Paris, the City of Light, is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
That’s where visitor maps come in handy. In this article, I’ll take you through the different types of maps available and how they can help you make the most of your time in Paris.
Paris Tourist Office Maps
The first place to look for maps is the Paris Tourist Office. They offer a range of free maps that cover the whole city. The most useful one is the Paris City Map. It shows you all the major streets, landmarks, and metro stations. It also has a list of the top things to see, which makes it easy to plan your days.
If you fancy exploring Paris on foot, pick up a copy of the Paris Walking Tours Map. It has several different walking routes, each with a theme. You could take a stroll through Montmartre or wander through the Latin Quarter. The map tells you how long each walk will take and what you’ll see along the way.
Arrondissement Maps
Paris is split into 20 different areas, called arrondissements. Each one has its own character and things to see. If you want to get to know a particular area, it’s worth picking up an arrondissement map. You can find them at local tourist information points or in some bookstores. They show you all the smaller streets and local spots that you might miss on a bigger map.
Transportation Maps
Getting around Paris can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re not used to big cities. But don’t worry, there are plenty of maps to help you out. The RATP (that’s the company that runs the metro and buses) offers free maps at metro stations and on their website.
The Paris Metro Map is a must-have. It shows you all 16 metro lines and where they stop. It also shows you the RER lines, which are handy for getting to places like Versailles or the airport.
If you’re planning on hopping on a bus, grab a Paris Bus Map. It shows you all the different bus routes and where they stop.
Specialty Maps
If you have a particular interest, there are maps for that too. Art lovers should pick up a Paris Art Map, which shows you all the museums, galleries, and other arty spots. Foodies will love the Paris Food Map, which points out all the best restaurants, markets, and food shops.
Shoppers can grab a Paris Shopping Map to find the best places to splash some cash. And if you fancy a bit of greenery, the Paris Parks and Gardens Map will show you where to find the city’s best outdoor spaces.
Digital Maps and Apps
If you prefer to use your phone to get around, there are plenty of options. Apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps have detailed maps of Paris. They can give you turn-by-turn directions, show you where the nearest metro station is, and even suggest places to eat or visit.
There are also apps made just for Paris, like Paris Map and Walks, Paris Metro App, and Citymapper Paris. They often have extra features like offline maps, self-guided walking tours, and tips from locals.
Recap
No matter how you like to explore, there’s a Paris map out there for you. Whether you prefer a trusty paper map or a handy app, having a good map will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city. So grab a map, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to fall in love with Paris.
