Bibliothèque nationale de France digitizes historical Paris maps

The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) has digitized a significant portion of its historical cartographic heritage, making it accessible to the public through its digital library, Gallica. This collection includes numerous historical maps and plans of Paris spanning the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

These documents provide insight into the urban evolution of Paris, particularly during the 17th century when the city was undergoing major transformations in its layout, fortifications, and neighborhood organization. By providing digital access, the BnF enables researchers, students, and the general public to study the city's historical development without the need to handle fragile physical originals.