Monaco Travel Poster: Monte Carlo Beach by Georges Goursat (Sem)

Monte Carlo Beach by Georges Goursat—better known as Sem—captures the Riviera at its most dazzling. A star of the Belle Époque who segued effortlessly into the streamlined glamour of the Art Deco age, Sem distilled the sunlit hedonism of Monte Carlo into a poster that feels both playful and impossibly chic. Here, elongated figures bask in seaside adventure against a jewel-toned Mediterranean, while a sinuous, decorative sea creature coils through stylized waves—a witty, mythical flourish that heightens the sense of escapist luxury for which this coast is famed.

This listing is for a museum-quality fine art print of Monte Carlo Beach, produced by The Unique Maps Co. Choose from acid-free archival paper with a velvety matte finish or richly textured artist’s cotton canvas, both printed with long-lasting, pigment-based inks. Available in a range of sizes to suit compact nooks or statement walls, with optional framing, matting, and custom finishes. Personalization is welcomed—add commemorative dates, a short inscription, or design tweaks tailored to your space.

Sem was a celebrated French caricaturist and poster artist, born in Périgueux and famed for his sharp eye and elegant wit. Rising to prominence in the Belle Époque, he chronicled high society with a line that was at once economical and expressive. His move through the turn of the century into the interwar years saw his style become cleaner and more graphic, aligning with the bright, modern sensibility of Art Deco—perfect for the aspirational language of luxury travel.

The subject here—Monte Carlo’s beach culture—was emblematic of a Europe eager for leisure and spectacle. The Riviera promised sunshine, modern pleasures, and cosmopolitan allure, and this poster channels that promise through romance and dynamism: a man and woman spirited across a rolling sea, partnership and play in perfect balance. As an advertisement, it fused graphic innovation with commercial desire, shaping how destinations were sold and how wanderlust was pictured.

Visually, the print is a masterclass in rhythm and contrast. A palette led by luminous blues, sunlit yellows, and warm sandy beiges creates instant atmosphere, while accents of fresh green and playful pink enliven the scene. Smooth, decisive outlines convey motion; repeating wave motifs and the decorative, scale-like patterning of the sea creature add texture and momentum. The bold, streamlined typography anchors the composition—purpose-built for clarity at a distance—yet harmonizes beautifully with the poster’s sleek, elongated forms. As wall art, it brings Riviera light and Art Deco sophistication to interiors from coastal minimal to mid-century modern.

A thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Monaco or the French Riviera—ideal for birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, or to celebrate a recent trip. It also makes a distinctive Christmas, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day present for design lovers, swimmers, sailors, and Francophiles who adore the timeless glamour of Monte Carlo.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.