Walking Paris : Thirty Original Walks In and Around Paris [Paperback]

Gilles Desmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 1999 | Series: Walking Paris

Join this magical tour of Paris, and discover the keys to unlock some its most fascinating secrets. The French capital grew outward over the ages in concentric circles from the Ile de la Cite. Follow the author along the boulevards and avenues as he points out famous sights as well as unusual corners and hidden delights en route. His tour is rich in historical background, intriguing anecdotes, and tips on cafes and places to rest weary feet.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gilles Desmons is a writer and lecturer who was born, raised, and educated in Paris. He works in a windmill near Lyons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2nd edition (February 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844201413
• ISBN-13: 978-0844201412
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Travel > Europe > France > Paris

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book made me homesick!!!!, January 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Walking Paris: Thirty Original Walks in and Around Paris (Paperback)

Having lived in Paris for quite some time myself, I know most of the areas that Gilles Desmons describes, and I can really highly recommend the book. His tours cover all the must-sees, but he also ventures off the beaten track and leads you to unexplored and pleasantly untouristy areas of the city, some of which even I haven't explored yet (but will unfailingly do so on my next trip home to France). His recommendations for restaurants/cafes/shops/museums are excellent, and I appreciate his pointing out certain days or times of the day when the tour is most rewarding (like with museum opening hours etc.). The only little "fly in the soup" (as we say) is that his writing is a bit professoral and stiff, but then again you learn a lot of little anecdotes that contribute to your understanding and enjoying your tour even more, and he points out a ton of small things that you normally would miss if not told of (like, an especially beautifully carved old door). Do yourself a favour and get the book for your (next) trip to the City of Lights, it's definitely worth it even if you have been there before.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous way to see Paris -- the real Paris, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Walking Paris : Thirty Original Walks In and Around Paris (Paperback)

This is by far the best guide book available for Paris. I lived there as a student, yet with this book I discovered new streets and sights on a daily basis. The historical references were excellent -- I took the walk through the area where I once lived and learned some fascinating stories about buildings I used to walk past every day. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beyond the Ordinary Walking Guide, March 29, 2002

By 

"farmgal699" (Foster City, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking Paris : Thirty Original Walks In and Around Paris (Paperback)

If you want to discover Paris beyond the traditional tour book, cliched image, then this is the book for you. With 30 original walks, the author, a native Parisian, leads you t hrough the well known (and some of the lesser known) districts of the City of Light. Unlike traditional walking tour guides, which only offer the route (and nothing else), this book details the route while pointing out buildings and areas of historical interest.
Every route is clearly marked with a starting point, ending point and distance. A good feature of this guide is that the author points out the changes in the street names--goodness knows how many a walker has gotten lost because the Rue du Temple suddenly became something else.
The only shortcoming of this book (or any walking guide, for that) is how the walker has to constantly carry the book with them. A good suggestion is to write out the itinerary on a separate piece of paper, then check all the references when you get back to the hotel.
If you love walking and exploring, than this is the book for you. Just be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes.