Paris Vécu – Steam Tramways at the Rond-Point de l’Étoile – Antique French Postcard

Original early twentieth-century French postcard from the “Paris Vécu” series, published by L. J. & Cie, Angoulême-Paris.

This striking photographic postcard depicts “Rond-Point de l’Étoile – Les tramways à vapeur” in Paris, offering a fascinating glimpse of the city’s early public transport system.

A large steam tram dominates the foreground, displaying the destination “Courbevoie”, while uniformed staff and passengers stand alongside the vehicle. A second tram can be seen further back, adding depth to this lively urban transport scene.

The image provides a remarkable visual record of Parisian transport and everyday street life at the beginning of the twentieth century, when steam-powered tramways still formed part of the capital’s expanding transport network.

Printed at the lower edge:

“Paris Vécu. — Rond-Point de l’Étoile. — Les tramways à vapeur”

and

“L. J. & Cie, édit., Angoulême-Paris”

This example is circulated and posted, with a divided back, handwritten addressing, an original green French 5-centime postage stamp and postal cancellations.

A handwritten date at the lower left of the reverse reads “Paris – 22 août 1906.”

A particularly attractive piece for collectors of old Paris, antique tramways, transport history, postal history and French antique postcards.

Details

• Origin: France
• Series: Paris Vécu
• Series checklist no.: 33
• Title: Rond-Point de l’Étoile – Les tramways à vapeur
• Publisher: L. J. & Cie, Angoulême-Paris
• Location depicted: Rond-Point de l’Étoile, Paris, France
• Subject: Steam tramways / public transport / Paris street life
• Destination displayed: Courbevoie
• Period: Early 20th century
• Dated: Paris, 22 August 1906
• Type: Antique photographic postcard
• Language: French
• Divided back
• Circulated / posted
• Handwritten address
• Original green French 5-centime postage stamp
• Postal cancellations
• Original antique postcard, not a reproduction or digital download

Dimensions

• Approx. 9 × 14 cm
  
  

Condition

Authentic antique postcard with age-related toning and handling wear consistent with its age and postal use.

The front shows light surface wear, scattered spotting and minor edge and corner wear. The photographic image, tramway details and printed caption remain clearly visible.

The reverse bears handwritten addressing, an original green 5-centime postage stamp and postal cancellations, together with light age-related staining and surface marks.

A pencil inventory notation is visible near the upper left corner.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

You will receive the exact original postcard shown in the photographs.

Frame and decorative accessories are not included.