Third Class on the French Line - 1938
Front Cover, Third Class on the French Line Featuring the Ile de France, Champlain, Lafayette, Paris, and Normanide. April 1938. GGA Image ID # 11aa604c28
The Normandie, Ile de France, Paris, Champlain, and Lafayette combine economy and efficiency in fulfilling the most discriminating requirements. Their Third Class accommodations cannot help but bring you all satisfaction.
Today, Third Class accommodations on the magnificent steamers of the French Line are comparable to the First Class accommodations of not so many years ago.
During the last decade of mechanical and scientific advancement, the French Line has been quick to adopt all new devices provided by modern inventive genius which might contribute to the convenience, comfort and pleasure of ocean travel.
The Normandie, Ile de France, Paris, Champlain and Lafayette combine economy and efficiency in fulfilling the most discriminating requirements. Their Third Class accommodations cannot help but bring you all satisfaction.
SS Ile de France
The SS Ile de France of the CGT-French Line. GGA Image ID # 11a53a73fe
The Ile de France, a marvel in shipbuilding achievement, offers comfortable accommodations in Third Class . . . spacious decks, social halls, attractive commodious smoking and game rooms to guarantee a comfortable and pleasant voyage.
Two-Berth Cabin with Hot and Cold Running Water. SS Ile de France. GGA Image ID # 11a28d0145
The Cheerful Library and Writing Room. SS Ile de France. GGA Image ID # 11a2979346
In This Charming Dining Room, Abundant, Varied and Delicious Foods Are Graciously Served by Trained Stewards. SS Ile de France. GGA Image ID # 11a2f24ad4
SS Champlain
The SS Champlain of the CGT-French Line. GGA Image ID # 11a5af7c5b
Third. Class passengers on the Champlain enjoy many comforts and conveniences . . . bright, dignified lounges, ample deck space, attractive Cabins . . . and there are custodians to lake care of children while parents are dining and wining.
In the Champlain’s Third Class Dining Room, as on All French Line Ships, Free Wine Adds Zest to Delicious Meals. GGA Image ID # 11a2f922e3
Four-Berth Cabin — Always Immaculate and Airy. SS Champlain. GGA Image ID # 11a40b9578
Passengers Relax, Smoke, Sip, Chat and Play Games in the Smoking Room. SS Champlain. GGA Image ID # 11a466ede6
SS Paris
The SS Paris of the CGT-French Line. GGA Image ID # 11a68a05c4
Third Class quarters on the Paris have been entirely rebuilt. The carrying capacity has been reduced to provide more space and comfort, and there is a splendid ventilation system. Smart new cabins and public rooms are decorated in pastel shades.
The Comfortable New Cabins Have Hot and Cold Running Water and Large Wardrobes. SS Paris. GGA Image ID # 11a48c344d
Moving Pictures Are Shown in This Attractive Library-Writing Room. SS Paris. GGA Image ID # 11a4f52bf9
In the Delightful Dining Room, 65 Feet Long by 30 Feet, Decorated in Soft Green, Passengers Enjoy Delicious Cuisine. SS Paris. GGA Image ID # 11a5235eb2
SS Lafayette
The SS Lafayette of the CGT-French Line. GGA Image ID # 11a68d0989
The beautiful motorship Lafayette offers you spacious, well-ventilated and attractively appointed cabins and social rooms. There are deck sports by day, entertainment by night ... everything to afford the passager a pleasurable voyage.
The Spacious Dining Room in Which All Tastes Are Catered to with Smiling Service. SS Lafayette. GGA Image ID # 11a6f6e0bc
Well Ventilated Two-Berth Cabin on the SS Lafayette. GGA Image ID # 11a78795f8
The Third Class Lounge on the SS Lafayette is Light and Comfortable. GGA Image ID # 11a7f121f0
SS Normandie
The SS Normandie of the CGT-French Line. GGA Image ID # 11a68e3142
The Normandie, largest and fastest ship in the world, has set a new standard for Third Class travel, for she offers luxurious comfort and unexcelled service at a surprisingly moderate cost.
