Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosewhateverinterestsyou,anddownloaditforfreeviatheRickStevesAudioEurope
smartphone app,
www.ricksteves.com/audioeurope
,
iTunes, or Google Play.
Theblack-and-whitemapsinthisbookareconciseandsimple,designedtohelpyoulocate
recommended places and get to local TIs, where you can pick up more in-depth maps of
cities and regions (usually free). Better maps are sold at newsstands and bookstores. Be-
fore you buy a map, look at it to be sure it has the level of detail you want.
Michelin maps are available throughout France at bookstores, newsstands, and gas
stations (about €5 each, cheaper than in the US). The Michelin #721 France map
(1:1,000,000 scale) covers this topic's destinations with reasonable detail. Drivers should
consider the soft-cover Michelin France atlas (the entire country at 1:200,000, well-organ-
ized in a €16 book with an index and maps of major cities). Spend a few minutes learning
the Michelin key to get the most sightseeing value out of these maps.
Train travelers do fine with a simple rail map (such as the one that comes with a rail-
pass) and city maps from the TI offices.
If you're like most travelers, this topic is all you need. But if you're heading beyond my
recommended destinations, $40 for extra maps and books can be money well spent. If
you'll be concentrating on specific regions in France, consider
Rick Steves' Provence &
the French Riviera
or
Rick Steves' Paris.
The following books are worthwhile, though most are not updated annually; check
the publication date before you buy.
I like Cadogan guides for their well-presented background information and coverage
of cultural issues. Their recommendations suit upscale travelers, though updates are infre-
quent, so hotel and restaurant information is often dated. Lonely Planet's
France
is well-
researched, withgoodmapsandhotel recommendations forlow-tomoderate-budget trav-
elers.ButbecauseittriestocovereverycityinFrance,you'lllikelyfindtoolittleinforma-
tiononthemostimportant placesandtoomuchinformation ontheminorplacesyoudon't
care about. The highly opinionated
Let's Go: France
is ideal for students and vagabonds
traveling by train and staying in hostels. The popular, skinny, green Michelin guides are
dry but informative, especially for drivers. They're known for their city and sightseeing
maps,andfortheirsuccinct,helpfulinformationonallmajorsights.Englisheditions,cov-
ering most of the regions you'll want to visit, are sold in France for about €14 (or $20 in
the US).
