1 comments about Open Road's Best of Paris, 2nd Edition.

1. I love the walking tours of Paris in this book. This book has seven walks with easy street by street directions. There's an Islands Walk that takes you to Notre Dame and the Deportation Memorial (but my favorite part is past the pet market). The Left Bank Walk takes you down Boulevard St-Germain (but the highlight for me is the place Furstenburg, a scenic hidden square that's been in tons of films). The Marais Walk hits the antique shops in Village St-Paul and the beautiful place des Vosges. The Major Sights walk is perfect if you only have a little time in Paris because it hits the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees. There's a Montmartre Walk past the Basilica Sacre Coure and the restaurant that was featured in the movie Amelie. And there's also a Culinary Walk (with some of the best food shops and markets in Paris) and a Da Vinci Code Walk (that takes you to the places featured in the book and movie). All the walks have color maps and color photos to help you along. A great way to experience Paris!

5 comments about Paris City Map.

1. I agree with the other posters - you do need a secondary map or guideline if you want something in more detail. It helped me get around Paris just fine, but I think another map might show more detail. The RER/Metro map is very handy, but it's a tradeoff for more detail on the map. If it's your first trip to Paris, take this map and pick up the Lonely Planet Paris book. This should meet the needs of about 98% of tourists.



2. The fact that over the years I have used Lonely Planet publications with entire satisfaction and sometimes delight, merely increases my disappointment with this piece of cartographic mediocrity. From every conceivable point of view, it is awful. Any Paris department store gives out better tourist maps ... free.



3. Overall, this is an excellent map for getting around the city. It's a quick guide to all major points of interest. It is especially usefull in navigating the Metro, RER and bus system. We had absolutely no problems in finding every place we wanted to go and am very thankful we had this little gem!



4. Though I've only traveled to Paris once, my map has guided family and friends through Paris three times without me. The map pictured in the current listing looks a bit different than the traditional green covered Lonely Planet city map series (which is the version I bought a few years ago), but I imagine that if anything that the new version is better.
   
   This was my first European laminated city map, and I (a non-French speaker) was able to navigate around Paris (both on foot and the metro) with complete ease! While in Paris I was staying in Montmartre (near the Basilique du Sacre C'ur) and was happy that in addition to the area around the Seine (where most tourists visit and should), that the city map had detailed blow-up views.
   
   My family and friends also found the map very useful. It is light weight, durable, and water proof - all important considerations when traveling in Europe. Furthermore, the map is useful in retracking your footsteps after your trip. With many small monuments and street names, in addition to all the major attractions, years later I can still trace out my stay in Paris.



5. and my mom said it was invaluable on her trip!

No comments about The Backpacker Market.

3 comments about Travelers' Tales Paris: True Stories (Travelers' Tales Guides).

1. Nearly evenything in this book reads like rehashes of uninspired Paris tourist brochures. Even the three hatchet jobs contributed by Jan Morris and Herbert Gold (the insufferable, execrable, and virtually unreadable Gold contributed two) are derivative and unoriginal instead of witty and daring, as they were, no doubt, intended.

   Apparently it is virtually impossible to see Paris with one's own eyes. At least if you're an Anglo-Saxon foreigner. Major portions of the city have been, effectively, laminated and generously greased by the native French so as to slide foreign tourists through, and out, with the minimum of muss and fuss.

   And the editors seem to think that by excluding any significant mention of the Eiffel Tower that they are providing a novel and fresh take on Paris. But this constitutes a very feeble effort, at best.

   And apart from all the airy-fairy poetical musings that travel seem to provoke in travel writers, Paris also fills writers with cloying smugness. As the most extreme example, the one selection I could not finish was by someone called Lawrence Osborne, and it described Turkish baths. His mentioning of a "veritginous loss of toxicity" in the first, very long, paragragh was the last straw for me.

   On the upside, there are one or two glimmers of humanity and immediate, unpretentious life in these selections. But not nearly enough to justify ploughing through all 300 pages.




2. i have enjoyed many of the travelers' tales books and the paris edition was no exception. it is a great companion to a regular old run-of-the-mill guidebook if you're preparing for trip to france.