Four-Berth Cabin on the SS Normandie With Hot and Cold Running Water and in Close Proximity to Bath and Showers. GGA Image ID # 11a8343c29
The Ever-Popular Salon on the SS Normandie With Its Bright Paintings and Broad Vista Toward the Sea. GGA Image ID # 11a8430ea4
The Third Class Dining Room on the SS Normandie is Decorated in Marble and Warmly Lighted by Luminous Dome. GGA Image ID # 11a8919f2e
The Deck of the Normandie Third Class Lends Itself to Games and Repose. GGA Image ID # 11a8b6e0f8
The Smart Modern Bar of the Normandie Third Class has a Jolly, Companionable Atmosphere. GGA Image ID # 11a98e19ec
A Typical Dinner as Served in Third Class on the SS Normandie. GGA Image ID # 11aa5ebbcc
MENU SUGESTION
- Potage Santé
- Maquereaux Grillés Maître d'Hôtel
- Céleri au Madere
- Poularde du Mans Rôtie Cresson Pommes Rissolées
- Table Wine
- Salade de Scarole
- Fromages
- Bombe Yvette
- Corbeille de Fruits
Brochure Information
- Publication Date: April 1938
- Publisher: French Line (USA)
- Pages: 17
- Photographs: 22
- Dimensions: 14.9 cm x 24 cm
Brochure Information
Third Class on the French Line – 1938
A Rare Glimpse into Transatlantic Elegance for All Classes
Description
GGA is honored to present a remarkable artifact of maritime history, Third Class on the French Line – 1938, a brochure that elevates the concept of third-class accommodations aboard the illustrious vessels of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT), or French Line. Published in April 1938, this 17-page brochure offers an intricate portrayal of the amenities and charm afforded to passengers aboard the celebrated ships Normandie, Ile de France, Champlain, Paris, and Lafayette.
Profusely illustrated with 22 stunning photographs, this brochure captures a pivotal moment when even third-class travel offered surprising comfort, style, and service reflective of French luxury.
Key Features
-
Publication Details:
- Date: April 1938
- Publisher: French Line (USA)
- Dimensions: 14.9 cm x 24 cm
- Content: 17 pages with 22 photographs
-
Featured Vessels:
- Normandie: The epitome of Art Deco luxury, the world's largest and fastest ship at the time.
- Ile de France: Known for its spacious decks, refined dining, and cheerful library.
- Champlain: Elegant lounges, well-ventilated cabins, and vibrant social spaces.
- Paris: Completely refurbished third-class accommodations with pastel interiors.
- Lafayette: A beautifully appointed motorship with exceptional ventilation and modern conveniences.
-
Highlights of Amenities:
- Cabins: Spacious, well-ventilated, with hot and cold running water, accommodating two to four passengers.
- Dining: Exquisite menus featuring French cuisine with complimentary wine.
- Public Spaces: Library and writing rooms, social lounges, and deck areas for relaxation and games.
- Innovations: Modern ventilation systems and elegant Art Deco interiors.
Provenance
This brochure was issued directly by the French Line's U.S. office in April 1938 and has been preserved in private collections, reflecting the enduring allure of the CGT's transatlantic offerings. Its origins trace to a golden era of ocean travel, where the "French touch" defined standards of comfort and sophistication.
Condition
The brochure is in very good condition, with minimal signs of age. The semi-gloss pages remain crisp, the photographic prints are vivid and detailed, and the cover retains its structural integrity. Minor edge wear consistent with its age is present but does not detract from its overall appeal.
Historical Significance
This brochure encapsulates a transformative period in transatlantic travel, showcasing how the French Line redefined accessibility without sacrificing quality. It highlights the progressive approach to making luxurious ocean travel more inclusive while maintaining French elegance. Notably, the inclusion of the Normandie, renowned for its Art Deco interiors and groundbreaking engineering, underscores the French Line's innovation and ambition.
As a pre-World War II publication, it also provides a poignant snapshot of the last golden years of ocean liners before the disruption of global conflict.
Final Conclusion
An exceptional testament to the refinement and accessibility of French Line ocean travel, this 1938 brochure represents far more than a travel document; it is a cultural artifact from an era where elegance met efficiency.
