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.

1920s - Vintage French Postcard - Elegant Woman Portrait - Art Deco Era Fashion - Bonne Fête Celebration - Charming Collectible

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.

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1900s - Paris Place de la Concorde Postcard - La Madeleine - Sacré-Cœur Panorama - Vintage French Cityscape Ephemera

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.

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1920s - Vintage Romantic Postcard - Sepia Tone Couple - Love Poem - Ivy Garland Frame - French Sentimental Message - Antique Lovers Memento

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.

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1920s - Vintage French Floral Postcard - Mille Baisers Carnation Daisy Cornflower Art - Botanical Greeting Card - Retro Flower Print

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.

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1900s - Antique French Postcard - Charming Children Receiving Gifts - Hand-Tinted Festive Scene - Paris Ephemera Art - Old Gourmands Card

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.

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1910s - Vintage French New Year Postcard - Embossed Floral Design with Lily of the Valley and Forget-Me-Nots - Antique French Postal History

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.

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.