No comments about Tino Turtle Travels to Paris, France.

2 comments about The Most Beautiful Villages of Brittany.

1. This book is one in a series of "The Most Beautiful Villages of...". Although they all have different authors the photography is exceptional. The book concentrates on four areas and the villages that make up each area. There is a short history of each region as well as interesting information on the villages and captions on the photos. In my opinion it is the photographs that give this book five stars. It is a wonderful "coffee table" book to own.



2. Speaking as a native New Englander, I feel like I've seen enough terrific-looking towns that I can appreciate a really beautiful village. The ones photographed in this book are spectacular. This really is a great coffee table book. The colors in the photos just draw the eye in. It's hard to describe... You will see a whole village of ancient stone buildings, with rock walls in a sort of dusky brown, and suddenly, off to the side, a brightly colored painted boat. Or maybe just a little flower garden, with lots of little Manet-esque red blossoms. And the architecture, or course, is uniformly, yet diversely, amazing. Roman, medieval, and (slightly) more modern, it all just fits together so beautifully. Furthermore, the whole book is full of cool little articles talking about historically interesting tidbits of history, legend, etc. from the region.

   Also -- if anyone who enjoys this book has reading ability in French, I'd like to recommend "La Langue Gauloise", by P.Y. Lambert. It talks about the original language of France, "Gaulish", an early Celtic tongue, from before the days of Caesar and friends. I think that one of the intriguing things about Brittany is that this original, pre-Romance-languages tongue of the region was largely reinstated, in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D., by Celtic-speaking refugees when Britain was being overrun by the Germanic-speaking Angles and Saxons. I think it's interesting to look at the place names in Brittany, and try to learn whether they were named back in prehistoric times, or in the era since the 5th and 6th century. This is the kind of question that this book raises -- the concatenated sense of sedimentary century laid upon century, laid upon century, is absolutely enthralling.

5 comments about Michael Brein's Guide to Paris by the Metro (Michael Brein's Guides to Sightseeing by Public Transportation) (Michael Brein's Guides to Sightseeing ... ... to Sightseeing By Public Transportation).

1. I bought this map along with the Paris Mapguide based upon the reviews here. It's an oversized metro map with mini-maps to 50 attractions. I never found a tourist destination that wasn't easily found from the nearest metro. You can get a free metro map when you buy a ticket or pass. Buy this only if you don't want to pull out your reading glasses to use the Paris Mapguide, but you'll still need a regular map to find the location of a restaurant or shop. Get the Paris Mapguide or the Michelin blue book instead. (To add insult to injury, there's a advertisement for the Paris Visite pass on the back, arguably the worst value for public transport in Paris.)



2. Compared to the free metro maps distributed throughout Paris, this one is a loser. While its large type makes it easier to read, it also makes it more cumbersome to unfurl while traveling. Its directions to tourist attractions are provided by any decent guidebook as well as signs and maps within the metro. Worst of all, the map is out of date. The new, ultra modern, Meteor line is not shown on this map.



3. There are more comprehensive guides available for less money (or free, even). It is printed on paper that is just a step above newsprint. Save your money for a more complete guide.



4. Quite useful with a minimum of travel-guide blather.Will prevent a first-time visitor from getting lost on the way to most places a tourist wants to go. Clear directions on using the Metro in a readable size (the 'freebies' from the Metro system are great if you are travelling with a magnifying glass).
   Time for it to be up-dated or I would give it 5 stars.



5. My visit to Paris was all the more enjoyable, because when I arrived at the Metro station for the new Branly Museum, I was clueless as to its location. I looked at Brein's Paris Guide, which specified my every step right to the entrance of the museum. This map was simply brilliant! No more wandering about Paris in a fog as to the most interesting sightseeing. Make no mistake--I got eye-strain trying to decipher the tiny free maps in French.

No comments about Fort Towns of France: The Bastides of the Dordogne and Aquitaine.

5 comments about Cadogan Guides Paris (Cadogan Guides).

1. If you want a travel book with lots of tips, a great deal of history, and -- most of all -- loads of humor and wit, these are the authors for you. This is third travel book by Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls I have read. Each is a gem -- worth reading cover to cover -- and that is very rare in travel books. I always search them out for my trips -- once to Sicily and another to southern France. Now I am planning to go to Paris this fall, so I was really pleased to find this guide to Paris. The core of the book is walking tours of the city, and each page is packed with opinionated history and unabashed commentary. The French, no doubt, would be shocked, but I love it. I highly recommend any book by these two. The three I have read -- Sicily, Southern France and Paris (2nd ed.) -- are first-rate literature. They are also "guide books" -- and that makes them rare gems, indeed.



