Customer Reviews

The Riches of France

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
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I have used The Riches of France countless times on tours that I conduct through France and have found it to enhance my travels immensely! What I like is that from the beginning and throughout the whole book, it is clear that Maribeth's main objective is to report on the history and tradition behind France's most celebrated goods. It is not necessarily a book for die-hard shoppers in search of outstanding bargains at every destinations. ( Although I am certain many shopaholics have rejoiced in using it!!) The Riches of France is , however, a book for curious aspects of French culture, savoir faire, and craftsmanship.)

For me, many of the suggested visits in this book provided unique experiences that I would never have found on my own. Maribeth offers visitors a rare glimpse of fine French craftsmanship and tradition so different from anything here at home. Amd, unlike many other guidebooks, The Riches of France will never go out of date as most of the places featured here have been around for hundreds of years!!... Carol Bonow , Milford, N.H.

I recently traveled to the Normandy and Loire Valley regions in France. I am a passionate shopper and love to find unusual items, simple or extravagant. The book sounded perfect for my adventurous shopping stamina. I have to say that unusual is becoming more and more difficult to find. In the states we are saturated with foreign items that used to seem novel. I guess I have become jaded. I traveled to the suggested village where the basketry industry has thrived for 150 years. Although it was charming to drive through the country, the trip was not worth the while. Not that the baskets were not beautiful, they were very expensive and not worth spending 10 times more because it was made in this charming town. Baskets sold are the varieties available at Cost Plus or Pier One Imports. I must admit I did buy one. Again, I traveled to the town where copper is made. They have all the copper pots that we have in the US and really not that much cheaper if you shipped it overseas. I was disappointed with the suggestions offered in this book. It was not worth my vacation time to hunt these areas down and find what we have in the states. This experience makes me want to write my own book on the subject. It was a wild goose chase which I wouldn't have minded if we had found a golden egg.

This turned out to be the best guide I cold ever take with me to France. Comprehensive and easy to use. The author seems to know what is most relevant to visitors and shoppers of France. I wish she would write guides to all major shopping capitals of the world. Highly recommended!

A warm and wonderful book that quickly takes you to the very heart of France. Not just a shopping guide, but a beautifully written resource that provides genuine insight into the essence of the provinces. The book's format adds to the joy of reading with the author's noteworthy recommendations appearing throughout.