5 comments about City Walks: Paris: 50 Adventures on Foot.

1. These cards give you great ideas for exploring different neighborhoods and places to stop along the way. But you need to be careful that the directions are correct. I went through about 20 cards (combined walks each day). And each day there was a card with a slight, but important, error in it: the path on the map was drawn incorrectly, street names were incorrect, or the written direction said to go down a street when really you needed to go up the hill. They're useful and I recommend them, but just make sure you have another map with you in case you get a bit lost. But getting lost can be half the fun of exploring a new city.



2. Having just returned from a visit to Paris, we found these cards to be marginally helpful and interesting to us. Each of the 50 cards contains a map on one side and text on the other, and each walk contains information of historical and architectural interest as well as some merchant and restaurant suggestions. this sounds good on paper, and I found the cards to be useful when planning our days, but by necessity the text was really short on facts and too long on merchants. I think this could be useful but if you really want a walking tour, you'd be better off getting something more lengthy and detailed. the cards are handy for throwing in your pocket, but not all streets are marked.



3. I liked the size of these cards - they were easy to carry around and refer to. I also liked the fact that they don't just cover the usual spots. There are some nice out of the way streets and locations to explore in this deck.



4. I used these cards on a visit to Paris a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I found them much more beneficial than the several guide books that I also had. Each day I would just pick the area I wanted to explore, take out the cards from this pack from that area, and use them as a general starting point to explore the area.
   
   There is a really interesting selection. All of the main "touristy" areas are covered, but what I found much more interesting were the slighlty more off the beaten track walks. They help you discover some of the "other" sides to Paris.
   
   Each card has a map on one side, and a written guide on the other which includes notable sights, shops, cafes etc as well as the suggested start point Metro station.
   
   The only thing that might have been added was a Metro map.
   
   I was very pleased with this product and I will use the City Walks for other cities that plan to visit in the future.



5. We just came back from Paris and it was a wonderful trip thanks to the City Walks Cards! My husband and I would choose about two cards in the morning and have a perfect day of walking around different areas of Paris. Then we would come back to our hotel, rest a bit, and for the afternoon go for another walk. These cards and a book with pictures are really all you need to have a great time.
   
   I wish we had NY City Walks cards when we stopped in NY and stayed there for a few days, because we ended up walking a whole lot and not really feeling like we explored the city as well as we did Paris.
   
   Next time we take a trip I will make sure to buy the "City Walks" cards for that city (and hope that they have them).

5 comments about Paris (City Guide).

1. The book (more specific the maps)was very helpful in picking the area we want to stay when in Paris.
   I looked alot about the different areas and how to organize my trip to the city.



2. . The information about the history of Paris was Ok.
   . Ok with the walking tour
   . All the highlights and backdoor are inside this guide
   
   BUT...looking with a backpacker eyes..
   
   . They should reduce the big restaurant list and make a better explanation of the highlights is the sight section.
   
   Just for your information, I love Lonely Planet...this is a constructive recommendation that I give to all the city guides...
   
   Another important thing, specially for what they call "A city guide"...they should give more information (map and path) of the buses. I found it difficult to understand which bus is convenient to go from one place to another.
   I wanted to use the bus in Paris intead of metro to see the beautifull places, but I couldn't. And I will not mention how difficult is the way back to the hotel using the night transportation.
   
   So, I think, less restaurant and better transport and sight information. Yes, I know that you can buy maps and whatever...but...I am paying more that US$15 for a city guide, man...



3. I enjoyed this guide. I found it helpful for differnt sites to see and places to go. Of course you have your big hitters such as The Arc de Triumph, Eiffle Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Sacre Coure etc but it gave ideas of other places to go as well that some people wouldn't think of. I will be traveling with a small child and having places to go that would be interesting and fun to them was a help as well. I liked that it gave different discount ideas. I like the maps and other little secrets that are enclosed to not only save time and money but ensure safety and piece of mind as well!



