During 2014's Paris in July, I did a post on some of my favorite guide books and maps to Paris. Those remain some of my favorites and you can find that post HERE. (Photos in this post are mine.)
 |
| The antique market at Vanves |
But what about a more recent option? I have found it in the very delightful and well organized and illustrated "Paris," a Curious Traveler Guide by Eleanor Aldridge. The back of the book blurb calls it "An Insider's Guide to Paris without Pretension." It lives up to that hype.
As with most guide books, she breaks the city down into sections -- for example, The Marais, The Seine, Montmartre, etc. Within each section she includes not only a well written introduction to the area's overall charms but a breakdown restaurants, bars, cocktails, coffee shops, patissieries/boulangeries, and things to see.
 |
| Artists in Montmartre |
She also goes into some of the areas most visitors to Paris don't always think of, offering interesting places to visit and eat throughout the city. I found this especially interesting and useful.
In addition to some of the main attractions she includes some of the lesser visited museums and attractions (which may be less crowded and in some cases, without admission charge. Also on the "free" list, visiting the Marche aux Fleurs, Seine walks, and cemeteries.
 |
| Marche aux Fleurs |
Among the items she lists that don't always show up in one's itinerary are the medieval museum of Cluny, home to Roman ruins and the Lady in the Unicorn tapestries.
 |
| The Roman ruins in Cluny |
And, Victor Hugo's home in Place des Vosges, which is less decorated as a home than as an homage to the writing and art, interests and passions, and significant relationships of the author of "Les Miserables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
 |
| A room at Maison Victor Hugo |
She also includes parks, hotels and day trips, making it a useful book for the traveler.
 |
| The Medici Fountain at Jardin du Luxembourg |
And, by keeping within areas, one can easily plan their Paris visit with the least amount of wear and tear to the feet (because as delightful as the buses are and as quick as the metro is, part of the beauty of Paris is seeing it on foot). She not only lists restaurants but advocates a picnic in one of the city's beautiful parks. Rick and I can recommend this!
 |
| Taking time for a lunch break at Place des Vosges |
The book was published in 2019 (after the burning of Notre Dame, to which she refers). She doesn't list prices overall, which is good, knowing how they fluctuate. But she gives you an idea in some cases (notably, dining) of what things cost, which is helpful.
I'd definitely refer to this one if Paris was in my schedule.
This post is part of "Paris In July," a month-long blog event hosted by Tamara at Thyme for Tea and Deb at Readerbuzz. Bloggers post about the books, films, sites, music, food and more related to Paris and to France. See this week's entries here.
.png)
Check it out!
Shared with: Paris In July / Share Your Style
41 comments:
Those places definitely are highlights of a trip to Paris and I love seeing them over and over. I have never skipped the Cluny museum on a single Paris visit, except once when it was under construction and therefore closed. In my mind's eye, though, the rearrangement isn't there -- the unicorn tapestries are still in the old building as they were for so long. Small and special boutiques, restaurants, and shops are risky in a guidebook though-- I wonder how the pandemic closures treated them.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I love Paris…I have been there four times….love your Paris post happy week love Ria and Leaf 🍀💗🐾🍀
I've visited France a few times but never stopped at Paris.
I do like the photograph of you and Rick.
All the best Jan
Loved Paris when I visited many years ago.
I don't pretend to understand you love of all things Paris but I love your enthusiasm for a city that obviously has a special place in your heart.
That's a treasure trove, thanks for sharing.
https://wordsandpeace.com/tag/paris-in-july/
This looks like a good recommendation for a Paris guide. Sometimes you wonder what a new guide has to write about since everything has been written about over and over again. But there are still gems to discover - especially when they include truly useful information.
Very informative and beautiful pictures on display. I love Paris and only been there for 3 occasions.
Love the vibe :)
Sounds like a good and helpful book to have.
I've never been to Europe.
Hello,
I enjoyed your photos of Paris, so many beautiful sights to see.
Nice shot of you and Rick. Have a great day and happy week ahead.
Next time you go to Paris, Jeanie, you will have to take me along as your interpreter! I would need a little time off, or course, to explore the natural areas, but other than that I will be at your service!
Thank you Jeanie, sounds like a perfekt book for me. Must try to find it. It is often nice to go off the beaten tracks sometimes.
