Are maps of the Paris Metro and bus systems readily available? I have a portable copy, but the print is too small to read.
Posted by
Columbia, MO, USA
249 posts
Couldn't tell if you wanted hard-copy or online, this is the latter:
http://www.parismetromap.org/paris-metro-map.php#h1
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
First of all, can you possibly enlarge your current copy on a plain ol' copier and still be able to read it? Have you tried copying from ratp.fr? http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/ You'll probably want to rotate it and focus on the center of town (or, make multiple copies) to get it to the size you'd like. There are some freebies once you're IN Paris - metro stations, etc. And you could purchase a 'Paris by Arrondissements' book in grocery stores, newsstands, tabacs, etc. Most places sell more than one style, so flip through a couple and pick your favorite. I got mine at a Monoprix. Something like this (sorry; you'll have to copy-and-paste): http://www.amazon.fr/Atlas-routiers-Nationale-arrondissements-limitrophes/dp/2707202312/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&qid=1311302846&sr=8-45 Whatever you use, be sure it's not out-of-date. Always pick up the current freebies so you can compare it to your easier-to-read copy. I have a 2'x3' map on my wall; that may be a bit too large. Besides, it's out-of-date ;-)
Posted by
OP
Lancaster, PA, USA
49 posts
I'm so glad that I asked. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
The free ones are often tiny too. I would make a photocopy enlargement.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
151 posts
There are great maps with larger print available at the Paris Metro stations. I've never seen them out on a counter, you need to ask at the ticket window. Ask for a "plan de Metro". They have two types. The Paris Visite Touriste map is too small. The regular one has large type. If you can ask in French, you are more likely to get the good one. "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame. Est-ce que je peux avoir un plan de metro, s'il vous plait" (Bohnjour misyer/madame, es-ke je puh avwor uhn plahn duh metro seal vu play?) Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Check here for bus maps, by line number: http://www.ratp.fr/informer/pdf/plans-bus/plans_bus.php These are much easier to read than the big bus map. Just enter any digit in the search box and you can scroll through all the routes that start with that digit. I use the big map to plan the line I will need, then print out the individual route maps. As for the Metro, I just read the big map on the wall by the station entry. Saves me having to drag around a Metro map.