4. I've used Lonely Planet guides before, and this is the second Paris edition I've used. The book is structured in very logical way, by arrondissements. Descriptions, directions, addresses, and maps are excellent. The walking tours are particularly good - very descriptive with little to no back-tracking. I appreciate that prices and hours of operation are updated and spelled out clearly.



5. Paris is a fascinating city. As a traveler familiar with Lonely Planet's format, the Paris guide was very helpful, particularly with the walking tour and excursion descriptions. I found the maps easy to use and there was a ton of information. Unfortunately, there isn't anything inexpensive about Paris, but public transportation is reasonable and accessible. Thank you, Lonely Planet, for continuing to put out a great travel guide.

No comments about Zagat Paris Restaurants 2008/09 (Zagatsurvey).

5 comments about Lonely Planet Provence & the Cote D'Azur.

1. LP contains so much information that it makes it difficult to plan your trip without any other guide. So, at your planning stage of the trip I suggest you resort to some other guide.
   But, while travelling, I found the book to be very useful. It gives you a lot of vital information that every backpacker needs. However, some of the maps in this LP are slightly incorrect, so I suggest you do not rely soley on the LP maps, but use some more detailed ones. Also, for a traveller on tight budget, the book could contain some more info about camping places.
   All in all, a good book that is definitely worth the buy.



2. contains very useful information. However, the authors only covers major cities and tourist attractions, and ignore many beautiful villages and towns in country side. For this reason, I recommend reading other guide books and travel essays.



3. I had taken out the prior version of this book from the library and was pleased to see that there was a 2007 updated version to read. However, in the prior version there was much more specifically directed toward traveling with kids. In this version, most of that was eliminated, and I was bummed not to have that pointed out. While the color pictures are beautiful in the front of the book, more maps and more detail about traveling would have been more useful to me, rather than looking at fields of lavendar. I think a couple driving around for 3 weeks in Provence would have found it really useful. For our 1 week trip with three kids, I found I just didn't use the book very much.
   
   The information on internet cafes was very useful as was the entrance fee and time information to exhibits, etc.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RLRJWZ9K98MV3 A quick video review for Lonely Planet Provence & the Cote D'Azur, to better see what you get...



5. This book is obviously aimed at young, hip readers, interested in "in" places and night life. I did not find it as helpful for "senior" travelers such as I.

5 comments about Michelin Battle of Normandy Map No.102.

1. Excellent. I consider myself a World War II in Europe "fan", try to read all the books I can. This has certainly made many of them more meaningful since I can now pinpoint locations in them. Read about this map when Time published their 60 yr anniversary of D-day issue. Tom Hanks mentioned it, but I hadn't been able to find it. Googled, and there it was. Amazon came through again.



2. This map is a valuable companion to any book on Operation Overlord and the follow on operations in Normandy. It allows the reader to maintain geographical awareness when reading of the military operations taking place in various locations.



3. very interesting purchase. its actually a map you used to get in gas stations. shows where bunkers are & VERY detailed road, towns, & terain. not much on where battles fought & also from 1947. there are probably lots of changes to map now, but still for the money i like it.



4. Very well done. Plan to use this map for a trip to Normandy and find battle sites from D-Day.



5. I purchased Michelin Battle of Normandy Map No.102 to help us guide ourselves around Normandy this spring while looking for war ruins such as bunkers, and memorials and cemetaries. The map is very detailed and was excellent for planning the trip before arriving in France. However, after driving in Normandy, I was startled that I could actually depend on this map for navigation! Even though it is a map from the 40's, many things have not changed in Normandy! While some cemetaries that were identified on the maps are no longer US cemetaries (for example, we exhumed our dead from a current German cemetary and reburied them in the US cemetary near Omaha beach), practically every other feature identified on the map is accurate. These include the memorial markers, gun batteries, parachute drop zones and even the towns which had a lot of battle damage. The road numbers are the mostly the same so it's easy to get around by using this map. If you're touring Normandy you will be very happy you brought this map with you and used it. It's also readily available in many museums in the area.

