I'm going to make this quick; I'm supposed to be in bed; holiday tomorrow. But I was keen to leave you with something. And this is such a joyous piece of pocket mappery. Barely larger than a mini-Moleskin and, although dateless, I'd guess from around the 50s, this handy guide to the French capital is interestingly interesting. With multi-tabbed sections, beautiful maps and expandotious fold-outs.
Tab section 1 is an index of Rues (or "Rues" as we say in France), while Tab Section 2 is a collection of 20 maps, one for each Arrondissement. Bonus maps include one each for Jardin d'Acclimatation, Parc Zoologique, an overview of the city's regions and a lovely one at the front for the Metropolitain. No Harry Beck admittedly, but then this is the crazy French (no offense, I really do mean that in the most affectionate way), I doubt that they would stand for such conformity.
And to finish the whole poche-size marvel off there's a superb fold-out street map packed into the back. Bloody marvelous (as we say in Italy).
I think I have the same one at home, in France, in a box. I preciously kept it for many years, refusing to buy a new one as every time I was using this particular one I was transported in bliss ;D
Thanks for sharing : it broughtme back memories !
Posted by: englishcookies | 06 July 2010 at 01:37 PM
I like old maps like you... and I live in Paris so I'm very excited to how it was some years ago ! Is it possible to see an extract of it ? Around "Gare de Gobelins" in the 13th "arrondissement" (how is it in English) ?
Thank you for this post (and all the past, of course !)
Posted by: étienne | 06 July 2010 at 10:20 PM
I'm just starting a new blog venticaratteruzzi.tumblr.com: hope you enjoy
carlo
Posted by: Carlo | 14 July 2010 at 02:45 PM
Fabulous feast for the eyes you have here on your 'blog'. Will continue to watch with interest & delight. Just added a link to it from...
http://sergeandtweed.blogspot.com/
Hope the holiday was a good one!
Posted by: Murgatroyd | 20 July 2010 at 03:26 PM