This vintage Hermès “Châteaux Historiques de la France – An 1952” 90 cm silk scarf is a charming illustrated tour of France’s most famous castles. The carré maps dozens of historic châteaux in a whimsical, almost storybook style, with each fortress and village delicately drawn and named around the border.

Printed on silk twill that feels unusually light and fluid, it drapes beautifully when tied at the neck or worn as a headscarf. A soft sage-green border frames the design, complementing the cream, yellow and lilac tones of the architecture and trees, and giving the scarf a gentle, vintage French mood.

The sought after scarf is in good vintage condition with visible age marks: there are yellow discolourations on parts of the green border, which can largely be hidden when the scarf is folded and styled. The central panel remains bright and very wearable, and the price reflects these imperfections.

A wonderful piece for collectors and lovers of cartographic Hermès prints, French heritage and collectors of early travel-themed carrés.