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Blue Guide to The Loire --This beautiful guide by John McNeill provides comprehensive coverage of the history, architecture, and art history of this celebrated region. He includes mapped itineraries and a calendar of events, so whether you are exploring the major cities or touring chateaux, you'll have all the facts at your fingertips. $15.95
also:
Blue Guide to Midi-Pyrenees $15.95
Cadogan Loire --Phillipe Barbour guides you in fine Cadogan tradition to the chateaux, vineyards, towns and rural countryside of this rich region. He recommends accommodations ranging from elegant chateaux to modest b&b's, restaurants, shops, local festivals and driving routes, and provides wonderful cultural commentary along the way. $19.95
Cadogan Provence --Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls take you beyond the tourist spots to small villages, vineyards, chateaux, canals and cathedrals in their brand new guide which, unlike previous editions, does not include the Riviera (see the separate guide listed below) or Languedoc and Roussillon. As always, their hotel, inn and restaurant recommendations and inside tips on food and wine will ensure you have the time of your life. $19.95
See the Table of Contents and Introduction
Also:
Cadogan Cote D'Azur $14.95
Cadogan Southwest France: Dordogne, Lot & Bordeaux --Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls turn their attention to another popular region of France in this comprehensive guide. Let these two experts lead you to the villages, beaches and mountains, the markets, wines and architecture of the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux, the Dordogne and the Basque country. Walking tours, hotel and restaurant recommendations and detailed historical background make this guide indispensable. $17.95
Also:
Cadogan Southwest France: Gascony & the Pyrenees $17.95
The Companion Guide Series-This series is known for its detailed historical, literary, art and architectural background, and unusually informative sightseeing information written by experts (often residents of the place they are writing about). It is now available once again, after being out of print for a number of years. Titles on France:
| Country Round Paris $24.95 | Paris $24.95 |
| Gascony & the Dordogne $24.95 | South of France $24.95 |
| Normandy $24.95 |
Culture Shock! France --This book offers an in-depth look into French culture, ideal for someone planning a trip to France. Sally Adamson Taylor covers everything from hand gestures and language to fashion and etiquette. She also includes practical information such as clothing size conversion charts, lists of French holidays and resources for foreigners. Some sections such as the art of French business and living with a French family may not apply to everyone, however the realistic introduction to the culture and people is enjoyable and useful for all readers. $12.95
Fodor's Provence and the Riviera --Hannah Borgeson offer expert advice on travel throughout the region, from hotels and restaurants to driving and walking itineraries and all the top sights. Geared toward the upscale traveller, this guide is perfect for a short stay or an introduction to all the highlights. $9.50
France on Backroads --50 driving tours, covering nearly every region of France, allow travellers to explore the backroads and less well-known areas of the country. Maps, specific driving instructions, distances and local sights are all provided by the authors, who have tested each tour personally. Tips on places to stay and eat along the way are included in this handy compact guide. $14.95
France on the TGV --Mark Beffert makes using France's high speed train network easy with sample itineraries, explanation of the rail pass system and tips on everything from budget to train schedules. He even includes walking tours and sightseeing information for each of the more than 50 towns the TGV serves. This well-researched guide is a must for anyone contemplating travelling by train in France. $12.95
France Without Reservations --Longtime Francophile Maurice Thompson has written a delightful, personal guide to his favorite places in France. Filled with travel anecdotes and details on his most-beloved lodgings, eateries and nightspots, this new guide takes you to 26 cities and villages throughout France, including Avignon, Montpelier, Chartres, Bourges and, of course, Paris. A pleasure for both armchair and active travellers alike. $12.95
French Leave Finesse --For years people have been asking us about a revised edition of Richard Binn's celebrated French Leave Encore. Well, good news: Binns has finally come out with a new edition and we have it! This expanded version has 1065 hotel and restaurant recommendations, including 750 "franc-wise" listings that offer great food at particularly reasonable prices. The reviews cover small towns and rural areas only--Paris and the larger French cities are not included here. Binn's delightfully idiosyncratic descriptions are as fun to read as ever. $16.95
