Customer Reviews

Pariswalks, Revised Edition: including two new walks

5 star:		(9)
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This is a terrific "off the beaten path" type tour guide. These tours take you to areas that other tourists just pass through on their way to the Eifel Tower and Louvre. With this book you experience the real Paris, not the tourist's Paris.

At the beginning of each tour (allow one per day), find a bench in one of the many small parks and read the introduction to the tour. While you take in the sights, smells and sounds of the area, you'll learn a bit of history to set the stage for the tour. The walks are slow and intend for you to really look at your surroundings as you read about the history, architecture and people. I wish there were guides like this for every city!

This book has been one of the many reasons I fell in love with Paris.

In fact, it taught me how to explore Paris on my own during the 5 years I lived there. Beginning with this book, I learned how much history and cultural wealth is hidden in every corner of the city, ready to be discovered. I learned to explore the building façades, their inner patios that sometimes hide gardens, statues and even centuries old temples. I have explored parkings for outstanding discoveries (like the medieval wall on the underground parking on rue Mazarine), etc.

I learned enough of the city history to get me curious and start reading on my own about the kings of France, the history of Paris architecture, and so much more.

I have both an older edition and the audio guide, which is excelent for use when walking alone. However, I noticed that on the latest edition, the walk on rue Moufetard is gone (at least that's how it seems from the index here on Amazon"). Pitty, because I loved the region and the walk itself.

The only danger is that if you go to Paris with this book, you may never want to leave again, like I did.

The Pariswalks audiotape is an immensely entertaining and educational way to wander through Paris neighborhoods. You can, for a change, SEE what the guidebooks are talking about WITHOUT having your nose in the book the whole time. The narration is humorous as well as informative. Because this Pariswalks audiotape is so good,I have given theLondonwalks audiotape on faith for Christmas to someone about to head for London. I will never travel to Europe again without first checking to learn whether an audiotape is available for my destination city.

I've taken this book to Paris three times. Our local library discarded the book and I was so upset. It's wonderful to use in Paris or to remember my trips. I was so excited to find in newly published. I have already got one, which I passed on to a friend going to Paris, now I'm ordering another.

On my recent visit to Paris, I used headphones and this superb audio book to guide me on my walks. Never again will I try to sightsee with my nose buried in a guidebook! The narrator practically has her hands on your shoulders as she explains EXACTLY where walk and what to notice. I think the directions are clear for both right- and left-brained people. Her tip about how to push the buttons to enter hidden courtyards -- and her guidance as to which ones to be sure to check out -- allowed me to see aspects of Paris that I otherwise never would have encountered. I especially enjoyed the background on particular shops and restaurants (and their proprietors!), as well as the history and entertaining anecdotes. I'm eager to use similar audio books in other European cities.

I don't use headphones in my daily life, but they were really worth taking on the trip. They left my hands and mind free to focus on Paris.

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a much earlier edition of this wonderful little guide to the Paris these authors obviously love. The distaff side of the Landes clan has a keen eye for detail and a sharp nose for the unexpected tidbits that make visiting any city a delight.

Directly as a result of following one of the walks I have found a club that is now, years later, a regular stop anytime I am in Paris. Everyone who has an interest in the quiter, more intimate details of Paris should take these walks. The authors' love of the city and their simple love of city life shines through in each of them.

This latest edition is, if possible, an improvement on the previous ones; adding the perspective of a new co-author has improved the product.

Finally! You no longer have to have your nose in a book to get a little history. What a great idea! These audio tours allow you to free your eyes and hands and just enjoy the walk. Carol Shapiro, the producer, does a spectaclular job combining the narrator, the voices of the authors, and the sounds of Paris to give you a first-class experience.

These tapes transformed our last trip to Paris. This is the only way to see neighborhoods and sites you would never otherwise get to see. The pace is perfect, the commentary fascinating. Even our teenagers loved them! We can't wait to do all the other cities.

Would highly reccomend this to anyone wanting to walk around Paris - which RALLY is the BEST way to see it!!!
We used this book a couple of times while we were there and it was very helpful and informative.