5 comments about Provence A-Z.

1. Here's a book of a couple of hundred entries, from A to Z of course, about life in the Provence region of France. Each entry then has from a short paragraph to a few pages of description. The author is Peter Mayle who has almost made a careet of writing about Provence. He's a Brit who moved there many years ago. He was going there to write a novel, but instead wrote a book on Provence which to the surprise of many turned into a best seller.
   
   This started a trend with 'A Year in Provence' and 'Toujours Provence' being the best known. Like expats everywhere who have permanently moved from their homeland, Mr. Mayle is in love with his new chosen country. It shows through his selection of words to include in the book and in the dedication with which he has given these words their Provence meaning.
   
   It's almost enough to make people who don't like France ready to go visit.



2. An enjoyable collection about things in and of provence. Peter Mayle has done another winner.
   An easy read and quite informative.



3. This is a collection of short essays about the culture of Provence in alphabetical order. I think it is typical Mayle, intelligent, bright, and whimsical without being "cute". It's a writing you can sample in at odd times.



4. Peter Mayle's books about Provence are always wonderful, and this one does not disappoint!
   Mireille McKell



5. Peter Mayle's "Provence A-Z" is a collection of personal interests and discoveries. There are amusing stories of construction complexities, the celebration of truffles and humorous stories of wild pigs eating perfectly ripe melons. Peter invites you into his world and as he explains the reality of Provence he keeps the fantasy of the perfect vacation alive and well. Since I recently made my own tapenade it was interesting to see a new recipe. There is also an explanation of why tomatoes are known as pommes d'amour. There are stories of unique fruits and visions of hills that are home to two thousand types of butterfly. I loved the story of the new puppy and you can't help but smile when you think of all the adventures Peter has on a daily basis. Overall, this collection of writing makes winter days seem a bit warmer and it is perfect as a cozy read by the fire.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review
   Once I spent a weekend in Provence

5 comments about French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew.

1. I am ready to go back to France after reading this book. Anyone with a love of good France, light humor and beautiful countryside of France, should read this book.



2. In this wonderful look at Gallic Culture and Cuisine, British Francophile Peter Mayle visits several food fairs and celebrations in the French countryside and takes us along for the ride in this tale that is part travelogue/ part food guide. The tales are usually funny, interesting and mouth watering. I nearly drooled on some of the pages reading his description of the elegant dishes that were served.
   
   I've never learned so much about Frog Legs, truffles, snails, or cheeses. I only regret is that he missed the festival celebrating the sausage that my Canjun relatives call Boodat.
   
   Conviently there is an appendix with addresses and phone numbers for anyone contemplating a trip to France to attend one of the festivals themselves.



3. As a former (and once-again) food writer, I must say this book is deliciously entertaining. I'm still in process of devouring the entertaining writing. Very well done. Any serious foodie will enjoy it!



4. This book chronicles the adventures of Peter Mayle through the French country-side armed with knife, fork and corkscrew. His delightful sense of humor is present through out his epicurean journey. He attends amazing food events. There is the religious celebration of the black truffle. the marathon where every stop is hosted by a winery ( complete with tastings through-out the 26.2 miles!!) and the "interesting" fair of the ESCARGOT! You will understand how seriously the French take their food when you read this book..or do they just like to have fun!



5. "It was a pleasure just to be alive." ~ Peter Mayle, on his experience in France
   
   Peter Mayle's "French Lessons" is an engaging book about French cuisine. He takes the reader off the beaten path to vicariously experience new discoveries. Along the way we find cooking advice (what type of pan to use when making an omelette), health spas, festivals, beaches, marathons and cheese eating competitions.
   
   In one adventure Peter Mayle takes the reader to a Catholic mass which celebrates the expensive black truffle (they are auctioned off before lunch). His vivid prose enlivens the imagination. Through his writing we experience all the nuances he is enjoying.
   
   As someone who makes her own croissants I am always eager to read about French cuisine. This is a warm cozy read, the type of book you curl up with in the winter or read in the summer in the shade.
   
