The Travel Blog

 “Beautifully written and refreshingly original… makes us see [Paris] in a different light.” -- San Francisco ChronicleBook Review Swapping his native San Francisco for the City of Light, travel writer David Downie arrived in Paris in 1986 on a one-way ticket, his head full of romantic notions. Curiosity and the legs of a cross-country runner propelled him daily from an unheated, seventh-floor walk-up garret near the Champs-Elysées to the old Montmartre haunts of the doomed painter Modigliani, the tombs of Père-Lachaise cemetery, the luxuriant alleys of the Luxembourg Gardens and the aristocratic Île Saint-Louis midstream in the Seine.Downie wound up living in the chic Marais district, married to the Paris-born American photographer Alison Harris, an equally incurable walker and chronicler. Ten books and a quarter-century later, he still spends several hours every day rambling through Paris, and writing about the city he loves.  An irreverent, witty romp featuring thirty-one short prose sketches of people, places and daily life, Paris, Paris: Journey into the City of Light ranges from the glamorous to the least-known corners and characters of the world’s favorite city. Photographs by Alison Harris. “I loved his collection of essays and anyone who’s visited Paris in the past, or plans to visit in the future, will be equally charmed as well.” —David Lebovitz, author of The Sweet Life in Paris “[A] quirky, personal, independent view of the city, its history and its people”—Mavis Gallant  “Gives fresh poetic insight into the city… a voyage into ‘the bends and recesses, the jagged edges, the secret interiors’ [of Paris].”— Departures

Price: $6.84  $16.84

Full-color throughout.Free full-color, foldout map.Completely updated every year.Insider advice on avoiding the crowds as you explore some of Paris's greatest gems, from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower. Plus tips for exploring some of Paris's more offbeat sights, from the eerie Catacombs to the avant-garde Palais de Tokyo museum.Where to find everything from the coolest neo-bistros to the most gourmet Michelin-starred French restaurants. Plus, recommendations for the hippest wine bars and the best food markets, from the Marché d'Aligre to the grand, upscale food halls of Fauchon.Insightful commentary on Paris's dazzling array of art and architectural masterpieces, from the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame to the Arc de Triomphe, and from Rodin's TheThinker to Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.Opinionated reviews. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. Our expert writers are passionate about their destinations--they tell it like it is in an engaging and helpful way.Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity--no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of hotels and restaurants. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people.User-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to point readers to great finds, excellent values, insider tips, best bets for kids, special moments, and overrated experiences.From the Book: Street Food in Paris Falafel stands line Rue de Rosiers in Paris. Photo by Maarten (Superchango)/Flickr.com As appealing as it is to indulge in a three-course meal at a Paris bistro, you can also savor many French specialties on the street.Where to Eat: By day, sidewalks in the Left Bank's Latin Quarter around Saint Michel get crowded with sandwich vendors selling baguettes. In the Marais, you'll want to try the falafel stands on Rue de Rosiers. At night, the air is filled with the aroma of freshly prepared crepes, especially around Montparnasse, in the Latin Quarter, and near the nightclub areas. How Much: A Nutella or chestnut-puree crepe will cost about 4 Euro; a jambon et fromage baguette is around 6 Euro.

Price: $11.43  $21.43

You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in the City of Light — Paris. With the self-guided tours in this book, you’ll explore the grand Champs-Elysées, the eye-popping Eiffel Tower, and the radiant cathedral of Notre-Dame. Learn how to save money and avoid the lines at the Louvre and Orsay Museums. Enjoy the ambience of Parisian neighborhoods, and take a day trip to the glittering palace of Versailles, or to the Champagne-soaked city of Reims. Then grab a café crème at a sidewalk café and listen to the hum of the city. You’ll see why Paris remains at the heart of global culture. Rick’s candid, humorous advice will guide you to good-value hotels and restaurants in delightful neighborhoods. You’ll learn how to navigate the Paris Métro, and which sights are worth your time and money. More than just reviews and directions, a Rick Steves guidebook is a tour guide in your pocket.

Price: $7.74  $17.74

Stroll down the Seine, browse the bouquinistes' stalls of old books, join a Friday evening roller-blading rally outside Gare Montparnasse, or enjoy more traditional sites such as Notre-Dame Cathedral. Fully updated Green Guide Paris with its highly-rated star system, maps and illustrations helps you discover every corner of this remarkable city. From flea markets to fine dining, and suggested itineraries for quick or more leisurely exploring, whatever your budget, the guide's address book and features help you uncover the sites of this city.  Use with Michelin Paris Map.

Price: $11.14  $21.14