Paris for Free (or Extremely Cheap), Revised (For Free Series) [Paperback]

Mark Beffart (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Free Series | Publication Date: April 22, 1997

With over 100,000 copies sold, the For Free series has been a godsend for people scared by the high cost of travel.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Beffart's newest contribution to travel literature is similar to Let's Go: France 1995 (St. Martin's, 1994) but limited just to places to visit in Paris. The concept of extremely cheap varies from a low of nine francs (about $1.80) or less for entrance to private gardens and parks, to a high of 36 francs (about $7.20) for sports, concerts, and theater events. As with most guidebooks, the volume begins with general tourist information, followed by the directory, which is organized around Paris's 20 arrondissements (a city government or administrative district). Public transportation availability for each site is included. One useful feature is the inclusion of special free or reduced admission times. There is also a discussion of architectural and historical features. The limited use of illustrations and maps reduce the appeal of this guide. Recommended as a supplementary selection for public libraries with large travel collections.
Robin P. Peek, GSLIS, Simmons Coll., Boston
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

ÒA must for both the novice or seasoned visitorÓ -- Transitions Abroad

ÒWell-written and -researchedÓ -- Travel Books Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Mustang Publishing; Revised edition (April 22, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091445787X
• ISBN-13: 978-0914457879
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #924,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book to discover the "real" Paris, April 8, 2005

By 

Zoe Benjamin (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris for Free (or Extremely Cheap), Revised (For Free Series) (Paperback)

Those who complain about this book being out of date are missing the point of this resource. It's true that it is out of date as far as the money system is concerned, but the information that it is most useful for will never be out of date - all the major tourist attractions, but more importantly, many little known yet equally wonderful sights. If you're looking for secrets to get something cheap, you'll be disappointed. It is europe, and with the exchange rate being what it is, everything's expensive, and this book is not going to get you around that (although there are many good money saving tips). It's also not for those who want to be dazzled with pictures, which are few and far between, and black and white at that. However, this is one of the best resources for finding all of the hidden gems that comprise Paris, especially for return visitors who wish to see more than just the tourist's city.

The book outlines, arrondissement by arrondissement, every landmark and point of interest that you can imagine, from the major tourist sites to shopping districts, "cheap" stores, tourist offices and more. What it is best for is calling to attention some obscure details about buildings that you may otherwise pass by, not knowing that you are missing a real treasure inside.

I have been traveling to Paris yearly for more than ten years and know the city well. This is still one of the best resources for "discovering" Paris that I have ever found, and even after years of visits, I still occasionally look to this book to find something "new" to discover.

For the first time visitor who has limited time in the city, this book may not be for you, although it does give many helpful hints on how to avoid lines and/or find the easiest means of entrance to a particular attraction. Another plus is that it is written in simple language and clearly outlines the address, metro stop (including line #), and hours. If you are looking to completely discover Paris, this is the book for you, as it will point out and explain every beautiful and noteworthy feature of this incredible city.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great bargain!, October 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Paris for Free (or Extremely Cheap), Revised (For Free Series) (Paperback)

Terrific little book to supplement a comprehensive travel guide like Fodor's. The tip on seeing the Louvre for free saved me double the cost the book alone!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Free is free, May 11, 2002

By 

jpc (Pittsford, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris for Free (or Extremely Cheap), Revised (For Free Series) (Paperback)

Not extremely helpful. Most listings are churches and parks that are free to enter. After reviewing this book for a short week in Paris, I decided it was not worth the space or weight to take it with me.