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A "New Edition" of this important map of Paris, shown in the midst of a century of redesign of the city.

This 1824 map of Paris represents an updated and detailed cartographic depiction of the French capital during the Restoration period. Published by Charles Picquet, géographe ordinaire du Roi, the map divides Paris into its twelve administrative arrondissements (mayoralties) and further subdivides them into forty-eight quartiers. Its layout reflects both topographical precision and an adherence to recent administrative and urban developments, showcasing the transformation of the city in the decade following Napoleon’s fall.

The color overlays are used to denote city boundaries and planned projects, offering insights into the urban planning ambitions of the Bourbon monarchy. 

The period between 1814 and 1824 witnessed significant changes in Paris, influenced by the Bourbon Restoration under Louis XVIII and Charles X. Following Napoleon's defeat in 1814 and the Congress of Vienna (1815), Paris underwent a combination of restorative and modernizing works aimed at reinforcing the monarchy’s legitimacy while addressing the city’s growth.

• Renaming of Streets and Monuments: During this period, several streets, squares, and public spaces were renamed to reflect Bourbon royalist values, erasing Napoleonic and revolutionary associations. The map explicitly notes these changes, as seen in the Nota where Picquet highlights updated nomenclature for streets and quarters.

• Urban Modernization: Major infrastructure improvements included the completion of the Canal Saint-Martin (begun in 1822) to enhance water supply and trade routes and the construction of new bridges such as the Pont d’Iéna (restored to its current name by royal decree). Several streets and boulevards were widened or extended to improve traffic circulation, reflecting evolving urban design principles.

• Civic and Religious Construction: The monarchy undertook the restoration of key churches and monuments damaged during the Revolution. Restoration work included Notre-Dame Cathedral and the expansion of Saint-Denis Basilica, the burial site of French monarchs. The map illustrates new or planned municipal buildings and monuments funded by the regime to demonstrate its commitment to public welfare. 

Picquet’s map exemplifies the artistry of early 19th-century urban cartography, balancing practical utility with aesthetic refinement. The use of hand-applied color to denote different administrative zones and public works enhances its visual clarity.