The Garden Lover's Guides: France --Written by garden expert Patrick Taylor, this guide leads you to over one hundred public and private gardens, with detailed descriptions, directions and maps that make it easy to plan a tour. Hundreds of color photographs, illustrations and garden plans, as well as tips on nearby sights, make this guide indispensable for the garden enthusiast. The only book available on gardens in France. $19.95
Gault Millau Best of France --The most extensive and fearlessly discriminating restaurant and hotel reviews. Detailed maps and indexes pinpoint the locations of all the entries in cities, small towns and countryside throughout France. Gault Millau is both trustworthy and awfully fun to read! $20.00
Gault Millau Best of Paris, Ile de France & the Loire Valley --This new addition to the series makes it easy to explore these regions in depth or as excursions from a base in Paris. Candid reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife, as well as extensive sightseeing information and good maps, give you all you need in one enjoyable guide. $15.00
Gites Guide: French Farm and Village Holidays --A comprehensive guide to over 1,220 rental cottages and small guesthouses throughout the French countryside. It includes black and white photographs of each property, along with addresses, phone and fax numbers, prices and leasing information so that you can book directly. Arranged by town and rural region, the Gites Guide allows you to stay in remote villages and beautiful countryside without spending a fortune. $17.95
Hello France! The Insider's Guide to French Hotels for $50-$90 a Night for Two --Margo Classe has done all the legwork for you, visiting hundreds of hotels and choosing only the best ones within her criteria: the hotel must be inexpensive, clean, safe, centrally located, and have a private bath. Each listing is fully described and contains contact information, rates and directions. An extensive Paris section is included. $18.95
The Hungry Traveler France --To call this pocket-sized book a menu translator does it an injustice. Yes, it translates and describes menu items, but it also discusses the local culinary specialties of every region and province, include tips on wine and shopping at food markets, and describe dishes with such detail and gusto that you will be salivating before you ever get the waiter's attention. $8.95
Independent Walker's Guide to France --Frank Booth shows you how to get away from tourist crowds and explore France from a more intimate perspective with 35 short walks (between 2 and 9 miles each) throughout the most popular regions of France. Each walk is clearly mapped and accompanied by discussions of the sights and practical matters such as walking time, difficulty rating, trail conditions, directions and where to stay nearby. A helpful note: all the walks are planned as day hikes and can be completed by car or public transportation, if needed. $14.95
Karen Brown's France: Charming Country Inns and Itineraries --Honest appraisals, charming drawings, and inspiring itineraries are the ingredients of Karen Brown's well-seasoned, very personal guide to over 175 of the most romantic hotels, inns and chateaux of France. Now updated annually! $17.95
Also:
Karen Brown's France: Charming Country Bed & Breakfasts $16.95
Knopf Guide to Provence --This extraordinary volume contains more than 1,000 color illustrations that bring the rural villages, Mediterranean towns, churches, chateaux and vineyards to life. Walking tours, chapters on food and wine, detailed historical and cultural background make this guide a must for those who want to immerse their senses in everything Provencial. $25.00
Logis de France 1998 --This is the official guide to the logis accommodations throughout France; the system of lodgings and guesthouses in mostly rural areas that offer country-style hospitality, local cuisine and a chance to immerse yourself in authentic, regional France. Color photographs, detailed descriptions, price information and good local maps round out the 800 listings. $18.95
Michelin Green Guides --These guides provide succinct sightseeing information covering every important detail of history, art, architecture and geography, with excellent maps and floor plans. Arranged alphabetically by town or city, each guide contains photographs, floorplans of major sights and excellent maps. In English:
| France $20.00 | Northern France (Flanders & Picardy Region) $20.00 |
| Atlantic Coast $20.00 | French Riviera $20.00 |
| Auvergne & the Rhone Valley $20.00 | Ile de France $20.00 |
| Brittany $20.00 | Normandy $20.00 |
| Burgundy & the Jura $20.00 | Paris $18.00 |
| Chateaux of the Loire $20.00 | Provence $20.00 |
| Dordogne & Perigord Quercy $20.00 | Pyrenees, Languedoc & Tarn Gorges $20.00 |
