Paris for Dummies

My wife and I (very unitiated to Paris) returned from a beautiful trip there last November -- a large part of that due to this book. Ms. Pientka really tries hard to let you get the well known and not so well known of the city and explains the pros/cons to areas so incredibly well. Other books might have more specifics about attractions, but they won't be as comrpehensive as this one. We loved her restaurant choices (even as Vegeterians she had some places for us!). The book was the basis for our trip and we felt we hit everything we wanted (included an out of the way flea market -- my wife loves going to them here and was excited to learn that one happens on the weekends in Paris). The only cons were that it would have been nice to have metro stops (and lines) listed next to each entry and her hotel list could have been more comprehensive. We booked a hotel on our own (not in her book) and loved it. Whether you are going to be in the City of Lights for a 2-3 days or a month, you will love this book.

A great all round guide, took the guesswork out of most aspects of the trip. If you take time to read and digest this book, this may be the only reference guide you will ever need (plus a decent map like the Streetwise) -- especially if you are going for the first time. We went to two of the restaurants mentioned in this book and they were both top notch, with excellent food and service (in English) and low prices -- a definite rarity in Paris. That alone paid for the book twice over. Also, the walking guides and tips were very useful in planning our days. In fact, the only advice in this book that I'd disagree with would be "Tips for dressing" -- I wore ratty jeans with black sneakers all through, even to the decent restaurants, and found to my surprise that so did everyone else. In fact it makes you fit in better with local young and the hip :-)

I looked at several travel guides of Paris and found that this one had the most practical advice and suggestions. The metro stop information on each point-of-interest and accomodation suggestions by neighborhood was invaluable. It made our travels around Paris much easier. I also highly recommend taking the bike tour of Paris, which is listed in this book. It was a lot of fun! Ignore the clothing advice though, people in Paris do where blue jeans!

Of course, I'm going to give it five stars, I'm the author! But seriously, while I wouldn't usually respond to a negative review, there are some misunderstandings in Mr. Parton's review that must be addressed and corrected. First, this guide is targeted to those unfamiliar with Paris, though listings were chosen to include things of interest to the seasoned Paris visitor, too. It was written and designed for people to look at on the go, a book that won't have you wading through information to get to the news you can use (page 3), which accounts for its basic coverage. Secondly, Mr. Parton's comment that I'm prejudiced against hotels outside the first eight arrondissements concerns me. I've stayed all over Paris, particularly the 13th, and have had no problems. However, in the introduction to the hotels on page 65, I explained why I only mention the hotels in the first 8 arrondissements: "My first step was to consider the average traveler's wish list. And for most of you, that's location. Thus, the first criterion was simple: If the hotel isn't located in the first eight arrondissements, I don't recommend it in this book."Third, Mr. Parton was concerned that the Carte Musee et Monuments isn't mentioned in the book. It's on page 31, listed as a bargain alert and a great deal.Finally, the subway system is described in very good detail (from how to enter the system to a sidebar about where you can get a taxi after the Metro closes (pages 111-113).I'm sorry Mr. Parton was disappointed. However, I believe this book fulfills its promise to present the reader with to-the-point information on Paris that's fun and easy to access (p.3).

I'd have to respectfully disagree with the other review. I also love Paris... I've lived there on and off over the past few years. And I'm also a big fan of both the "Dummies" books and the "Complete Idiot's Guides"...I found this author's take on the City of Lights to be thorough and insightful as well as downright pleasing to read. I've talked to a lot of people who are heading to Paris. My sense is that they're almost all going there with things in mind that they want to see and do... but also with an (irrational) fear of not being able to do it because of the "language barrier" (which is pretty much non-existent these days).This book is a perfect, gentle guide for those who are about to hit Paris as "Innocents Abroad."I definitely got the feeling that the author who put this book together was as excited and passionate about Paris as I was the first time and as I am every time I get to go back.Great book!