The Road from the Past: Traveling through History in France [Paperback]

Ina Caro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 1996 | Series: Harvest Book

Caro takes us on an unforgettable driving tour of France, from Provence to the Loire Valley to Paris. With Caro as an epicurean, knowledgeable, and delightfully opinionated guide, we can always be sure to find the most breathtaking vistas, the most extraordinary châteaux, the most inspiring cathedrals, and the very best meals.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Caro mixes history with first-hand travel writing in her jounary from the Roman ruins of Provence to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Using this guide correctly, one can methodically visit numerous facets of French civilization and not miss a popular site. The formula is simple. Divide the country into regions-Provence, Langueduc, Dordogne, Loire Valley, Ile de France. Select the best relic examples from each period, add some royal history, and move chronologically. All periods are easily visible-Roman ruins, early Christian sculpture, active medieval cliffside monasteries and walled cities, English and French chateaus from the Hundred Years' War, baronial manors, Renaissance art, gardens, palaces, and the grandeur of Louis XIV. The tour stops just short of the 19th century. Unlike most guidebooks, this book makes no formal recommendations on accommodations and restaurants, and no hours of attractions are stated. Describing the evolution of France through the eyes of a foreign tourist makes this guidebook equally attractive to history buffs, tourists, and armchair travelers. An interesting perspective on traveling.
Ann E. Cohen, Rochester P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (April 25, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156003635
• ISBN-13: 978-0156003636
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Guidebooks
  • #76 in Books > Travel > Europe > France

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely the BEST book on historical travel in France, February 27, 2000

By 

Bookluster (Georgia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Road from the Past: Traveling through History in France (Paperback)

Whether you've visited France, dream of visiting France, or simply feel like indulging in a little armchair travel, this book will delight you. Ms. Caro travels through history and takes her reader along with her. Her love for her subject is evident, and her wonderful writing style and talent for bringing history alive make this book a joy to read. Over the past decade I've read many travel books, but I can say without hesitation this is my favorite.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone interested in intelligent travel, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Road from the Past: Traveling through History in France (Paperback)

Mrs. Caro has managed to deliver a plan for a trip to discover the best places in France and yet provides the reader with interesting , formative and delightful insight into French history. The human element is always present , and her trip could be anyone's trip,the author's obvious knowledge of history gives a real feeling for the stones she describes,and yet take on a life to themselves through her decriptions and explanations. Mrs Caro has managed to make the trip interesting, informative and above all respectful of events and the time line is simply fantastic. This book is worth the investment not only for the historical part which is a gem, but as a planning tool for a discovery trip. I speak from experience for I used her book to plan my 7 weeks trip in France last fall.It was a success , and in many ways thanks to the suggestions found in this lovely book.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Travellers Who Love History, July 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Road from the Past: Traveling through History in France (Paperback)

If you plan any kind of extensive visit of France to see its many historical treasures, you must read this book before setting off. Caro recommends a tour that is chronological, thus allowing you to appreciate how this marvellous country really developed. From the Roman ruins through the Medieval period to the chateaux of the Loire, Versailles and finally into Paris, this will give you spectacular, thoughtful background to help you organize a truly meaningful tour. Unfortunately Caro does not cover the country's pre-historic sites of interest, such as the alignments of Carnac in Brittany (which predate Stonehenge), so you'll have to content yourself with just the 2000 years she does discuss. Simply put: An outstanding contribution to travel literature, one that I wish I could find for other destinations!