Ostende Douvres - L'Appel Aux Voyages

This travel poster promoting destination in the Port of Ostend is truly "l’appel aux voyages", or in English, "the call to travel". In the picture, a beautiful blonde lady raises a conch to her ear to hear the call of the ocean. In the conch, a grand cruise ship is sailing across the ocean. The Port of Ostend was damaged in both World Wars but soon recovered and this post-WWII poster encourages travelers to appreciate the beauty after the war.

The port of Ostend is situated in Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium. The port services freight transport between Ostend and Ramsgate, Ipswich and North Killingholme Haven. As part of the city of Ostend, the port was founded in 1584 when the sand dunes were pushed back to create the beginnings of the modern basin. Twenty years later Ostend had been transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a fortified, moated and important port.

It became a haven for privateers until the eighteenth century. Charles VI briefly granted it a license to trade with the far east as the Oostendsche Companie. This enriched the port and set it up again. During the American Revolution Ostend became a free port. The docks were redeveloped under Dutch rule (1815 - 1830). Ferry services to Dover began in 1846, with Ostend being the hub for the Regie voor Maritiem Transport until 1997.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.