Beware. Rick has a cult following. If you stay at the Leveque or eat at one of his restaurant recommendations, prepare to be surrounded by Rick Steves groupies. But, buy this book and save yourself time, money and effort around Paris.


Extremely helpful, fun guide to Paris!   April 30, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

We just visited Paris for the first time and this book was an invaluable guide! It has wonderful general information along with step-by-step guides for tours and walks through Paris. Of all the information I read for our trip, this was by far the best help. Our copy is dog-eared from continual use throughout our stay. Without doubt this guide helped us maximize our time and see the best of Paris!


A Must Read for Paris Newbies   April 19, 1999
I found this book to be invaluable for travelling in Paris for the first time. My travel companion and I used it constantly for everything from finding a good hotel to locating art treasures in the Louvre. I didn't agree with everything Rick says (I thought it was worth it to go all the way to the top of the Eiffel tower, for example) but I think this book was well worth what I paid for it. His guides are the best.


The best Paris guide yet....   February 22, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

...and I've read quite a few of them. This seems to be the best for the "common-man" trip to Paris. The information is very practical, honest and concise. Rick knows what is possible and worthwhile in Paris, and clearly sets it forth here. Rick is not trying to cram every last detail into a guide, but rather includes the more significant sites as well as the "back doors" he's well-known for finding. In addition, this guide is so readable, it reads more like a (sometimes tongue-in-cheek) travel narrative than ordinary travel guides (that often read like history texts!)

Included are some great tips on how to avoid lines and crowds as best you can, great opening times and days of all sites; logical, detailed walking tours; and hints on where clean and convenient restrooms are! What more do you need? While the others (Fodors, Frommers) focus on what is the best regardless of cost, Rick uncovers some gems that others may never find on their own, and lets us know that they are good and less expensive while helping us logically "attack" Paris as a tourist! This book is WELL worth the money!