NEW Michelin Green Guide to the French Alps--A new addition to Michelin’s English-language guides to the regions of France, this volume offers detailed historical and cultural background and an A to Z discussion of towns and sights throughout the area. Covering the Alps from Evian-les-Bains in the North to Chamonix, Grenoble and Digne-les-Bains in the South, chapters include outdoor activities from hiking to skiing, and tips on transportation, driving and accommodations. Michelin’s trademark excellent maps throughout. $20.00
Also new (and in English) from Michelin:
NEW Michelin Green Guide to Alsace, Vosges and Champagne (due 12/98) Each $20.00
Michelin Red France 1998 --The venerable bible of all francophiles is available only in French with translations of all of the symbols into English (as well as Spanish, Italian and German). It contains Michelin's famous ratings of an unequaled number of hotels and restaurants, and local town plans. $26.00
The Nature Parks of France --Located in areas as diverse as the Cevennes, the Pyrenees, the wetlands along the Atlantic Coast and off-shore islands, the 6 national parks and 26 regional parks included here offer unspoiled wilderness, excellent wildlife and bird-watching, and a wide array of recreational opportunities. In addition to detailed descriptions of all the above, Patrick Delaforce provides lodging recommendations and all the necessary tourist information. Maps and color photographs throughout. $16.95
Next Time Round in Provence --Geared toward people that have been to Provence before or who are planning an in-depth visit, this is Ian Norrie's personal tour of all his favorite areas. Though he covers the major sights, the concentration here is on the smaller, less-well-known villages, foothills and hidden spots that only a longtime resident would know. $14.95
Passport Guides --If you don't want to try one of the regional Michelin Green Guides available only en fran_ais, you will be particularly pleased with these books. The combination of glorious color photographs, detailed and unusual sightseeing and driving information, plus little-known but sophisticated hotels and restaurants makes you feel instantly at home.
| Auvergne $16.95 | Loire Valley $16.95 |
| Brittany $17.95 | Normandy, Picardy, & Pas de Calais $17.95 |
| Champagne-Ardennes & Burgundy $17.95 | Provence $16.95 |
| Dordogne & Lot $16.95 | Rhone Valley & Savoy $16.95 |
| Languedoc & Roussillon $17.95 | Southwest France $16.95 |
The Riches of France --Maribeth Clemente has written a stupendous guide for serious shoppers in France. She introduces you to French products of all kinds and leads you to artisan outlets, small local factories, boutiques, and galleries throughout the provinces. Information on French customs, VAT regulations and nearby cultural attractions are included. $19.95
Rivages Guide to the Hotels and Country Inns of France --Fodor's distributes these famous French guides in English, and we are pleased to be able to offer them to you at last. This guide contains detailed descriptions and color photographs of over 400 accommodations of "character and charm", from small hotels to inns, simple farmhouses to luxurious chateaux, located in the cities, towns and rural countryside throughout France. Full-color maps show the way to each accommodation, and brief reviews of nearby restaurants provide an added bonus. $20.00
NEW Rivages Guide to the Wines and Vineyards of Character and Charm in France--A new venture for the Rivages Guides, which usually cover accommodations, this paperback volume introduces each region of France with notes on its history, major sights, local specialties, and hotel and restaurant recommendations. It offers detailed information on each vineyard and the wines grown there, along with photographs, contact information, and directions. Excellent maps, with the vineyards pinpointed on them for easy reference, are also included. $27.50
Also:
Rivages Guide to Bed and Breakfasts in France $17.00
The Riviera: Off-Season and On --Doris Lehman guides you to the best of more than 50 towns along the French Riviera, from Monte Carlo and Nice to the small hidden gems most tourists miss. She also emphasizes the benefits of travelling off-season, such as fewer crowds, substantially lower prices and a wide array of cultural events and festivals. But no matter what time of year you visit, this book will help you choose the best hotels, restaurants, and activities for your budget and taste. $14.95
NEW Rough Guide Hotels and Restos of France 1998-99--The famous French Guide du Routard is finally available in English, thanks to the Rough Guides. Arranged alphabetically by region, with clear maps of the regions and the major cities, this guide offers a broad array of hotels and restaurants selected for their personality, high quality and budget prices. From country inns and rural stops to city-center hotels and youth hostels, the accommodations are perfect for someone touring France by car, train or even bike. The restaurants recommended here emphasize cooking quality, value and local food and wine specialties. A terrific resource with inside information long relied upon by the French, now available to American travellers at last. $19.95
