Rare Old Simple Map of the Paris Metro, 1939: 14 Lines

The "Paris Metro - Official Network Map" from 1939, crafted by the Paris Metropolitan Railway Company, is a captivating window into the vibrant urban tapestry of pre-World War II Paris. This meticulously designed map showcases the extensive metro network with 14 distinct lines, each represented in different colors, offering a glimpse into the daily commutes and connectivity that defined the city. The map's simplicity and clarity make it not only a functional piece of history but also an aesthetically pleasing artifact, reflecting the sophisticated urban planning and transportation priorities of the era.

This map is particularly notable for its depiction of significant neighborhoods that have shaped Paris's cultural and historical landscape. Areas such as Montmartre, known for its artistic heritage, and Montparnasse, a hub for intellectuals and artists, are prominently featured. The inclusion of Belleville and Auteuil highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of Parisian life, offering a rich tapestry of the city's social fabric. Each neighborhood is intricately connected by the metro lines, illustrating the importance of public transportation in fostering urban cohesion.

Landmarks such as the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are elegantly marked, providing a sense of the city's green spaces and their role in urban life. These large parks not only serve as recreational areas but also as historical sites, each with its own unique story. The Bois de Boulogne, for instance, was once a royal hunting ground, while the Bois de Vincennes has been a site of various international exhibitions. Their inclusion on the map underscores the blend of natural beauty and historical significance that characterizes Paris.

The map also highlights the major boulevards and avenues that define Paris's architectural grandeur. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Boulevard Haussmann, and Rue de Rivoli are just a few of the iconic streets that traverse the city, each lined with landmarks, shops, and cultural institutions. These thoroughfares are not merely routes but symbols of Paris's enduring elegance and cosmopolitan charm. The detailed representation of these streets on the map offers a journey through the heart of Paris, capturing its essence and allure.

Historically, this map is a testament to the Paris Metropolitan Railway Company's role in shaping the city's transportation infrastructure. As the operator of the metro system, the company played a crucial part in the city's modernization and urban development. The map serves as a historical document, reflecting the technological advancements and urban planning strategies of the time. It is a piece of history that not only informs but also inspires, offering a glimpse into the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of Paris.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:
• Bois de Boulogne
• Bois de Vincennes
• Neighbourhoods:
• Montmartre
• Montparnasse
• Belleville
• Auteuil
• Passy
• Large parks:
• Bois de Boulogne
• Bois de Vincennes
• Other notable features:
• Metro lines are color-coded
• Metro stations are marked with symbols indicating whether they are simple stations or interchange stations

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Paris Metro - Official Network Map
• When the map was made: 1939
• Mapmaker or publisher: Paris Metropolitan Railway Company
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: The Paris Metropolitan Railway Company was responsible for the operation and management of the Paris Metro system during the early 20th century.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Urban transportation
• Metro network layout
• Connectivity between different parts of Paris
• Interesting context about those themes: The map reflects the development and expansion of the Paris Metro system up to 1939, showcasing the importance of public transportation in urban planning and daily life in Paris.
• Countries and regions shown on the map: Paris, France
• Context about the design or style of the map:
• Uses a color-coded system to distinguish between different metro lines
• Simple and clear design to aid in navigation
• Includes a legend explaining the symbols and colors used
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• Reflects the state of the Paris Metro network just before the outbreak of World War II
• Provides insight into the urban infrastructure and transportation priorities of the time

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.