It seems Hugo's house in Paris is as overly, and to me, rather depressingly, and over the top decorated, as his home on Guernsey. No wonder he wrote those depressing books (even if they are good) in such surroundings.
We had a wonderful time in Paris some years ago, and saw the amazing Notre Dame spire. So sad to see it burn and sad to lose such workmanship from history. They may rebuild it, but it won't be the same.
What a fun idea cheaper than the real travel.
Cathy
It's a great place to visit!
Sounds like this book would be very informative. Even some of the photos are not what one would imagine as being in Paris. Excellent! :)
If I ever get back to Paris, I will be looking for that book!
What lovely memories you have of Paris, Jeanie. The fountain area looks so peaceful; water is always calming. The Roman ruins are interesting to me. I've always wanted to travel to Rome. This travel guide to Paris is very nice. I love that last photo of the lamp post. And a cute photo of you and Rick.
~Sheri
Ahhh, Paris. I wonder when I will get back there! Probably not for many years. We saw friends on the 4th who are going to Paris in August with their son. One of the guys has an aunt who will be living in Paris for 3 years for her job so they will stay with her - I think in the 15th. I gushed about Paris and told them all the things they absolutely needed to do! I can't say I'm envious of doing Paris with a toddler, but I think one a grandma is coming along to help out and they will be there for 10 days so at least it will be a nice long trip!
This is an excellent choice for planning an itinerary or just enjoying dreaming of a trip to Paris. I'm sorry to say no travel plans here. One of my favorite museums is the Cluny. I think I would enjoy this travel book tremendously!
I wish I thought I'd need it ;) but I'll be sticking with vicarious travel... Thanks for the wonderful photos and descriptions!
Paris is not just a famous city with attractions; it's a concept, a way of life, a culture. No single guide can do enough justice to it.
Never been to France but it does sound interesting.
Jeanie, oh to go to Paris again and explore more sites and sounds and tastes that are uniquely Paris! Thank you for this information. I am saving it!
Paris is such a wonderful city. We explored it when we had a barge trip years ago. Thanks for the info. I would love to return and visit the open air markets.
Victor Hugo's house looks remarkable! We have a book about Paris's hidden museums which has great photos but unfortunately it is all in French. Still, next time it will be worth consulting with the aid of Google Translate. Looksl as if this book would also be a must-have.
If I go to Paris again I definitely would want this book.
I love the Cluny Museum and want to spend more time in Montmarte.
Love the picture of you and Rick. We have picnicked in the park in Paris, the best of things to do.
So many wonders. So little time.
That looks like a great travel guide. I always read a few before I travel someplace, just to be sure I don't miss anything I might want to check out. I like that Wandering Paris book you mentioned back in 2014. I've weeded out some travel guides I own, but that one I definitely kept. hugs-Erika
Thanks so much for sharing this book that is a must when I hopefully return to Paris. Paris is definitely better seen on foot. Wishing you a lovely week, Jeanie!
I can´t believe it´s already three years Notre Dame was on fire. Time so runs.
Hope you can visit Paris soon!
This looks like a really good guide!
sounds like I need to add Cluny museum to my list of things to do when we are in Paris!
Sounds like a great guide book. I hope I am able to travel to Paris again.
What an informative guidebook.
When travelling, it's always fun to walk about off the beaten track.
Victor Hugo's house looks amazing.
Lovely picture of you and your husband, Jeannie.
Enjoy the week...
I love your photos. That book is a gem, something to take with you, for sure.
This guidebook would be for me. I love seeking out the less touristy things to do. The idea of picnicking in parks is perfect. So much cheaper to order a go to sandwich and relax outside while people watching. I would love to see Hugo's house too after recently reading the Hunchback which was much darker than the interpretations in the movies!
Great post Jeanie, loved it and your photos.
I would like to see Paris.
Looks like a helpful book. I like to read travel books just for fun. Of course, I much prefer to actually travel, lol, but I'm still waiting for my comfort level to set in. Maybe fall?
My sister's birthday is next week, and this book looks like the perfect gift for her. She has been to Paris many, many times...she will love to see some sites to visit she may have missed.
Thanks for this very interesting post. I was once a big fan of guide books.
Post a Comment