Rough Guide to Provence and the Cote D'Azur -- Kate Baille provides excellent, detailed advice for the independent and adventurous traveller. Though aimed at people on a low to moderate budget, the solid practical tips and comprehensive sightseeing itineraries (all accessible by train, bus and boat, as well as car) are helpful for all visitors to this popular region. $16.95
Touring in Wine Country: Burgundy --Maureen Ashley first provides you with a crash course in French wine-making, then guides you to the wine producers, vineyards and great wine cellars of this famous region. Detailed wine routes (with good maps), insights into local history, and recommendations of nearby hotels, restaurants and sights make this guide indispensable. This new series is edited by wine expert Hugh Johnson. $21.95
Also:
Touring in Wine Country: Alsace
Touring in Wine Country: Bordeaux
Touring in Wine Country: The Loire
Touring in Wine Country: Provence Each $21.95
The Treasures and Pleasures of Paris and the French Riviera --Primarily a shopping guide with an emphasis on crafts, hand-made goods, art and antiques, this book by Ron and Caryl Krannich concentrates on the two top tourist areas in France. In addition to information on shops, galleries and other outlets, the authors provide tips on cultural attractions, hotels and restaurants. $14.95
Ulysses Guide to Cycling in France --From the Loire to the Vaucluse, France is a magnet for cyclists. Carole Saint-Laurent tells you everything you need to know to plan a bike trip, describes itineraries past chateaux and vineyards, and details the services and amenities available along the way. IGN maps and clear directions make it easy to follow in her path. The convenient size and spiral binding make it easy to use on the road. $16.95
Walking Easy in the French Alps --Chet and Carolee Lipton have aimed their book at active adults and families who want to explore the outdoors, but aren't mountain climbers or serious hikers. The guide offers dozens of day hikes and walks from village bases in the French Alps, including Chamonix, Megeve and Meribel, and provides detailed information on routes, sights, and where to stay and eat. 30 maps lead the way. $11.95
Walks and Tours in France --Produced by the Automobile Association (AA) of Britain, this book features 60 driving tours and 120 walks throughout 16 different regions of France. Each tour includes a detailed route map, as well as descriptions of sights along the way and hundreds of color photographs. $45.00
A Wine and Food Guide to the Loire --Jacqueline Friedrich has given us a gift with her encyclopedic new book. She explores all of the Loire's 60 appellations, providing historical background and personal tasting notes, and rates over 600 wineries. She leads the reader to favorite restaurants, caf_s and food shops and gives detailed itinerary suggestions and route-planning tips. Good maps throughout. Now in paper. $16.95
Berlitz French Phrasebook $7.95
Berlitz French Cassette Pack (one 90-minute tape and the above phrasebook) $17.95
Collins Gem French Dictionary --Whether you want to buy une robe or find la musee, this dictionary will help. It fits in your pocket or purse, but the print is clearly legible. Its bright, waterproof cover will protect it from spilled cafe au lait or inclement weather. Don't leave home without it. $6.50
Living French --The best way to enhance your trip to France is to learn the language and this is a great way to refresh your memory. Listen to these two cassettes at home or in the car, and take the included dictionary with you when you go. Parlez with confidence in just six weeks! $20.00
Marling Menu-Master: France --Know what you're eating, from artichauts to tarte tatin. $7.95
Celestine: Voices From a French Village --Gillian Tindale uncovers the true character of a small, untouched village in rural France through her discovery of a box of nearly century-old letters addressed to a young woman named Celestine, daughter of the local inn-keeper. With years of research she recreates Celestine's colorful past and a nearly vanished way of life. Both intimate and broad in approach, this lovely book provides a view of rural France no guidebook will give you. $12.95
Chasing Cezanne --Peter Mayle's latest is a light, quick read: absorbing, amusing and fun. The novel follows Andre, a photographer, from New York to the South of France to Paris and back to the South of France again as he and his array of intriguing friends try to unravel the mystery of a stolen painting. Mayle's descriptions of the French countryside and the bustle of Paris are vivid, providing a great backdrop for this French adventure and making it the perfect summer read. Cloth. $23.00
