Don't get lost in Paris

Want to see Paris without the tour group but you're afraid of getting lost? Don't worry; do what the Parisians do. Use a small discreet booklet map. Paris taxi drivers use this map!

I highly recommend the "Paris Pratique Par Arrondissement" which is a dark blue 5 x 7 inch booklet map that has a complete index. An arrondissement is a district so each page is a distinct district of Paris. Each arrondissement is on a separate double page (larger districts on two double pages) and there is a Metro map, an RER map, bus map and emergency phone numbers for Paris. You can't possibly get lost with this little booklet. It fits into a pocket or purse and is easy to open and view even in close quarters (like the Metro). Update: For some reason the 2014 edition removed the emergency phone numbers. It has been replaced by an alphabetized list of famous sights and map locations. In an emergency dial 112. Just program it into your phone.

You can get the little map booklet at most news stands, tabacs, bookstores, FNAC stores or at Amazon.com online. We update at a news stand because there are so many on the street. The last time I checked amazon.com it was $14.15 so I'd recommend waiting and buying it in Paris or getting a used one. When the trip is over, it's a great souvenir. Amazon also offers an English-French version and it is a waste of money. You need the French street names because that's what you see on the street signs. There are no explanations so the English is an unnecessary expense ($39+) and FNAC sells the booklet for 5 euros.

Update: Be sure to get a 2014 edition or later since they have changed the end stations of four Metro lines. You need the name of the last station on the line to navigate the system. If you have an older edition of the map, stop at any Metro entrance and get a new and free map of the Metro to use with your Paris map.

Click here for the FNAC web site to see the booklet map