Bathed in Mediterranean light and rendered in the bold, clean style of mid-century modernism, this circa 1950 original travel poster invites you to the idyllic island of Bendor, just off the coast of Bandol in the Var region of southern France. Designed by the artist Bataille, the poster captures the optimism and glamour of post-war leisure culture—a moment when France was opening itself once again to tourism, sun, and seaside escape. The composition is refreshingly minimal, yet striking. Against a serene, blue-horizon backdrop, the island of Bendor floats like a jewel in the sea, outlined in vivid green and yellow with touches of red, evoking both its physical geography and its growing reputation as a playground for the Riviera elite. Above it, a nautical flag marked “C.M.B.” (likely referencing the Club Méditerranéen de Bendor or similar maritime club) flutters in the foreground, affirming the island's identity as a haven for yachting, sailing, and coastal luxury. The poster’s vibrant color palette and stylized lettering speak directly to the golden age of French travel posters—where clarity, sunshine, and elegant escapism were the primary message. Bendor was famously purchased and developed by industrialist and arts patron Paul Ricard in 1950, and this poster likely served to promote his vision: a Mediterranean utopia of art, sport, and leisure, open to those with a spirit of adventure. This image, while simple, is emblematic of a larger shift in French tourism. It celebrates not only a place, but a lifestyle—a sun-drenched escape to a destination that feels both exclusive and effortlessly accessible. Bendor remains one of the lesser-known gems of the Côte d’Azur, and this poster stands as a bright, elegant invitation to discover its charm. Tourism - Var - France Printed by Ricard in Marseille Good condition, traces of tape
