Le Paquebot France

Launched on May 11th, 1960, Le France belongs to the most prestigious liners of its time. Between modernism and conservatism, Le France was created in a new style, in which ironwork replaces wood and marble for reasons of weight and security and becomes the essential element of the décor.

From the hall to the cabins, a multiplicity of artists intervenes: neoclassic or modernist before-war masters Arbus, Old, Leleu, Pascaud and Dumond 50s and 60s creators Renou & Génissier, Françoise Chimènes, Micheline Willemetz cartoonists Picart Le Doux, Gromaire and Wogenscky Max Ingrand for glasswork, Subes and Pansart for ironwork. In all, 132 artists, decorators, ceramists, painters and lacquer artists.

Based on an important documentation, this book studies the way of thinking of the creators of Le France and their artistic choices, revealing a rational organisation of communications and space answering to the aspirations of a new clientele.