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Historical Map: French SNCF Rail Network, 1976 by Rudi Meyer

Via long-time correspondent and fellow map-maker Andrew Smithers (check out his Project Mapping website if you haven’t done it yet!) comes this superb diagram of mainline rail services in 1976 France. It was created by famed Swiss designer Rudi Meyer, who was also responsible for the original – and very distinctive – Paris RER map in 1977-1978.

The map is certainly very striking, using a bold blue and green colour palette and minimal distractions from the network. France’s distinctive “hexagonal” shape is rendered simply by its rail network: no borders or coastline required. 

Notice how all station labels are set horizontally, with only the names of destinations that are outside France allowed to be set at an angle that follows the dashed lines leaving the country. It’s a very subtle but well-executed piece of information hierarchy that I can’t help but admire.

This being 1976, the original plan for the LGV Sud-Est high-speed track between Paris and Lyon is indicated by means of a cased line: this would be opened in 1981.

Our rating: Striking and bold mid-70s European design. Communicates a dense and extensive network with clarity and efficiency, even if it’s not much use for actual journey planning… the map shows where you can go, but not necessarily how. Four stars.

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