3/8/10

Planning for Paris my way: books and web sites


I'm beginning my Paris holiday planning by finding a list of resources that seem to be up my alley.  I don't want anything that's purely bargain focused or merely practical, and I don't want an experience that feels like I'm in a herd of cattle!

Here's what I've found so far that interests me the most.  I'll be spending time on these web sites and browsing in book stores and checking things out from the library to determine what my "must buy" books are.

Books:

Paris: Made by Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk 
This book looks too cute for words - now I want to find it in a bookstore!

Paris walks by Alison,Sonia and Rebecca Landes
I'd like to spend time walking around Paris, taking the neighborhoods in, versus traveling to destinations, rushing through tours and heading off to the next.

The Sweet life in Paris by David Lebovitz
Ooh, food, now that is a universal language...

Clotilde's edible adventures in Paris by Clotilde Dusoulier
More food!  From Clotilde Dusoulier of Chocolate and Zucchini.

Quiet corners of Paris
I've gotten a peek at this book, and I'm afraid it makes me sad that I can only go to Paris for a short period of time, and can't hang around enjoying all these quiet corners...

Markets of Paris
My poor husband has had to trot around antique shops with me all around the USA.  Will I make him endure it in Paris too?

The best vintage, antique and collectible shops in Paris by Edith Pauly
This could get very dangerous...

The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price
But surely I have to go to at least one!


Web sites:

Girls Guide to Paris
I love these little recommendations coming from a specific POV.  Now I just need to find a "Guys Guide" so my husband can have fun too.


Paris Perfect Travel Tips
I like how simple this is, hitting what are the high points for most people who've never been to Paris.

The Paris Apartment
I loved The Paris Apartment by Claudia Strasser and when I found out she had a blog, I was thrilled.  Even better, she shares some of her Paris travel experiences and tips on her blog.

Paris Travel Tips on WhyGo Paris
This seems like a very practical all around guide to many different practical aspects of a trip to Paris.  Maybe not glam or inspiring, but containing the kinds of details I'll need while planning my trip.


Paris Design Guide on Design*Sponge
This looks like a great overview of highlights and must sees.

The HIP Paris blog
Another Paris with a POV guide!

And thanks for all the comments and tips I've received as I'm planning - these are so helpful!

3 comments:

  1. I'm curious - Do you know any French? Are you seeking any resources to brush up on the language? I'm going to Peru this summer and trying to find a good resource for brushing up my Spanish skills.

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  2. Great list of resources! I'm going to check out some of these before our (potential) trip in April. I have The Flea Markets of France, and I should be receiving Paris: Made by Hand any day now, so let me know if you have any questions about those two!

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  3. You are going to have such a wonderful time!!! I love Paris and enjoyed every minute there! :)
    Those are a good list of resources, I will have to check them because someday I will go back to Paris! :)

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