Hello seasoned travellers- I saw something once that I thought was a handy, sneaky way to have a map at your fingertips, without having to bust out a folding map on the street while traveling- it was a smallish scarf that was attractively printed with the metro map. I think there were different ones for New York City, Paris, London, etc.

I can't seem to find it online- anyone know where I can get one? I think they cost around $40. I found this but it's not exactly what I'm looking for (although lovely http://www.mapscarves.com/).

I specifically want a small-ish scarf that has the metro map of Paris printed on a white background. Can anyone help? Thanks!

I know Signals used to carry both Paris Metro and London Tube map scarves. Haven't looked at their latest catalog though . . . .

Try this site

TASARAM Map Scarves come tissue-wrapped in an attractive gift box that you will want to keep. They measure 34 x 34 inches (85 x 85 cm) and are 100% silk of a medium weight which drapes beautifully and wears well. The edges are hand-rolled.

TASARAM Map Scarves retail at US$ 69 (£45, Euros 69) and can be shipped worldwide.

Order online at: www.mapscarves.com

I think I've seen them for sale in souvenir shops around Notre Dame -- I don't know about scarves, more other things.

You know that will instantly mark you as a tourist and it would be much harder to read a map on a headscarf than a small one in your purse, which even locals carry.

The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, sells those in the museum store. I'm guessing you can find their catalogue online.

At least don't buy this:

http://www.souvenirsofparis.com/imag...s-ratp-600.jpg

Fun idea, but expensive! I like my maps so I can mark restaurants or other places I found that I want to keep track of. I bring my maps home and use them on return trips.

Monica

Seriously, if you must have a scarf, you can go to the RATP souvenirs boutique and get one for about 11€; or even more useful, the postcard size Metro map for a couple €

http://www.souvenirs-metro.fr/images...SC_6360400.jpg

Somehow I can't see standing on a street looking at a scarf to decide where to go. Plus...unless you are a local, how would you necessarily find your way around Paris without a street map anyways, to find the right Metro station. As a souvenir, OK, but as some sort of guide.I say...non merci.

My brand new mug is sitting on my desk at work. Good way to study it the rest of the year when you can't be in Paris. My mom got a mouse pad with the same map.

Most of the maps are outdated though, and don't include either end of the 14 line.

My husband has a pair of boxer shorts with a map of the Paris metro on them. Now that introduces some interesting options, don't you think? A friend picked them up for him since my husband was the official metro guide of the group. PJK

I had one(USELESS!) years ago
Save the money for a nice lunch

Yes PJK, that does conjure up an image. Your hubby pantless on a streetcorner with 3 women kneeling at his feet.

HA HA HA hilarious responses- OK, I get it, I get it - the scarf thing is not a practical solution to the map problem (and trying not to look like a tourist). I should have anticipated these responses when my friend last night said "why don't you just break down and get a freaking iPod (or whatever it is I would need) so you have GPS at your fingertips?!" So I'm a little stuck in the 1970s, I admit it.

Thanks for all the replies (and honesty), though!

Clueless Parisians (and there many) actually use a little cardboard credit card sized metro map when they are confused.

Sounds like people have already convinced you, but I don't see a map-scarf as a discreet or reasonable idea!
;-)

My best Paris map was a freeby from the hotel lobby. As someone mentions above, I always jot notes directly on a map for reference later on. If it's a city you return to again this is a very handy tool you've made for yourself.