3. Francophiles will find much to love about TRAVELERS' TALES PARIS. "Imagine leaving this world without ever having seen Paris," the editors observe in the Introduction to this fascinating collection of Paris-inspired essays. "For those who have been there, the thought is unthinkable. For those who haven't yet had the chance, the thought is a reminder that their lives will be impoverished until they go, for Paris is the center of the civilized universe, the capital of the Western world, a city of transcendent beauty, which belongs to everyone" (p. xix).
   
   Paris is the ultimate travel destination for Francophiles, lovers, flirters, thinkers, and cafe sitters, and for good reason. The thirty-six essays collected here reveal that Paris is as much a place as a state of mind. Paris means something different to everyone. "There may be no city more uplifting to the human spirit. It is a place to explore the dimensions of yourself or those of someone you love--to walk and talk, to argue about life, to sit and contemplate the events of human history which have played themselves out here on these streets, on the banks of this river (p. xx).
   
   Organized into five Parts; the "Essence of Paris," "Some Things to Do," "Going Your Own Way," "In the Shadows," and "The Last Word," TRAVELERS' TALES PARIS immerses its reader in the rich diversity of Parisian culture and the French mind, including, French existentialism, the twenty-volume French encyclopedia of Paris's 20 arondissements, Vie et Histoire, the Latin Quarter's literary and philosophical past, the Louvre, the Paris Catacombs ("Death's Kingdom"), the Turkish Baths, the Concierge tradition, and French strippers.
   
   One caveat emptor, however: this collection of is an updated edition of PARIS: TRUE STORIES OF LIFE ON THE ROAD (Travelers' Tales Guides)(April 1, 1997).
   
   G. Merritt

1 comments about Tea in the City: Paris (Tea in the City).

1. Bruce Richardson and Jane Pettigrew have crafted a slim, elegant volume full of enchanting tea experiences in Paris. From Mariage Freres to Le Palais des Thes, tea lovers will delight in this fabulous book that can easily fit in a small purse or bag.
   
   The photographs are lovely and depict the French "esprit" of tea. Tea in The City/Paris will make you want to visit this European paradise for tea, if only to taste the delights of the charming and palatial tea rooms dotted throughout the world's most lively and glamourous neighborhoods.
   
   While filled with every piece of information you could want on tea in Paris and remarkably well organized by neighborhoood, the book's tone is light, engaging, and great fun to read. If you don't yet have a flight booked to Paris, you will once you read just a few pages of this terrific guide.

5 comments about Cheap Eats in Paris (Cheap Eats).

1. We have been living in Paris for the last 4 months and have tried to use this book with varied success. We have found may of the entries outdated. In fact the first two restaurants we tried to find no longer exist. Many of the "Eats" are by no means cheap (Paris is expensive anyway). There are lots of cheaper ways to eat well in Paris. We have had about the same luck trying places that look interesting.



2. I've taken this book with me on 2 trips to Paris, & enjoyed every recommendation that we followed from the book. (Actually had to buy the book twice since first copy was lost by a friend on their trip to Paris). It gives you a pretty good description of the environment/background of the restaurant, selects several good dishes worth trying, & lets you know if there's a prix fixe menu. It may be time for an update, but if you want to stay in a budget, you won't find a better guide for eating in Paris unless you have friends that live there.



3. I didn't remember reading this book three years ago until my partner bought a copy. Naturally a restaurant book written several years ago will be somewhat out of date, but this one is laughably out of date. When I tried to find a restaurant in 2000, I was usually disappointed, because it wasn't there. Now even fewer can be found in Zagat's Survey. It was hard to locate them with the maps, because of numerous errors. Not only will you be horribly served by this book, you will waste a lot of time.



4. Back in the late '90's & early 2000's this book was the best of its kind & rated 5 stars then. Our favorite restaurant of all time "A La Biche au Bois" & our 2nd favorite "Le Petit St. Benoit" were found here & both are still in business. But copyright 1998 (meaning the data was probably gathered in 1997) makes it oudated. What drives this home is that the menu prices are given in French francs.
   
