Free Maps

You can grab a free street map of Paris, usually published by department stores, at the airport upon arrival. Look for them in the baggage claim area, or at the Tourism Information office beyond baggage claim.

Hotels also provide these simple free maps.

Free maps generally cover the city center, but not the entire city. (Google maps cover everything, and are free, but online....)

Public Maps

Every Métro station has a Plan du Quartier (neighborhood map) posted on the wall as you head for the exit. Remember to consult it after you leave the train, before you climb to street level.

City government has placed large maps on sidewalks in the major tourist areas of Paris to help you find your way. Keep an eye out for them.

Street Atlases

Paris Pratique Par Arrondissement ("L'Indispensable") is perhaps the best street atlas, a 12cm by 17cm (4.5 x 6.75-inch) booklet that fits in pocket or purse. Sold at sidewalk newspaper kiosks and some bookshops, it is inexpensive and, as its name says, indispensible.

Most of its double-page spreads cover a single arrondissement, and show neighboring ones, making navigation from map to map easy. It also contains locations of Métro, city bus, RER suburban train, SNCF intercity train, car parking lots, taxi stands and Velib' free bicycle stands.

Métro & Bus Maps

Every Métro station has multiple wall maps of all Métro, city bus and RER suburban train routes. There is always a Métro map above ground next to the entrance to a Métro station.

Every city bus stop shelter has a bus route map on the back of the shelter, with bus route maps inside the shelter.

If/when you buy your RATP transport tickets from a person (rather than from a machine), ask for a plan du réseau (system map) and you should receive a free folding pocket map that includes all Métro, city bus, RER, funicular and tram routes.

Panoramas

Our favorite "map" of Paris is the city itself. We recommend ascending to one of the several towers or monuments for a panoramic view of the city...laid out like a 3-D map below. More...

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