Amazon.com Review
If you're not inspired to visit France for its rich history and artistic tradition, architectural marvels, and Riviera glamour, then is it the food that spurs you to update your passport? Even the briefest study of shopping options in this country, where "food is as important to ... culture as the language" makes your taste buds tingle. Who can resist
boucheries (butcher shops),
fromageries (cheese shops),
boulangeries (bread shops), and
pâtisseries (pastry shops)? With the careful guidance of
Fodor's upClose France, you'll be able to find all the culinary delights your heart desires, as well as determine the right train to take, the best
chambre d'hôte (bed and breakfast) in your price range, and which sights you absolutely shouldn't miss on your journey through the birthplace of champagne, Cézanne, and the World Cup.
After the thorough "Basics" chapter that gets you to France, each of the remaining 15 chapters offers a short history of its geographic area; coverage of the essential sights, smells, and tastes; and brief descriptions of the best budget-conscious places to sleep and eat. In Strasbourg, one of the cities in the German-influenced region of Alsace-Lorraine, you might stay at Hôtel Le Grillon, where "fresh carpet, new wood furniture, and handwoven bedspreads give this place a warm but modern feel. The friendly staff and good location--halfway between the station and city center--make it hard to beat." Maps, including one of the Paris metro, descriptions of sights worth seeing in out-of-the-way places, and sidebars both useful and frivolous (think: trivia), supplement the solid travel information and friendly tone of Fodor's upClose France.
From the Inside Flap
Fodor's newest travel series is designed for travelers who want to travel well and spend less. With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take travelers away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune.
Fodor's upCLOSE France is smart, fun, and informative. It gives you quirky, never-obvious facts about major sights, as well as the lowdown on the minor ones. It's in-the-know about what's going on. It reveals the essence of the land of wine and cheese and helps you get the most France for your travel dollar. In short, it's the best of all possible travel companions.
All the places to go, from Paris to PoitiersRenaissance châteaus, Roman ruins, and age-old churches
The City of Light--the sights, the sounds, the neighborhoods
Museums filled with art, from the famous to the obscure
Wine-country biking, Alpine hiking, and best beach spots
Tell-all reviews of small hotels and cozy B&BsWhere to stay that's charming (and doesn't cost an arm and a leg)
Friendly, family-run places in the city and the country
Hip discoveries, top-floor garrets, and mountaintop chalets
Squeaky-clean hostels with a view and places to pitch your tent
The buzz on restaurants, festivals, and nightlifeBistros and brasseries, crêperies and open-air markets
Regional specialties: raclettes, galettes, and bouillabaisse
Festivals for every occasion: jazz, film, dance, wine, and more
Where to find outdoor cafés, buzzing bars, and late-night clubs
Practical info, great mapsAirfare deals and how to get around
Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds
Clear, easy-to-read maps