The 26th of Septembre 1870 is the postacrd's official birth in France : it is made official by decree. We can find poscards for the "Croix Rouge" wonded's use at the time of the siege of Paris. They are not illustrated.

In 1874 the first advertising postcards are created ("Belle Jardinière")

The 7th of Octobre 1875 The French government opens its monopoly by authorizing printers to publish postcards.

As one goes along, the writing space on the frontside reduced to let more space for the picture.

In 1904, half of the backside is Liberalized.
The picture takes immediatly the hole frontside and the backside is kept for writing and address. The postcard becomes THE popular way of communicating. It was helped by the transport's expansion that allowed people to travel and fastened postal delays.

Around 1920 "souvenir books" appears. They are little books regrouping 10 to 12 cards of a touritsic county. In the 18th century, engravers of the "rue Saint-Jacques" printed illustrated cards that were used for sending greetings. Then postcards for events such as Easter, April Fool's Day, Labour's Day and especially Christmas and New Year's event.

After World War 2, under the influence of anglo-saxons, we saw in France double greetingcards, that allowed people to send messages for life events from birth to death.

In the same time, the progress of photoengraving, printing, card work, allowed to create postcards and greeting cards with added value. From glazing to embossing, gilding, icing and even gadgets.