Old Maps: Paris

Take a stroll in the streets of mid-16^th century Paris as presented by Olivier Truschet, engraver, and Germain Hoyau, publisher, around 1550.

Plan of Paris by Truschet et Hoyau/Basel Plan, ca. 1550.
(Available in high resolution at Wikimedia Commons.)

On this woodcut map, the north is on the left— featuring the infamous Gibbet of Montfaucon, gallows in use until the 17^th century. The centerpiece is the Île de la Cité and its crown jewel—Notre-Dame de Paris. Not far from there, to the north, one stumbles across the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery. Something of a public health hazard, it was dismantled in the 18^th century.

       
To the keen eye, the map even offers insight into the daily lives of 16^th-century Parisians. Popular forms of entertainment included…

… Hangings…

… Well, more hangings…

… And lawn tennis! (Longue paume.)

Retrieved in Switzerland in the 19^th century, this magnificent map is kept in the University of Basel.

---

Back to the Book page | Old Maps: Rome