   Personal message to Sandra: We need you back in Paris updating your book!!!



5. If you were to assume that this book would have some incorrect information since it was published this long ago you would still be disspointed. Not only are the prices still in francs but half of the resturants listed have moved, changed their prices drastically or simply no longer exist. This book might of been valuable when it was printed but no longer is. Don't waste your money.

No comments about Cool Hotels Paris (Cool Hotels).

2 comments about An Englishman in Paris: L'education Continentale (Englishman series).

1. I was disappointed in this book although Michael Sadler has an impressive knowledge of France, French and the French and parts of the book are undoubtedly funny. Still, I felt the humor was too deliberate and over-the-top for my taste, not to mention a bit on the crude side. A heartfelt francophile, Mr. Sadler tracks a year-long sabbatical spent in Paris with the primary focuses of the book being his quest to bed a married Frenchwoman and his association with a neighborhood group of men who hang out at the local bar and periodically indulge in semi-clandestine meals consisting of unusual French dishes (pig ears, bull testicles, etc.). If the story about the married woman is to be believed as truth, there's an uncomfortable amount of kiss-and-tell, meant-to-be funny detail of their "courtship" and one 23-minute sexual encounter. The book also contains much extensive descriptions of food and drink and, unfortunately, the negative physical ramifications of his over-indulgences for the author. Much of the book is in or references French and, although he explains the majority of it, I doubt that I would have followed it all if I hadn't been living in Paris for some years myself. Not that it detracts, but the perspective is definitely British, not American, so some minor references might not mean much to an American.



2. A delightfully witty & engrossing book..hard to put down & full of the infinite nuances of French language & manners etc.I highly recommended it for any Francophile or accidental traveler.

5 comments about Paris (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. The book is a cute, appealing size. It lists many good bars, places to eat etc. But it has a major flaw: No matter how hard I searched through the book, I didn't see any mention of arrondissements, which are the various numbered neighborhoods.

   Everyone in Paris and every map uses these numbers to direct you. "It's in the 14th." for example. Well, with this book I had to constantly reference other maps then locate the street and see which arrondissement the place was located in. I'm not just venting. I was really disappointed I had depended on this book as my only resource.

   Additionally, because it combines neighborhoods - I assume to save space so it can maintain a petite, portable size - that is confusing as well and also prevented me from being able to map the named neighborhood to the arrondissement.

   My recommendation? Bring this book only if you can bring another. It's really not worth the price considering the hassle.




2. I used almost this entire book while in Paris. The book gives great "walk routes" to make sure you see everything (for example, it features a walk through Pere Lechaise Cemetary). While you walk, it points out areas of interest and tells of the history. It also tells you which metro stop to get off, so all the areas in Paris and surrounding area are easily accesible. I will use this book again next time I visit France. If you dig old castles, check out Fontainebleau Castle, which is about an hour train ride out of Paris. This is the ultimate book for Paris travelers. It even has a "french phrase insert" for easy translation and speaking. This was my first time to Paris, I was meeting my best friend there, and for the most part I was alone and was not lost because of this book!



3. ...experience Paris.

   It is a dream to use, very clear and user-friendly. The street-by-street maps were invaluable. There were also detailed maps and descriptions of individual sites (like museums, and Versailles) which guided you through the highlights of those sites.

   I would use it constantly, so it was hardly ever in my bag. Even my husband, who is anti-guidebook, used it too! We ended up seeing and enjoying more of Paris than I could ever have imagined beacuse of the detail included in this book.




4. My wife and I went to Paris on our honeymoon and we had a fantastic time in that glorious city. One of the things that helped us enjoy more and that helped us take advantage of all the city has to offer was having this travel guide.

   The Eyewitness travel guides are a step ahead of any other series of travel books because it not only includes the same information that the other have, but they also include additional information that is really great to know and have while abroad.

   This guide has all the usual bits about he city: the top sites to visit (including work hours so as not to get there when they're closed!), how to move around (info on buses, Le Metro, trains, taxis, you name it), lists of shops and restaurants (with different price ranges and organized by location)and great street maps. It also has historic information on the city, which truly enriched our visit by helping us appreciate the places and sites we were visiting.

