France Without Reservations: An Impromptu Travel Guide [Paperback]

Maurice Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1995

A delightful look at France, combining the best of the guidebook and literary genres. This highly readable and instructive guide is written with considerable wit and charm, to be enjoyed by both tourists and armchair travelers alike. The author presents detailed travel information, engagingly describing 26 French cities and villages, including Paris. Thompson specializes in finding the elegant, but affordable, hotels and restaurants that typify the best of the backroads of France, as well as guiding the reader to museums, cathedrals, markets, castles, and parks - attractions for every taste.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Thompson and his wife, Wendy, record their adventures on one of their more than 20 rental car trips through France, when they drive from Paris to the Mediterranean via a different route. Thompson provides an enjoyable narrative of the couple's experiences in 26 villages and cities, mostly off the beaten path. Much of the book is anecdotal, but each chapter ends with useful information on the region including attractions, hotels, and restaurants. Thompson's wit is evident throughout the tale, including adventures with language, bathroom facilities, and even a fender-bender accident. The value of the book is more than just its information on France as a destination; it is also fun to read as literature. The couple set a few rules at the beginning of their trip and then proceed to break them all and have a ball, confirming "that independent travel in Europe is not only easy, but more fun" than guided tours. Those who enjoy guided tours "will find all of their fears about independent travel confirmed in this book." Very affordable and highly recommended for all travel collections and public libraries.?William R. Smith, Johns Hopkins Univ. Lib., Baltimore
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Descriptions of almost thirty French villages and cities takes an unusual approach in providing a personal, anecdotal approach to French travel. The emphasis on offbeat travel and French cultural insights makes for an engaging and fun read which blends practical advice and tips for saving money with the authors' own experiences. Highly recommended. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 227 pages
• Publisher: Gateway Books (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933469241
• ISBN-13: 978-0933469242
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,195,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming approach to French travel,word pictures that live, March 5, 1998

By 

Charles Barr - See all my reviews

This review is from: France Without Reservations: An Impromptu Travel Guide (Paperback)

The charm of France is exposed to us all. The author makes the travel an adventure with out fear and with a warmth that makes you want to book your flight right now. The "guide book" entries that break up the travels seem to be forced and perhaps were an after thought. The story of the travels are all you really need. I feel you can follow this book and you will arrive when and where you wish to be. A good read..