   If you love Peter's books I know you will adore: The "A Year in Provence" Movie.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review
   Once I spent a weekend in Paris

1 comments about Lonely Planet Paris Encounter (Lonely Planet Encounter Paris) (Best Of).

1. A friend and I visited Paris for the first time together and Lonely Planet made it so easy! The book is organized very well and most of our itinerary we took straight out of the book. It also has great maps that made it easy to navigate the city (with the heart of Paris being able to be discovered on foot). I also bought the Lonely Planet China and have so fat found it incredibly useful. LONELY PLANET ROCKS!

3 comments about A Traveler's Guide to D-Day and the Battle for Normandy.

1. What makes this book stand out for me is the eyewitness reports, which are dotted throughout as you read this account of the D-Day landings. They bring alive the personal experiences of those who fought and help the reader appreciate the scarifices made.

   The book is a nice mix of the history of this particular military campaign, and what the traveller to Normandy can hope to see today. This means the book is a good read for either the armchair military buff or the interested tourist.

   Lots of photos and clear maps also add to this very good and highly readable book.




2. This is a great guide to take with you on a trip to Normandy. I carried it with me throughout my tours and was able to read aloud about the events that took place-standing on Omaha Beach and reading about the various divisions that struggled where I stood was of great value to myself and my husband.

   The eyewitness accounts bring it to life as well.

   If you plan on touring the D Day beaches and sites, bring this one with you!




3. Mike Tolhurst's father fought in the battle for Normandy. Perhaps that is why the narrative portion of this book reads with such emotion, not just military matter-of-factness. This book would succeed, I believe, simply as an account of this part of the war, even without the "travel guide" aspects. Eyewitness accounts and quotes from German as well as Allied soldiers bring what was happening to life.

   I had already decided to go to Normandy when I purchased this book. But it was invaluable in helping me decide which places to see, since I knew my time would be limited. Each chapter consists of a narrative of part of the battle, then an accompanying suggested tour which touches on cities and places mentioned in that chapter. I ended up not following the plans exactly, but still basing my choices of places to go on the authors' narratives.

   I found Normandy to be beautiful and welcoming, and would recommend that every American, Canadian and UK native visit these sites if you can, most especially if a relative fought in the war. If you do you'll need some guidance as to what to see and where it is, and this book will help a great deal.

3 comments about Top 10 Normandy (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. Concise, time-saving and fits in your carryon nicely. Certainly follows the porfessional and reliable series well. We used this guide the most (out of several)during a January trip to Normandy. Highly recommended.



2. Not that anyone can use everything in this book, but there are certainly lists to help anyone with their trip to Normandy. Good additional book, not to be your only reference.



3. I agree fully with the previous reviewer -- this book is not enough to be a stand alone guide to your trip to Normandy, but it is a spectacular compilation of things to do across the region.
   
   There are numerous lists of everything from little villages specializing in crafts, food, and whatnot such as pottery, cheese, copper cookware, and more, to the top 10 D-Day sights and top 10 D-Day museums, to the most picturesque villages in the countryside and coast.
   
   If you're interested mainly in D-Day sights, I found this book useful, because it had a few pages dedicated to the best museums, and key sights. Most people have a limited amount of time, and especially if you're driving yourself around, it's extremely helpful to have this reference of the "must-sees" along with the "nice to sees" time permitting.
   
   We used this book lots during our 5 days in Normandy this May to plan what we wanted to do and see, and used a more detailed book (Lonely Planet Normandy was great) to round out the practical details. (Oh, yeah -- if you're driving, better bring a GPS! I think we'd still be lost in the bocage somewhere if I hadn't had that life-saving device with me!!)
   
   This book lacks details like contact info and opening hours for museums, but makes up for it with a wealth of suggestions, useful facts, and great pictures (a strong suit of all the DK Eyewitness books).
   
   Bottom line, get this, plus Lonely Planet or a guidebook of your choice, and you will have a great trip!