On March 25, 2006, La Poste released the 7th issue of the “Portraits of Regions” series, a beautifully crafted sheet of ten stamps showcasing the diversity of France’s regional specialties. This issue, titled “La France à Vivre”, highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage, including its gastronomy, traditions, and landscapes.
Issue Details
- Catalogue Reference: Stanley Gibbons MS4169
- Issue Date: March 25, 2006
- Denomination: 53c (each stamp)
- Design Features:
- Size: Sheet dimensions of 286 × 110 mm
- Perforation: Perf 13
- Phosphor Bands: Two
- Designer: B. Ghiringhelli
- Colors: Multicolored
- Price: €18.00 for the complete sheet
Stamp Breakdown: Regional Treasures
- La Mirabelle (Fruit)
- Showcasing the golden plum, a prized fruit of Lorraine.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Les Marais Salants (Salt Marshes)
- Depicting traditional salt harvesting methods in Brittany.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Le Beurre (Butter)
- Highlighting French dairy excellence, with butter from Normandy.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Le Roquefort (Cheese)
- Celebrating the famous blue cheese of the Aveyron region.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- L’Huile d’Olive (Olive Oil)
- Featuring Provence’s renowned olive oil production.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Le Carnaval (Child in Headdress)
- A festive nod to Carnival traditions in the Antilles.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Les Vendanges (Grapes)
- Depicting the grape harvest in Bordeaux, vital for winemaking.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Le Café (Waiter)
- Symbolizing French café culture, with an iconic Parisian waiter.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- La Transhumance (Shepherd)
- Capturing the tradition of shepherding and seasonal livestock movement.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
- Les Hortillonnages (Crops and Punt)
- Showcasing the unique floating gardens near Amiens.
- Price: €1.70 unused, €1.30 used.
Design and Presentation
The Portraits of Regions sheet is visually stunning, divided into four parts by lines of roulette perforation. Each segment contains two or three stamps, making it easy to separate and display. The vibrant backgrounds and detailed illustrations reflect the beauty and diversity of French life, from its gastronomy to its rural traditions.
Why Collect This Issue?
This series is ideal for collectors interested in:
- Regional and cultural themes, showcasing France’s traditions and specialties.
- Gastronomy and agriculture, celebrating the nation’s culinary heritage.
- Landscapes and traditions, highlighting rural and cultural practices.
Call to Action
What’s your favorite region or tradition featured in this issue? Share your thoughts or stories about France’s cultural heritage in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more philatelic journeys into regional and historical themes!