2. We took four guidebooks over to Paris for our trip (my third, her first). It ended up being the only guidebook we used. The city walks made exploring the city a breeze.

   Be prepared. This book definitely has a British persepctive, is very opinionated, and has very few pictures. But, it gave a great sense of persepctive and made it much easier to get context when we were there.

   Without a doubt, this is a great book to use if you will have the time to explore the city. We have already purchased several more in the line for our honeymoon,




3. The walking tours in this book are incredible. Fun, interesting, perfect directions (even for those of us who are directionally challenged!). The history, art, architecture sections are also well worth reading and opinionated just enough to make them truly interesting and unique. I plan on buying as many other travel books by this couple as I can find.



4. Opinionated, controversial, occasionally intolerant, sometimes jarringly critical, but always possessing at heart a deep affection for the city, this guide will point your gaze towards places people, places and events that may well be unknown to the majority of born and bred Parisians.

   It is deeply learned, but never stuffy, memorably describing the decor of one church and "cold potatoes", the descriptions on the walks ensure that once you arrive at a given site, you are aware of its historical and architectural context.

   Previous reviewers have referred to the guided walks in the book, and these are indeed its jewel. It will absolutely make so much more of your time in Paris than you could have believed possible if you make the effort to follow as many of them as you can. They are not arduous treks, they can be leisurely strolls and the book makes sure that you know the very best places to stop an eat (or drink) on the way.

   Buy the book, read the history (also humourous, but quite bloody) on the way, use it whilst there, and relive your Parisian peregrinations on the way back by rereading the walks you had a chance to follow.

   You will want to go back




5. This guide, like others in the Cadogan's range is chock full of information, and not photos. If you are looking for maps (other than a Metro and RER railway map inside the back cover and the walking maps) and colour pictures you are advised to look elsewhere.

   After opening chapters looking at `Paris in a Weekend' ,practicalities, history, art and architecture and several short pieces on topics such as dog poo and modernism (well worth reading - very entertaining, but make sure your spectacles prescription is up to date - the print in this section is very small!), the guide really gets into its strength.

   The bulk of the book is built around 11 different walks, in 11 different neighbourhoods. All are thoroughly described with an accompanying easy-to-follow black and white map. Each walk has an indication of how long it will take (excluding museum visits), suggestions for restaurants and cafes on the route and comprehensive information on the sites.

   This makes the book perfect for a visitor spending an extended time in Paris, who wants to discover the city the best way possible, or for the repeat visitor who has the good fortune to be able to return to Paris time and again.

   After the Walks, the museums of Paris are listed and cross-referenced to where they occur in the Walks text. The Louvre and Musee d'Orsay are described at length. A section then follows on peripheral attractions - lying further afield than central Paris. There are listings for restaurants, accommodation and nightlife venues.

   The writing in Cadogans tends towards the opinionated, witty, slightly ironic (but not smart-alec) and drily understated British style. It appeals to me in the same way as Rough Guides do.

   This is not a book for the first-time short-term visitor intending to see the "Top Five" and then move on. There are plenty of other guides catering to that market, and fulfilling their brief admirably (try Rick Steves, Let's Go, Frommer, Lonely Planet for example). But if you want a book with some substance and detail which will be just as rewarding a read back at your hotel as accompanying you on your on-foot rambles around this beautiful city, then I can't recommend it highly enough.

3 comments about Mitchell Beazley Classic Wine Library: Burgundy (Classic Wine Library).

1. Mr. Hanson's coverage of the producers is both shallow and too biased on his accidental trade relations. His appellations survey is as adequate as almost every other writer's. But his in-depth general chapter (which IMHO could and should be published as a 300 pages book of its own) is without parallel! Simply a must for any Burgundy lover and for anyone seriously interested in this intricate wine region.
   



2. I found the information, the review, the opinion of this book is not that useful, because the information content is out of date. An updated version will be helpful.



3. As a former Burgundy buyer/expert for a huge retailer, I found this to be the most complete book on Burgundy to date. The information is well laid out and decently up to date (2004 edition). The producer bios are all very in depth.
   
