Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14758 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 732 pages

Customer Reviews

Great tool for Planning
We just got back from France a couple of months ago. I have to say, this book gave us the best 4 days outside of Paris during our entire trip.

Although I went in reverse order, I took his advice and went to the Loire Valley, then to Mont St. Michel, and then to Normandy. Rick Steve's map for the driving distance was right on target, so that helped us budget our driving time properly.

Another great investment if you plan on going overseas. Our collection of Rick Steve's is getting pretty big. We also bought his book on Paris, which we used enough that i felt it was worth it, but there is certainly a lot of overlap.

Thanks Steve. We had a blast.
Having used many guidebooks, I think these are the best. Granted, the Rick Steves books are unique in that they are selective in the areas that they describe, but these areas are described well. With his guides, you feel like Rick is on the trip as your personal tour guide. Most guides (Frommers, Foders, etc.) give you a superficial overview of the whole country. Rick lets it all hang out. He tells what he thinks is a worthwhile stop and what isn't. Most of what "isn't" doesn't make it into the guidebook at all. Thus, I suggest taking another more comprehensive book (Lonely Plantet, Rough Guide, etc.) to fill in any gaps should you find yourself in a location Rick doesn't describe. On the whole though, I love his itineraries. Most people traveling to Europe have limited time (1 month or less). There's only so much you can see; why not have someone boil it down and provide a straight forward opinion as to what to see and do? In his books there is easily enough to keep you busy for two months. The real question is whether you are the type of traveler that would like Rick's suggestions. Here is a test. If you can answer "yes" to most of these questions, buy the book, you'll love it. 1)Are you a value seeker? 2)Do you want to venture off the tourist trail? 3)Are you an adventurer? 4)Do you appreciate tidbits on history and art 5)Do you have the stamina to tour a new town/city every 1-3 days? 6)Do you try to avoid tourist traps like the plague? 7)Is your idea of fine lodging simple, homey places in good locations, with moderate prices? I would not suggest this book for people who want to spend their vacation walled up in a luxury hotel, venturing out only to shop and tour the biggest of sights.

Travel guide review
Pretty comprehensive. But the prices listed are not quite accurate, however it is a good starting point for bargaining. This a good guide to start with at home, combined with a couple of others one can really safely plan a trip to through France.