagery, modernist design, and Paul Colin’s work. Its combination of artistic sophistication and joyful messaging makes it both decorative and historically significant.
A lively and poetic tribute to Mediterranean life, this piece embodies the optimism and creative spirit of the 1960s—an invitation to experience the “joie de vivre” in one of France’s most enchanting settings.
Original Poster
Alpes-Maritimes - Tourism - France
Association of Merchants and Artisans of Haut de Cagnes
Printed by Bedos & Cie in Paris
Good condition, one small tear
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