Customer Reviews

Eyewitness Travel Guide Deluxe Gift Edition to Paris

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Dorling Kindersley makes the best travel guides hands down. They are extremely well illustrated, have extensive and detailed maps (thank god, because I tend to get lost very easily), up to date information on hotels (rates, rooms etc), restaurants (costs and reservation policies), and sites to see.

The travel guides have wonderful pictures, well researched histories and facts about France and more specifically Paris, what wines to look for and taste (not just by region and vineyard but also by year), sample dishes that one should try, detailed walking tours, information on famous art (there is a great section on the Louvre and all how to speed thru if you only have a limited amount of time).

The guide covers customs, money changing, travel information - you name it! Most importantly, it shares with you the best places to shop (and there are SO many in Paris), where to get good deals and SOOO much more. The book give you wonderful ideas on how to see the city in a limited time or really enjoy it if you are there for more than a few days. The book also covers things to do that many tourists might over look as well as telling you what is worth your while and what to skip. The guide also has great ideas for day trips beyond the city itself.

This is one of the best guides available on the market. It is perfect if you are planning to go to a few cities in a limited time or for more in depth information when planning a longer trip. We always lend this out to people before they plan a trip and everyone else has agreed it is top of the line.

I purchased this before taking a spur-of-the-moment trip to Paris with my boyfriend, based on its excellent reviews on Amazon. I was not dissapointed!

This guide provided an incredible wealth of information about everything Paris -- from sights to see, places to eat, and things to do. Almost every site is accompanied with a nicely written description, map, and full-color photograph.

Here are a few notes: 1.) The information (allbeit interesting and informative) is about the touristy stuff. If you're interested in going to visit lesser-known sites, you may want to get a supplemental guide. 2.) Make sure to look up every place you go/have gone. I was surprised to found out that many of the seemingly understated little cafes we visited have long, rich histories, which the book very colorfully described. 3.) The restaurant guide, while good, is not entirely complete. If your visit will center on the French culinary experience,you may want to do a little additional research beyond the confines of this book. 4.) This leather bound special addition also contains 4 laminated, easy-reference information cards (menu reference sheet, address finder, Metro map) and a full-size city map, all of which were incredibly helpful and can not be purchased separately. 5.) The section about customs is good, as it contained valuable information on topics such as tipping and using the bathroom. (Interesting Fact: In many restaurants you have to *pay* to use the ladies room -- even if you have already purchased a meal or snack. Make sure to carry a handful of 2 Franc pieces with you at all times.) 6.) The book, though helpful, weighs a ton. Be prepared -- or beg one of your travel mates to carry it for you!

Bon voyage!

I purchased numerous guide books before our trip to Paris, but the Eyewitness book was the only one I took with me. It is so comprehensive in its coverage of Paris, it was only book I needed. In it's handsome leather case, I felt comfortable refering to it on the bus and metro because it wasn't obviously a guide book. It didn't shout "tourist!" to everyone around me as I consulted it. Do not depend on the maps, however. Invest in a Michelin map of Paris; it's worth it.

The eyewitness series is excellent. I own several of these books and we have used them on three different vacations to Europe. The book introduces you to Paris with background and historical information. A summary of seasonal happenings, weather, art, architecture and regional food information. The short essays are occpanied by pictures, maps, photos and graphic representations. It makes the book easy to read and a quick reference for planning daily activities while on vacation. The main section of the book has a break down of "regions" or areas. Each section starts with a map and locations of sights. You can then reference the specific site descriptions, which also include business hours and contact information. The back of the book list hotel and restuarant information. These books are an invaluable resource for planning a vacation itenenary. Also, they make an good refernce tool during your stay. The only negative I have found to these books is they are somewhat heavy to carry in your shoulder bag or packback all day long.

The eyewitness series is excellent. I own several of these books and we have used them on three different vacations to Europe. The book introduces you to Paris with background and historical information. A summary of seasonal happenings, weather, art, architecture and regional food information. The short essays are occpanied by pictures, maps, photos and graphic representations. It makes the book easy to read and a quick reference for planning daily activities while on vacation. The main section of the book has a break down of "regions" or areas. Each section starts with a map and locations of sights. You can then reference the specific site descriptions, which also include business hours and contact information. The back of the book list hotel and restuarant information. These books are an invaluable resource for planning a vacation itenenary. Also, they make an good refernce tool during your stay. The only negative I have found to these books is they are somewhat heavy to carry in your shoulder bag or packback all day long.

This guide is wonderful - I have never flown anywhere before and was very nervous about going to Paris, but after having this book for a week now I feel MUCH more confident! I am always opening it to look up more info - Theres so much in it I can't imagine how all that stuff can be in Paris!! I researched quite a few travel guides to Paris before buying this one and I am SO glad I chose this guide... it has detailed descriptions of each region, each monument, each street! Even comes with a menu card to help you figure out what you're about to order! haha... It gives detailed walking tours, bus routes, best times and price differences for visiting museums,... The very best part of this book though is the PICTURES!! There are pictures of everything and THAT makes it the best for me... What else can I say - if you're going to Paris - BUY THIS BOOK!