"Thierry Dubois' M. Nationale 7 route conjures up images of the sun, plantains, and France's 'glorious 30's'"
Artist Thierry Dubois Celebrates the Iconic N7 Road in France
Thierry Dubois, a renowned illustrator, has become an icon for lovers of the Nationale 7 (N7) road in France. His passion for this historic route, famously known as the "route des vacances" (road of vacations), is evident in his extensive collection of archive images and sketches that fill his apartment in Hauts-de-Seine.
Dubois's apartment is a sanctuary for all things N7. The walls are adorned with enamel plates from former establishments along the road, and his drawing table and lamp are wrapped in N7 flags. Kilometer markers, miniature classic cars, and unusual objects, all stamped "N7", can be found throughout the space.
One of Dubois's most famous works is the sketch of L'Etape Bleue, a restaurant located in Saint-Prix. The sketch illuminates the restaurant's famous coasters, which are now being prepared. Dubois is currently creating a series of sketches for L'Etape Bleue, and his work can soon be seen there.
Dubois's drawings are also displayed at the National 7 Museum in Montélimar and the 200 Miles in Pouilly-sur-Loire. His work is a celebration of the N7's rich history, which includes ancient travel routes, typical 1950s architecture, and legendary stops like "La Pyramide" in Vienne. These elements evoke the heroic era of road travel and tourism in France post-World War II.
Thierry Dubois's dedication to the N7 and his artistic interpretation of its history and culture have solidified his status as an icon for N7 aficionados. His work serves as a testament to the road's nostalgic and cultural significance as one of France's most emblematic roads.
Thierry Dubois's apartment, a tribute to the N7 road, is not just a sanctuary for historical artifacts and illustrations, but also a fusion of lifestyle, as evidenced by the fashionable N7-themed enamel plates and home decorations. His commitment to the road's rich heritage extends beyond his artworks, influencing even his choice of food at L'Etape Bleue, a restaurant whose famous coasters he Sketches.
As Dubois's work graces establishments along the N7 and museums such as the National 7 Museum and the 200 Miles in Pouilly-sur-Loire, it not only showcases the road's fashion-and-beauty but also its deep-rooted connection with the home-and-garden lifestyle of the post-World War II France.
