1 comments about Touring In Wine Country: Alsace (Touring in Wine Country).

1. Having never been to the Alsace region, I cannot personally verify the accuracy of this book's information. However, I can vouch for its tantalizing pull compelling me to make the trip!

   This book is well organized and perfectly suited to the reader/traveller who is making a first aquaintance with the Alsace region of France. Though its main focus is introducing the many wines which are produced in this area, I found it to be very informative regarding the history, architecture, and other main attractions of the local cities, towns, and villages. I would definitely recommend it to the everyday traveller as well as the connoisseur interested in a wine touring holiday.

   The preface of the book includes a general introduction to the area, its local cuisines, and wine making traditions. Accompanied with many great pictures, the book then reviews numerous towns and villages which are chosen primarily for their wine making appeal. Each town is introduced with a brief historical background and charmingly described in prose that belies the practical layout of the book: "Possibly the most beautiful spot in the Turckheim is the Place Turenne, tucked behind the Port de France gate. If you spend an evening in the village, listen out for the singing night watchman, who continues a centuries-old Turckheim tradition. Each evening at 10 pm, armed with his halberd and lantern, he walks through the streets passing through each of the gates and warns inhabitants to 'watch their hearths and candles'."

   The book outlines the local hotels and restaurants in each town, including phone numbers and typical prices of these establishments. It also lists local places of interest, market times, and seasonal wine festivals.

   My enthusiasm to visit Alsace has been greatly enhanced by this book. I can almost taste the choucroute and Munster cheese, imagining myself ensconsed in one of the many delightful Alsatian villages.

2 comments about Rivages: Hotels of Character and Charm in Paris.

1. This book does a great job at letting you know where the Hotels with character are in Paris and hepls you uncovere some hidden gems. It's colorful map makes it very easy to shop around for hotels based on location. The index in the back also helps you find the best values for the dollar. Each hotel has a nice sized color picture and an up to date description of about 150 words. I found the descriptions to be a bit limited and somewhat repetitive. The writers seemed to be very focused on noise levels and do not offer much information on service and cleanliness. Overall a good book especially if you are going to use it in conjunction with another source.



2. This is the book where to find a hotel with a terrace to have breakfast. You can also find here some of the most beautiful palaces. The only thing this hotels have all in common is good taste, style, french touch. You will always feel happy, at home and, still, in the "most beautiful city in the world" when you choose any of the hotels listed here.

No comments about Secrets of Good French Cooking (Prestige Des Grands Chefs).

1 comments about Multi-Lingual Phrase Passport (Let's Eat Out! Your Passport to Living Gluten and Allergy Free) (Let's Eat Out!) (Let's Eat Out!) (Let's Eat Out!).

1. This is the first multi-lingual allergy guide I have ever come across. The authors have done an excellent job. Though dialects may vary, and certain regions may have their own ways of describing a food, this is a very helpful little resource.
   
   It is literally the size of a passport, and thus perfect for travel. It is English based with translations for French, German, Spanish, and Italian. The phrases address various situations (from conversing with waiters to describing symptoms to a doctor) and the food translations cover the "top eight" food allergens (milk, wheat, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts) plus gluten and corn. I highly recommend this phrase book for anyone who is traveling with food allergies, intolerances, or a special diet.

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

2 comments about The Heart of France.

1. Anyone who knows Victoria Magazine would expect this book to be a dreamy visit to the most interesting places in France. You will not be disappointed! It is a perfect venue for armchair travellers to read while sipping a warming cup of tea. For those planning a trip to this magic land, the flawless photography and commentary makes one want to pack and leave immediately. This book is a perfect gift for someone you love who loves travel, but pick up a copy for yourself, too. Everyone deserves a flight of fancy now and then!



2. A very pretty little book just full of lovely photos and easy to read text. One of those books about atmosphere and beauty you will look at again and again for inspiration.

No comments about Braun and Hogenberg's London Wall Map from 1572 (Reproduction) (Wychwood Antique Reproduction Maps).

No comments about Drive Around Dordogne and Western France: Your guide to great drives (Drive Around - Thomas Cook).

No comments about The story of Avignon, (Mediaeval towns).

1 comments about Paris.

1. This is an unique book even among the many written about Paris. The late Julian Green was the only American member of the Academie de France --- and he wrote these exquisite, tender memoirs of Paris in French. The books lays out the French text face-to-face with the superlative English transation [is it possible that the translator is Green himself using a nom-de-plume?] --- this slender volume will repay you with many many joyous moments, particularly if you read French. Not only is it a superlative book on Paris, it is a superlative gem of lyrical writing.