Shopping in Paris for Transportation Nerds

July 11, 2024 1:38 AM

I am gift buying and am searching for models of the Paris Metro trains. Where can I them in Paris?

I am drowning in souvenir trinkets including Olympic stuff in the shops but unable to find things for the transportation enthusiasts in my life. Where can I get Metro related items including train models, books, maps, etc.?

Where do transportation nerds shop in Paris?

posted by jadepearl to Shopping (5 answers total)

Best answer: On the top-but-one floor of Galleries Lafayette, on Dec. 30, I saw an area with lots of Paris souvenirs (and maybe Christmas stuff?). Among those was a set of enamel pins of Metro-themed designs that I very much wish I had bought. Perhaps there?
posted by wenestvedt at 4:07 AM on July 11 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I have not personally been, but I saw a documentary on the Museum of Urban Transport which is just outside of Paris but seems to be accessible by train from central Paris (directions) Perhaps they have a gift shop?
posted by statusquoante at 4:12 AM on July 11

Best answer: The shop at Galleries Lafayette wenestvedt refers to appears to be called “RATP La Ligne”, described in English here. The RATP La Ligne online souvenir shop is here. They appear to have maps, magnets, apparel and other items you’re looking for — but I don’t see model trains in either place. Siku, a German company, will sell you models of RATP local trains and buses here.
posted by mdonley at 7:07 AM on July 11 [1 favorite]

BLESS YOU, mdonley, for that link!

Now I can buy a mug with a picture of Serge the rabbit getting his hand caught in the Metro doors even though I am not in Paris!
posted by wenestvedt at 8:37 AM on July 11 [1 favorite]

Best answer: On Rue de Douai there are two or three model train stores on the same block. This transit nerd was very happy spending a morning looking in these shops and I’m pretty sure you could find metro themed items in one of them.
posted by niicholas at 4:54 AM on July 12 [1 favorite]