See the REAL Paris
Written: Nov 10 '04 (Updated Nov 10 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Concise. Wonderful details a regular tourist may miss.
Cons: Sometimes a little boring on the history side.
The Bottom Line: If you want to feel like a Parisian, Rick Steves' guides are for you. You avoid the hoopla and see Paris in all it's glamour and simplicity from one guide.
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| NicoleZ's Full Review: Rick Steves' 2004 Paris Books |
Rick Steves' has been writing what he calls "through the back door" travelogues for over 25 years. He prides himself on find places where the real denizens of any particular city live, work, love and play. And if you want to see more of a city than the 'advertised' hot spots, Rick Steves' guides are for you!
I was able to spend two weeks abroad in Europe during June of 2004. Having never traveled to Europe before, I picked up at least 25 guides on varying cities and locales. I had discovered Rick Steves in my own backward way. At a local Sam's Club, I found his European travel dvd's and picked them up as I knew I may be going to Europe in a year. The dvd's sat unopened for a good six months until my trip was confirmed, but once opened, I found a friendly, regular guy who traveled light and traveled well on a budget. (Rick is big on carrying everything you need for either a one day or three week jaunt in a carry on bag. I just couldn't do it myself!) I immediately went to his website - www.ricksteves.com - and found he had many travel guides which I subsequently picked up.
Of all the cities I visited, Paris was my favorite. I had always wanted to visit and wanted to get the most of my five days. Rick's guide, of the four Paris city guides I purchased, was by far the best, most informative and most used book.
Rick covered the hotel I stayed at, Hotel Muguet, which is a little gem on a quiet street in the 7th arrondissement. This is the Eiffel Tower neighborhood! Very close to the Rue Cler which is a charming pedestrian street with wonderful small bistros and bakeries. He covers hotels through the entire city of Paris and focuses on the smaller, one and two-star accomodations. My hotel in particular was considered a two-star and was the cleanest place I've stayed in my life.
Rick tells you what you need to know. He doesn't focus on tourist traps but instead provides you with the secrets of locals on how to avoid lines, when to NOT visit the Louvre and how to get around town on the cheap. We followed his advice and enjoyed Paris from a Parisian view - we took the metro everywhere! It's daunting at first, but it quickly becomes easy and fast to navigate. Never once did we feel threatened or uncomfortable.
The book Paris 2004 focuses on the niches of Paris and it's suburbs. It has chapters which include:
Walks in Paris
Tours of the major museums including the Louvre, d'Orsay, Picasso, Rodin, Les Invalides, etc.
Day Trips to Versailles and Cartres
Disneyland Paris
Sleeping
Eating
Paris with Children
Nightlife
Shopping
Transportation Connections
French History, etc.
The book has wonderful street maps and metro maps. The attention to detail (such as what door to actually go to at Versailles in order to avoid lines and at what time) is wonderful. If you are on a budget or are traveling with no mind for expenses, this is an excellent book. He even goes so far as to tell you if you only have a specific number of days in Paris what to AVOID! What other guide would be so honest?
He advises to dine at a department store - one which had a marvelous view of the Paris Opera House and the Eiffel Tower down the horizon! He tells you about the expensive places, but also tells you about the bistro around the corner that has great service at a wonderful price. He's also big on picnicking. I wasn't too big on this before traveling but now having been to Europe and having run from dawn to dusk trying to see everything, I heartily agree - picnicking is the way to go!
Of every guide I purchased, the most oft used and dog-earred ones are Rick Steves guides. The guides focus on what you should do and when you should do it. Paris was my favorite guide, but every city and locale by this author is well worth a look.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
NicoleZ
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Member: Nicole
Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 7 members
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