   However, the greatest thing about the guide were the "walk routes", helpful suggestions on ways how to best go site seeing. Even if you don't follow them completely, they give you great ideas on where to go.

   It also includes lots of information on sites outside of Paris, which are great to visit if you have the time.

   All in all, an excellent travel tool!




5. This book has hooked me on the DK Eyewitness guides. I'm living in Germany right now and my whole family came to visit this past summer. Using this book, I took my sister, then later my grandmother around Paris. Finally this fall, my husband and I went.
   
   The maps were good for helping us find the nearest Metro stations, as well as the roads. The Metro map in the back was a life saver. I could figure out our whole route and where to transfer just as we got onto the Metro.
   
   I've noticed people complain these guides are a little heavy, but they must be packing VERY light. Since I already have to carry a diaper bag around, I throw the guide into the stroller bag for easy access and found it very manageable.
   
   The only issues keeping it from a full 5 stars, are the road maps and location information. If you're staying outside of Paris, you need another map for your hotel. I wish the roads would stretch a little further, into the suburbs. Also, while the guide says it's updated yearly, some of the hours for certain locations were wrong. Supposedly Luxembourg Gardens were open until around 9pm. We barely arrived and were kicked out at 5pm. Also, the Louvre is open late two nights a week. The book had the wrong two nights. 90% of the times were accurate, but they messed up on some important ones.
   
   Overall though, I definitely got my money's worth out of this book. And nothing to do with the guide, but I'm sick of Paris now. Going three times in the span of three months can be a bit of an overkill. :-)

3 comments about Walks In Hemingway's Paris: A Guide To Paris For The Literary Traveler.

1. After two important introductory chapters, the seven walks take the reader or tourist to every Hemingway (and Fitzgerald) site in Paris. These walks were tried/previewed by many classes of students at the American University of Paris. Although a few details date the book, it holds up today! The walks, by the way, include wonderful quotations from many of Hemingway's novels, short stories, and his memoir of Paris. Buy the book and come to Paris!!



2. Hemingway fans will adore this book, but for anyone interested in literary and artistic Paris, this exceptional guidebook will also lead you to the haunts of such luminaries as James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso, e. e. cummings, Sylvia Beach, Gertrude Stein and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Author Fitch includes a helpful introduction to Paris, followed by an insightful introduction to Hemingway's Paris. Seven self-guided tours contain detailed commentaries for each stop along the route. The best of the itineraries take you along the Seine, through the Latin Quarter and around the Luxemburg gardens, which are the most pleasant places to walk in Paris anyway. Even though it's easy to get lost in the maze of short and angled streets of Paris, clear, good-sized maps throughout the book keep you oriented. Nearly fifty black-and-white photographs, many of them historic, evoke the ambience of Paris in the 1920s. Photos include Sylvia Beach in her Shakespeare and Company bookstore; Scott, Zelda and Scottie Fitzgerald celebrating Christmas in their apartment on rue de Tilsitt; a wicked cartoon of James Joyce drawn by Fitzgerald in 1928; and, of course, Hemingway. A detailed index helps you find information about places and people.

   After loosely following Tour Two through the Saint Germain neighborhood, my daughter Anne and I had morning coffee and pastries at the Cafe de Flore, Anne scribbling away in her journal. When I teasingly asked the waiter how Hemingway, and later the Existentialist writers who haunted the Cafe de Flore in the 40s and 50s, managed to get any writing done on the tiny, round tables barely large enough to hold a plate, he teased me back by pushing two of the tables together so I had plenty of room to pen my immortal postcards. But unless money is no object, it's too expensive to order much more than coffee at the famous Left Bank hangouts of Hemingway and his expatriate cohorts. On Rue de Buci and Rue de Abbaye in the Saint Germain neighborhood, close to Hemingway's Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots, you'll find less expensive, less pretentious cafes where you can order a great bowl of French onion soup.




3. I took this book to Paris and went to every single place mentioned. It was easy to use and fun to read and made me love Paris (and Hemingway) even more.