Guide to Navigating with a Traditional Paris Street Map

Sometimes, Having a Paper Version Is Handier

Walking around Paris, it is not uncommon to see visitors struggling with large and cumbersome tourist maps. It appears some visitors prefer not to rely on digital maps. However, one could suggest, “Did you know you can buy a much more portable city guide to Paris?” These pocket-sized maps, fitting into most coat pockets, are predominantly in French, which may cause skepticism among those accustomed to digital navigation.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to know French to use these maps effectively. Once familiar with locating streets and navigating to the appropriate Paris neighborhoods or arrondissements, all that’s required is basic spatial reasoning to reach your destination. Moreover, using these maps can make you appear less like a tourist and more like a local. Here’s how to use them, step-by-step.

Get Yourself a Copy of a Typical Compact Paris Street Map

You can find a map at various locations such as newsstands, train stations, or bookstores around the city, including at the airport.

The most popular version is called Paris Pratique Par Arrondissement (Paris by District), but any compact edition is effective.

You can ask a clerk or bookseller for a plan de Paris (plahn de Pah-ree) or a plan des arrondissements (plahn dez ahrone-dees-mahn).

The first page typically includes an index of color symbols used throughout the map. English translations are also available.

The following pages generally feature complete Metro, RER, and bus maps.

An alphabetical index for street names follows next, with each street’s corresponding arrondissement number and grid location marked to the left.

Subsequently, you’ll find individual arrondissement maps, distinguished by the district’s number in red.

Decide Where You Need to Go

If you know the general area but not the street name, identify the nearest metro, commuter train, or RER, and bus stops. Use one of the maps at the front of the guide to determine the necessary line/s to your destination.

If you have an exact address, refer to the alphabetical street index named the “Repertoire des Rues” in the index on the first page. As previously mentioned, knowledge of French is not essential. Simply know the name of the street and how to spell it, as you will look it up alphabetically.

Locate Your Street in the Alphabetical Index

Look up the street name by its first letter. Remember, the name of the street is what comes after “Rue de”, “Avenue de”, or “Boulevard de”. Make sure to exclude “de” or “des” from the street name.

For instance, to find “Avenue des Champs Elysées”, search for “Champs Elysées” under “C”. Other components to drop when searching include “Square”, “Place”, “Porte”, “Quai du”, and “Quai de la.”

Be detailed when looking up a street name and ensure you’ve found an accurate match. It is common in Paris to have the same street name across various squares, boulevards, avenues, impasses, and rues.

For example, when searching for “Champs Elysées”, you’ll find both “Champs Elysées P. des” and “Champs Elysées Av. des”. For “Avenue des Champs Elysées”, the latter listing is the correct one.

To identify the arrondissement your street belongs to and locate it on the individual arrondissement map, look to the left of the street name.

The number furthest to the left indicates the arrondissement where the street can be found. For “Champs Elysées Av. des”, that number is 8, meaning the street is located in the 8th arrondissement.

The letters and numbers directly to the right of the street name correspond to its location on the arrondissement map grid. Note these down for your reference.

Find the Individual Arrondissement Map Corresponding to the Street You Need

Avenue des Champs Elysées is situated in the 8th arrondissement.

Turn to the individual arrondissement map marked with “8” in all four corners (typically in red). This map displays Metro stations alongside key buildings and monuments.

You will notice that the map is arranged in a grid format, where numbers run horizontally and letters run vertically.

Locate Your Street on the Map

The grid coordinates for Avenue des Champs Elysées are G12 to I15. Consequently, I will be able to find the street and nearest metro stops by referencing the area of the “8” map corresponding to these coordinates.

Be cautious: Some arrondissements are particularly large and may require two pages of maps. If you do not find your coordinates listed on the first map, consider flipping through the pages. Your street is likely situated in a larger district.

Things to Keep in Mind

For streets or places in the surrounding districts of Paris, like La Défense, Bois de Vincennes, or Bois de Boulogne, refer to the back of the guide. These locations are not technically part of Paris and possess separate indexes and area maps in the guide.

Notably, certain arrondissement maps, such as those for the 15th and 18th districts, have grids arranged where the numbers run vertically and the letters run horizontally.

Surrounding arrondissements are usually marked in red around each individual area map.

Congratulations! You’ve Found Your Street

• Reorient yourself when you already know which arrondissement you’re in.
• Discover what other areas might be of interest nearby where you’ve already seen sights.
• Identify the nearest post office, police station, park, or church.

What About Apps?

If you own a smartphone or tablet, consider finding a quality app that features maps of all the Paris districts along with a metro map. Therefore, checking online for suitable app recommendations may enhance your navigation experience.