Friday, May 04, 2012

Markets of Paris

There are SOO many guide books to Paris.  We've seen 'em all.  N'est-ce pas?

So when I picked up Markets of Paris, in my jaded I-already-know-Paris frame of mind, I didn't have great expectations.

Boy, was I wrong!  Capital-W wrong.

This is a gem of a guide to Paris.

First of all, it is organized in the way that any guide to Paris should be, which is by arrondissement.  Second, it is more than just a guide to the open air food markets in Paris, but rather includes all shopping centers that you could want to visit, from la Grande Epicerie to the Marché aux Timbres and exquisite covered marketplaces such as Galerie Vivienne, and all my other favorite passages couverts.


Oh, did I mention that it is a gem?

It's a gem!

For example, rather than try to have the book serve as a map, the authors recommend the best map book, Paris Pratique, to use in conjunction with the book.  So true!  I never have been able to properly navigate  Paris without a couple of handy guides:  one is never enough.  And, at about 6 by 6 inches, Markets of Paris is petite enough to carry in your bag, but chock-full of information to keep you busy reading while you wait for the RATP bus to take you to your next destination.  It's a big book in a little book's hide.  This and Paris Pratique are all you need.

The book has so much practical information, including even a list of "Helpful Books, Blogs, and Websites" to visit to enrich your Paris market experience -- all of which I heartily endorse.


From small organic food markets to popular flea markets, bargains to luxe, the markets  and material covered in this book make it a definite keeper.

I can't wait to return to Paris this summer and use it as my guide.

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm always looking for a new market to explore when I'm in Paris.

Susan B said...

Thanks so much for this recommendation! We just returned from a too-short visit to Paris, but I'm going to pick this up for next time.

Michael Drips said...

I've pre-ordered the second edition here in the US (moving to Paris with my French wife in 2013 back to the house she owns there). As to Atlas routiers : Paris pratique par arrondissement, not only does Amazon not carry it, a used copy from Abebooks here in the US sells for $45!!

Polly-Vous Francais said...

Michael,
Wow, that IS an outrageous price for Paris Pratique. I would suggest waiting until you get to Paris, where you can get one almost anywhere. I have several - a regular, a larger-print (for my squinty eyes), and two for the bus. Now let's hope I can find them!

ParisRhapsody said...

Wonderful post. Can't wait to buy the book.

Polly, Paris is waiting for you with open arms. You've been missed!

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