Large Map of Paris by Esnauts & Rapilly, 1784: Louvre, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysees, Bois de Boulogne, Pont Neuf

Embark on a journey through time with the exquisite "Nouveau Plan Routier de la Ville et Faubourgs de Paris," a masterpiece crafted in 1784 by the esteemed mapmaker duo Esnauts & Rapilly, with the artistic contributions of Michel Glot and M. Pichon. This map is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the soul of Paris before the tumultuous events of the French Revolution. Its detailed portrayal of the city's streets, parishes, and notable edifices, framed by a stunning floral border and an allegorical title cartouche, captures the essence of an era when Paris was the heart of enlightenment and culture. The map's intricate design and style, featuring angels and symbols of the arts and sciences, invite admirers to explore the rich tapestry of Parisian life and its intellectual heritage.

The map meticulously divides Paris into 12 arrondissements, further segmented into 48 quartiers, offering a unique glimpse into the urban layout before modern transformations. It showcases significant neighborhoods such as the Faubourg Saint-Germain and Faubourg Saint-Honoré, areas synonymous with aristocracy and luxury. These districts, along with the depicted boulevards and streets like Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle and Rue de Rivoli, were the lifelines of the city, pulsating with the rhythm of Parisian society. The inclusion of landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, alongside the less monumental but equally significant streets, creates a vivid portrayal of 18th-century Paris, making this map a treasure for both historians and aficionados of urban cartography.

Rivers and waterways have always been the veins through which the lifeblood of a city flows, and the "Nouveau Plan Routier" emphasizes this with its centered depiction of the Seine. This focus not only highlights the river's importance in Parisian geography and commerce but also frames the city's most picturesque vistas and gatherings spots of the time. The map's attention to detail extends to the portrayal of bridges like Pont Neuf and Pont Royal, crucial for their role in connecting the city's diverse quarters and facilitating the vibrant interchange of goods and ideas.

Amidst the urban landscape, the map does not forget the green lungs of Paris. The inclusion of large parks such as the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes, along with the Lac de la Muette, offers a breath of fresh air. These areas, represented with care and precision, were and continue to be essential escapes for Parisians from the hustle and bustle of city life. Their depiction on the map serves as a reminder of the balance between urban development and the need for natural spaces, a concept as relevant today as it was in the 18th century.

Finally, the "Nouveau Plan Routier" is a testament to the collaborative spirit of its creators, Esnauts & Rapilly, Michel Glot, and M. Pichon. Their combined efforts have produced not just a map but a piece of art that celebrates Paris's architectural marvels and the vibrancy of its streets and neighborhoods. The detailed illustrations of landmarks and the decorative elements around the map's border enrich the viewer's experience, making it a piece worthy of admiration and study. This map is more than a collector's item; it is a homage to the enduring allure of Paris, a city that has captivated hearts and minds across centuries.

Streets and roads on this map

• Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle
• Boulevard des Capucines
• Boulevard de la Madeleine
• Boulevard du Temple
• Faubourg Saint-Antoine
• Faubourg Saint-Denis
• Faubourg Saint-Germain
• Faubourg Saint-Honoré
• Pont au Change
• Pont Louis XVI
• Pont Neuf
• Pont Royal
• Quai de Gesvres
• Quai des Tuileries
• Rue de Castiglione
• Rue de Rivoli

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps of various Faubourgs including Saint Germain, Saint Antoine, and others.
• Illustrations of the title cartouche in the top left corner featuring an allegorical scene of the Seine River and the city of Paris.
• Decorative border featuring various landmarks and scenes from Parisian life.
• The map is divided into 12 arrondissements, further divided into 48 quartiers.
• Features many of Paris's most famous landmarks, including the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, the Palais Royal, and others.
• The map features the Lac de la Muette in the Bois de Boulogne.
• Large parks like the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes, and the Parc de Monceau are featured.

Historical and design context

• Title: Nouveau Plan Routier de la Ville et Faubourgs de Paris
• Date: 1784
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Esnauts & Rapilly; Michel Glot (engraver); M. Pichon (illustrator)
• Coverage: Paris, France
• Themes: City street map; shows streets, parishes, colleges, hospitals, important buildings, landmarks, major squares and other points of interest
• Design/Style: Floral border; title cartouche showing angels and an allegory of Paris with the symbols of the arts and sciences; 28 inset illustrations of places and landmarks
• Historical significance: Depicts Paris prior to the French Revolution

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.