Enghien les Bains poster – Raymond Tournon – 1901 This captivating Enghien-les-Bains poster, created at the turn of the 20th century, entices viewers with a glimpse of a charming Parisian escape. The work of French artist Raymond Tournon, it was commissioned by the Chemins de Fer du Nord (Nord Railway) to lure railway passengers and tourists to this idyllic commune. A Spa Town Steeped in History Before the 1800s, the area we now know as Enghien-les-Bains was a marshland with a vast lake, falling under the jurisdiction of Montmorency. However, in 1766, a pivotal discovery transformed the region’s destiny. A priest from the oratory of Montmorency stumbled upon a warm sulfur spring near the lake, sparking the rise of Enghien-les-Bains as a renowned spa resort. The arrival of the Nord railway in 1846 further propelled tourism, making it a favored destination for Parisians and travelers alike, a status it retains to this day. A Belle Epoque Paradise Captured This Enghien-les-Bains poster transports us to the heart of the Belle Epoque era, showcasing the resort’s crown jewels: the beautiful Lac d’Enghien, its thermal springs, and the iconic casino. Tournon masterfully paints a scene reminiscent of a classical Greek or Roman tableau. A young woman, adorned in a flowing robe reminiscent of antiquity, sits gracefully on a stone balustrade overlooking the lake’s edge. This vantage point separates the manicured grounds of the Enghien-les-Bains casino, established in 1901 as the premier gambling destination near Paris, from the glistening waters of Lac d’Enghien. A Scene of Tranquility and Leisure Our protagonist embodies tranquility. She rests by the casino’s famed Rose Garden, having gathered an abundance of blooms in her robe. The gentle fragrance of roses fills the air as she takes in the serene panorama. The cool blue expanse of the lake stretches out behind her, dotted with yachts and rowboats, hinting at the aquatic activities available. In the foreground, a trio of majestic swans gracefully glides by the water’s edge, their presence a subtle nod to the Iles de Cygnes (Swan Island) nestled in the center of the lake. A Destination Within Reach The poster’s top proudly displays the destination – Enghien-les-Bains – in elegant Art Nouveau lettering, seemingly attached to a verdant green trellis overflowing with even more roses. The bottom acknowledges the Casino Municipal and the établissement thermal moderne (modern thermal baths). These thermal establishments, renowned for their therapeutic properties, catered to a wealthy clientele seeking a variety of treatments like baths, showers, and massages. A final persuasive touch by the Chemins de Fer du Nord informs viewers that a convenient journey awaits: 120 trains travel daily from Paris, taking a mere 12 minutes. A Collector’s Dream Original Enghien-les-Bains posters by Tournon are coveted collector’s items, with one fetching a staggering $3,200 at auction in 2022. This enchanting piece not only captures the allure of a bygone era but also serves as a testament to the enduring charm of Enghien-les-Bains.