   Not for beginners by any means, but a must read for anyone developing advanced wine education.
   
   Pros: well written, great information, superb bios
   Cons: paperback (at least mine is), lacks good maps (but the World Atlas of Wine helps so have it handy)

5 comments about France on Foot: Village to Village, Hotel to Hotel: How to Walk the French Trail System on Your Own.

1. The other reviews have adequately described this wonderful book, so I will just tell you one or two things about putting it into practice. 1) Get in shape before you go. Prior to leaving, we did a lot of fast walking on flat ground without packs - this was NOT sufficient. Those packs get very heavy going up even a gentle hill. 2) Pack as light as you possibly can, then get rid of half of it. We ended up mailing home or throwing away city shoes, extra pants, makeup, etc.etc. Also, buy a smaller pack than you think you need. 3) Set realistic daily distance goals - the author is a bit too optimistic in our opinion. 4). Always carry water and at least a little food, like granola bars. Some places that look on the map like little towns perfect for lunch are just a group of houses and farm buildings. 5) Try to check "closed" days ahead of time. In France, it is generally not Saturday or Sunday, but some weekday. We walked into a tiny town dead-beat at the end of our first day (a Tuesday) to find it was closing day - not one restaurant, bistro, cafe, ANYTHING open, including the hotel's restaurant. However, all that being said, our walk through the Dordogne was THE single best vacation we've ever had (with the possible exception of Cuba). I love to browse through this book dreaming about our next one, maybe through Provence.



2. (Update: what a shame it is out of print!)
   
   I think the other reviewers have already covered most of the points. This book is written by a chef, and it is composed like a fine meal. The pace is wonderful: relaxing, but never boring-- the same way he advocates undertaking a long walk in France. Although a backpacker (I am one) would find this book useful, it is not intended for anyone who has ever spent a night without a roof, nor for anyone who intends to ever spend a night without a roof. What it will do is lead you to an experience that will leave you with a sense of accomplishment after enjoying a couple of weeks of beautiful scenery and fabulous food in the most relaxing and healthy manner possible. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best books I've ever read.



3. I really enjoyed this book. It's filled with very useful information for travelers in France -- on foot or otherwise. It's beautifully produced, with some great photographs.
   
   I'm making plans for my first long distance walk in France as a direct result of this book.



4. I have planned a walking trip to France 2 times in the previous 10 years and for reasons of sickness and health and family crisis have had to postpone. This book gave me the encouragement to try again even as a middle-aged woman. The author was entertaining, factual, and helpful. If you are unsure about taking on France's GR walks read this book and be convinced that anybody can do and will be glad they did.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R18ES99HHJE7MH France on Foot: Village to Village, Hotel to Hotel: How to Walk the French Trail System on Your Own
   Slow down to a memorable vacation in France, on foot. This guide shows you how.

No comments about Puligny-Montrachet: Journal of a Village in Burgundy.

2 comments about Garden of Paris Sketchbook.

1. This book is by far one of the very best art sketch books, like the other sketch books from Editions Didier Millet, it is printed on watercolor paper, the colors are bright and vivid. The drawings have just the right detail, and the text exciting to read. I learned about Paris, about drawing, and adding colors to my own works of art after seeing this book. This book is a must for a traveler, or just the person who wants insight to travel destinations. The pictures are so skillfully drawn and painted by Fabrice Moireau, they will fill your imagination with dreams of being in each scene. This book is a real treasure and keepsake. I think it would make a wonderful and impressive gift as well.



2. A lovely collection of art on the gardens around Paris, printed on high quality paper. The book displays your favourite gardens but does introduce you to a series off gardens that would otherwise go unnoticed by the casual tourist. Highly recommended for the quality of the art work and the informal conversational tone of the writing

4 comments about Loire Valley Sketchbook.

1. we were in the Loire valley May-2005, we took a lot of pictures, but the drawing in this book are even more close to the images left in mind.



2. thank you very much!!!!!not only the book arrived in a reasonably short time, but it was in perfect conditions, really as new!I'll buy again from this seller.



3. I purchased this book because I had seen other books with paintings by Fabrice Maireau, and really liked them. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this even more than I thought I would, before I purchased. I hadn't realized the area has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the sketchbook helps provide an insite to the area.



4. Another great book in the sketchbook series wandering through the Loire. High quality paper and printing, great art work and relaxed prose make for a fabulous book - highly recommended