Paris, Paris: Journey into the City of Light “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  Frommer's Paris 2012 (Frommer's Color Complete)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 | Lonely Planet Paris (City Travel Guide)From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money. If you have to choose one book to take to Paris, this fully updated Lonely Planet guide will cover all your bases. Whether you're camping, planning to splurge on a chic hotel, picnicking, or set on haute cuisine, this book gives you thousands of options. Also included is a useful 12-page overview of Parisian architecture, detailed entertainment information, notes on day trips to nearby châteaux and villages, plus 20 pages of detailed city maps, including the Metro. --Kathryn True Price: $12.15 $22.15 Rick Steves' Paris 2012You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in the City of LightParis.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: $11.85 $21.85 |
Specific Areas to Remain French Hotels, Chateaux & Inns, 4th
