[Γαλλικός χειρόγραφος χάρτης Αμβρακικού Κόλπου, τέλη 17ου αρχές 18ου αιώνα] “Plan de Larta en Albanie”. French Manuscript map of the Ambracian Gulf, end of 17th – early 18th century. Manuscript nautical map 92 x 68.5cm, entitled “Plan de Larta en Albanie” on watermarked paper, with contemporary hand-colouring and extensive descriptive text, referring to 18 places of interest within map (text in French). The details and quality of the provided information suggest that the map was designed on spot by French officers, resulting a detailed naval survey of the Ambracian Gulf. The on spot measurements indicated on map are ~55 (depth soundings and distances), while 17 anchorages are graphically positioned with indication of depth soundings for each of them. Shallows are depicted on map as dotted areas also marked with a different colour. There are also distance measurements based on land physical and natural features. A characteristic example is a measurement indicated with a red line at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, just reaching Prevesa. The measurement seems to be made based on the ottoman mosque in the castle of St. Andrew in Prevesa. The map is adorned with a French style compass rose placed in the middle of the Gulf, with rhumb lines passing through, an 18th century ship is depicted at the embouchure of Louros river, while the route of the ship that conducted the survey is marked with dotted lines. The castles of Lefkada (Λευκάδα) “Fort de Ste. Maure”, Prevesa (Πρέβεζα) “Prevesa”& Vonitsa (Βόνιτσα) “Gonisse” are depicted graphically with some details of their defensive features. Other settlements presented graphically are Flamboura (Φλάμπουρα) “Flambe” & “Salines” (Salinas - Αλυκές) and three rivers are mentioned, “Riviere de Loure” (Λούρος), “Riviere de l’Arta” (Άραχθος) & “Riviere de Coprena” (Κόπραινα). At Coprena two anchorages “Summer & Winter” are highlighted, named: “Mouillage d'Eté” & “Mouillage d'hiver”. Another anchorage is mentioned as “Mouillage Soromero” (found in other contemporary maps as Xeromero), and another as “Mouillage Caravasara” using the Ottoman name of Amfilohia, Karvasaras (from caravanserai). Many small islets within a gulf are named, and minor coastal built features are graphically presented. Forests are also named and graphically depicted throughout the map scene. Some forest names mentioned: Foret de Macrenorre (δάσος Μακρυνόρος ) & Foret de Soromero. The toponyms of the map present resemblances to the P. Bonavie manuscript map of the Ambracian Gulf, entitled “Carte du Golf de L'Arte …” of 1739, held at the BnF. At the lower part of the map exists an extensive handwritten text of 19 lines in French referring to 18 places of interest marked in map with capital initials “A-P”. The text is an extensive description, in naval terminology, referring to all the observations made along the survey, the winds, the river deposits, the water currents, detailed directions for the anchorages and how to safely move from one place to another, indication of distances from place to place and from the coast to the proposed anchorages. Although most information concerns the naval survey, comments about the mainland and the coastal vegetation exist, with special mentions to forest regions. In Very Fine condition, with just one small tear on middle-fold, few brown spots & traces of water-stain on lower part. Cross-folded. On verso handwritten “Golfe de Larta / 27”. The map was most probably bound with other maps in a folio sized book as the traces of paper on verso indicate. Unique & Extremely Rare. Provenance: purchased from Robert Douwma Prints & Maps Ltd, in January 1980. We kindly thank Mr Nikos Karabelas for his valuable guidance