Step into the charm and elegance of early 20th-century France through an exceptional collection of vintage French postcards.
Hand-selected from private albums, family archives, and old Parisian stationery, these postcards reflect the emotions, aesthetics, and daily life of a bygone world.
From sweet images of children and elegant portrayals of women to romantic couples, Parisian landmarks, floral designs, and seasonal greetings, each postcard carries a piece of French history.
Many include original handwriting, postage stamps, and postmarks that make every piece truly unique.
Whether you are a collector, a scrapbook artist, or simply someone who loves vintage France, this curated selection will inspire you.
Women & Elegant Portraits
Women were central to postcard art:
- Parisian fashion
- romantic portraits
- actresses and models
- Art Nouveau styles and Art Deco glamour
These vintage images reveal the visual codes and femininity of the early 20th century.
Paris & Iconic French Cities
Discover old views of:
- Paris (Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Notre-Dame, bridges, boulevards…)
- Normandy & Brittany
- Loire Valley
- Provence
- small villages & rural France
These postcards document landscapes, travel, architecture, and changing French life.
Romantic Couples
From dreamy courtship scenes to newlyweds and tender embraces, postcards of couples reflect French romantic culture. They are sought after for Valentine’s Day, scrapbooking, and vintage décor.
Floral Postcards
Flowers are among the most collected themes in vintage postcards.
Expect stunning roses, violets, lilies, and Art Nouveau botanical illustrations—perfect for journaling, collages, and vintage home décor.
Children & Childhood Scenes
Early French postcards featuring children were extremely popular from the 1900s to the 1940s.
They depict innocence, humor, fashion, and daily life — from school scenes to charming portraits staged in studios. These cards are especially appreciated by collectors of nostalgic imagery and junk journal creators.
Seasonal & Holiday Postcards
French postcards were traditionally exchanged for major celebrations:
- Christmas
- New Year
- Easter
- Birthday greetings
- Name-day celebrations
Often richly decorated, embossed, or gilt, these cards are both collectibles and decoration pieces.
Recently Added Postcards
Fresh arrivals updated weekly — explore our newest French postcards.
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1920s - Paris Bois de Boulogne Avenue From Arc de Triomphe - Vintage French Postcard - Historic City View - Black & White Photo
Regular price €4,80 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €4,80 EUR -
1920s - Vintage Paris Opéra Garnier Postcard - Bustling Edwardian Street Scene - Historic French Architecture - Antique Ephemera Collectible
Regular price €4,80 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €4,80 EUR -
1920s - Vintage Postcard - Romantic Kiss Scene - Hand Colored Photo - French Sentiment - Edwardian Love Ephemera - Antique Collectible
Regular price €5,40 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €5,40 EUR -
1910s - French Hand-Colored Postcard - Elegant Couple Dancing - Vintage Anniversary Card - Romantic Ephemera - Belle Époque Style Décor
Regular price €3,00 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €3,00 EUR -
1940s - Vintage French Romantic Postcard - Daisy Love Story - Sentimental Illustrated Couple Ephemera - Antique Romance Card - Nostalgic Art
Regular price €3,60 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €3,60 EUR -
1900s - Antique French Postcard - Little Girl Flower Basket Sepia Photo - Handwritten Legal Document - Ephemera
Regular price €4,80 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €4,80 EUR -
1910s - Vintage French Soldier Pipe Postcard - World War One Era Morale Booster - Antique Illustrated Greeting Card Collectible
Regular price €3,00 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €3,00 EUR -
1910s - Vintage Paris Esplanade Des Invalides Pont Alexandre III Postcard - French Architecture - Seine River View - Sepia Photograph
Regular price €4,80 EURRegular priceUnit price perSale price €4,80 EUR
Why Vintage French Postcards Are so Special
1. Authentic historical value
Most postcards date from the Belle Époque, WWI, interwar years, and early post-war decades. They reveal clothing, typography, printing styles, social customs, studio photography techniques, and more.
2. Original handwritten messages
Many cards come with charming cursive handwriting, fountain-pen ink, family messages, and postal routing information. They are treasured by scrapbookers, genealogists, writers, and lovers of old French culture.
3. Beautiful decorative objects
Vintage postcards are used for:
- home décor (frames, walls, shelves)
- inspiration boards
- photography props
- boutique display styling
Their timeless aesthetic resonates with modern trends (French Cottage, Retro Paris, Vintage Botanical, Junk Journal Aesthetic).
4. Perfect for Creative Projects
Vintage postcards are ideal for:
- junk journaling
- mixed media art
- vintage collage
- handmade cards
- art projects
- slow living stationery
- ephemera packs
Their authentic texture, gentle wear, and aged paper give them a soul that digital prints cannot match.
How to Date French Postcards
The divided back (after 1904)
France introduced the divided back (address + message) in 1904. Pre-1904 cards have undivided backs.
Postmarks
Postmarks reveal:
- the date
- the region or city
- the postal route
They help identify significant historical periods.
Fashion & printing styles
- Belle Époque (1890–1910): ornate typography, studio portraits, children, Parisian views
- WWI (1914–1918): military themes, patriotic cards, correspondence from soldiers
- 1920s–1930s: Art Deco, modern photography, travel postcards
- 1940s–1950s: brighter colors, real-photo postcards, family portraits
Collector’s Tips
- Look for postcards with original handwriting — they are more valued.
- Embossed, gilt, and color-tinted cards are sought after.
- Paris and coastal towns often perform better in sales.
- Cards depicting children, women, and flowers have a strong demand among international collectors.
- Keep postcards away from moisture and direct sunlight to preserve their patina.
FAQ — Vintage French Postcards
Are these postcards original or reproductions?
All postcards offered by Authentic Wonders are 100% original vintage items, not reprints.
Which years do your postcards come from?
Most are from 1900–1950, depending on the theme.
Do the postcards come written or blank?
Both exist. Many include original handwriting, stamps, and postal marks.
Can I use these postcards in scrapbooking or journaling?
Yes — collectors and artists love using them in creative projects, especially for junk journals and collage art.