The Cote D'Azur: Inventing the French Riviera --Mary Blume has written an original, witty account of this coast's history and development as the ultimate chic resort spot. In doing so she explores both the region's appeal and all the eccentric personalities involved. $14.95
A Culinary Journey Through Gascony --Kate Ratliffe leads us on a delightful exploration by barge through the canals and waterways of southwest France. Her book combines local culinary tradition and nearly 100 recipes with travel notes about the region and its sights. Full-color photographs of the people, food and landscape make it a lovely introduction to this increasingly popular part of France. $16.95
French or Foe? --Polly Platt draws upon her long experience as a lecturer to American diplomats and business people living in France in this insightful and often hilarious book about the American-French culture gap. She identifies and explains common misconceptions about the French (and by the French about Americans) by exploring the many differences in historical context and roles, cultural backgrounds, customs, manners and style. Platt uses numerous examples from real life, personal anecdotes and history to illustrate her point that an understanding of French culture will lead to fewer conflicts with rude Parisians, French bureaucrats and French concepts of time... Delightful drawings, cartoons and photographs speak volumes throughout this wonderful book. $14.95
Markets of Provence --Ruthanne and Dixon Long take you on a culinary tour of Provence in this book that celebrates the glorious open-air markets and fresh produce of the region. Inside tips on finding the best markets and food shops, preparing local specialties and a calendar of market days for towns throughout Provence are coupled with recipes and glorious color photographs. Truly a treat for all the senses. $19.95
A Place in Normandy --When Nicholas Kilmer's grandmother dies and her body is carried back to the small town of Mesnil in Normandy to be buried next to her husband, Kilmer's family discovers that they have inherited an old, dilapidated farmhouse surrounded by acres of orchards. This book lovingly details the restoration of the house and Kilmer's exploration of his new hometown (and culture). A charming look at the ex-patriot life. $12.95
Provence: A Book of Travel --Originally published in 1935, this classic travel memoir by Ford Maddox Ford has been reissued. Explore the backroads and rural villages of Provence through Ford's eyes, as he vividly describes the people, landscape and history of this beautiful region, and brings his renowned wit to bear on the local culture. $14.00
Richard Olney's French Wine and Food --Richard Olney, the award-winning author of Lulu's Provencial Kitchen, takes us on a tour of Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Cotes du Rhone and other favorite regions of France in search of their traditional cuisines. The result is a personal collection of provincial recipes, accompanied by anecdotes and local wine recommendations, that will enchant any food lover. $17.95
Three Rivers of France --Part armchair travel and part guide, Freda White's classic look at the Dordogne, Lot and Tarn regions of southwest France is back in print after a long absence. This lovely paper edition is illustrated with 100 color photographs by photographer Michael Buselle, who has also added up-to-date tips on places to eat and stay. Explore chateaux, rural villages and medieval ruins and follow in the footsteps of a classic francophile. $22.95
Two Towns in Provence --MFK Fisher's reminiscences of Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Provence in general, long before it became the hot spot it is now. She easily makes you understand the fascination with the region (and its food!). $16.00
A Walk Across France --If you loved A Year in Provence and O Come Ye Back to Ireland, you will love this tale of giving up the rat race and going back to a simpler, more traditional way of life. At age 45, Miles Morland and his wife Guislaine embark upon a walk across France, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, and to their astonishment and delight discover that the farmlands, villages and vineyards they pass through offer a refreshing alternative to the high-powered life they left behind in London. $10.00
A Year in Provence --Peter Mayle's delightful account of his first year in his newly acquired French farmhouse, and his efforts to remodel the house and settle into his new surroundings with his wife. Mayle's descriptions of the inevitable (and very French) delays in the work on his house and of his encounters with his neighbors are wonderfully written and make for enjoyable (and sometimes hilarious) reading. $10.00
Also: The sequel:
Toujours Provence $10.00