Rick Steves' Paris 2014

by Rick Steves, Steve Smith, Gene Openshaw

Steves, Rick, Smith, Steve, Openshaw, Gene

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference, France, Adult, Art

764 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Terri Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the new version of this each year and always enjoy it. I love Paris (how could you not?) and love reading about the city, its people, its food, its places and of course, its museums. It is just a pleasure to read about them even if you know them well.

Rick always takes readers by hand and makes sure they know everything they need to know to visit the city (except French which I advise people to learn for the most enjoyment) with the lone exception of his places to stay recommendations. Unless you want to stay in seedy neighborhood (the exception is Rue Cler) in places with no air conditioning, no elevators, teeny tiny rooms, bathrooms the size of a small closet, and often sharing rooms and bathrooms with smelly, noisy travelers, skip most of his suggested places. The only exception is the first hotel mentioned in his Rue Cler section which is an agreeable option.

Love these books. He covers it all and clearly is knowledgeable and in love with Paris. It is also clear that he is a borderline wino and will eat crap if it is served with a fancy name but otherwise, the guide is great.

[The Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey Rick! I found the Dali museum on my own, thank you very much! Also, as I was determined NOT to be the stereotypical American tourist, I traveled on my EU Greek passport and spoke French (which the locals informed me I speak with a Greek accent). Everyone was wonderful (I don't think I ever carried my own luggage), and when I dislocated my knee, a gendarme CARRIED me to the nearest hospital. I actually cut my stay in Brussels short to return to France because the people were so lovely...

And finally, one afternoon when my friend and I were bummed that the banks were closed and we couldn't cash our travelers checks (keep reading--this is important but it isn't in the guide!), we were on our hotel porch when we heard techno music. Soon enough, the Paris Pride Parade was literally under our porch. We went out to join the dancing and see the amazing floats, and were somehow spit out at a McDonalds which had a sign that they CASH TRAVELERS CHECKS! All McDonalds do, even when banks are closed! This may be the single greatest tip you EVER learn. You're welcome!

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the expose on various places to visit was very informative. There are maps to where to go, and small nuggets of information about various tours. The information about Versailles was especially informative. He lays it on the line for you.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, in my opinion is the only guide book you need when traveling to Paris. Especially if it's your first or first few visits there. The information is exhaustive and fascinating because he doesn't just do the usual attraction information, Opening hours, decriptions etc. All that information is there of course but you also get history, walking tours, personality, humor, and real tips that save money and which other guides don't have. It's like a friend has just returned from Paris and come over for dinner and given you notes and tips. I found his (free) companion audio guides to places like the louvre, and the historical walk through Paris particularly essential.
I bought it on my kindle so it would always be on my iPhone, searchable and light weight. It worked well but I think if I go back to Paris I'd get the hard copy to read in my hotel room at night and keep the phone edition for walking around. it would be nice to have both versions around.
I'm now a total Rock Steves convert. I also recently used his Rome guide which was as invaluable I'd never travel anywhere again without buying his guides. Before going to Rome I spent six days in Venice, Milan, and Florence without a Rick Steves guide. I did use Rick's audio guides to places like St marks and the Uffizi Gallery, Leonardo's the last supper, and Michealangelo's David etc but since I loved those cities I'm considering buying his guides for them after the fact. It'll give me some hope that I'll return there one day soon.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We borrowed this book from the library to study up for our upcoming trip to France. We love watching Rick Steves' show for entertainment, but his guidebooks contain the level of detail needed for planning a European sightseeing vacation. If anything, this book has more information than you could possibly need, which is perfect, because no two people will plan the same itinerary. All the information is there - you can use what you need and skip what you don't.

I feel so fortunate to have this well-written, fully comprehensive guidebook as a resource. I would highly recommend this to anyone planning a trip to Paris!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best. Easy to read and great tips on what to see and where to go. The museum pass tip saved us hours of waiting in line and the tip about just don't get impatient in restaurants because there is usually just one waiter was a helpful hint for impatient Americans. He guided to Giverny and Avingnon on the train.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book would have been better had I never heard Rick Steve's voice on PBS. I was hearing his voice in my head the whole time I was reading it--I hope I don't hear his voice when I am really in Paris!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book full of travel tips and useful suggestions.

[Nikitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I had read this before going to Paris

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, love, love Rick Steves. His books are so straightforward and helpful. I had the kindle edition of this on my recent trip with my husband to Paris. While we used a lot of his information (accessed easily through my iPhone app so we didn't look too touristy with a guidebook out) for practical stuff--opening times, prices, nearest shops/cafes/metros, we also occasionally dipped into his descriptions, moving to the side at museums and monuments so I could quietly read the information. We appreciated the tidbits of history it gave without being overwhelming.

We took out the kindle in Pere-Lachaise cemetery and followed his walking tour. It was the first time we actually did a straight tour from his book, and we loved it!! (Definitely doing more this way in the future and checking into his online audio tours). We actually ended up behind another couple doing the exact same thing on their kindle, and passed numerous others following the tour in the guidebook.

Some commented on the complicated organization of the book, and this was something I noticed both in this and the London book (which we used on the same trip). The Kindle edition helped us get around that--we just could do a search for the term and surrounding text so we didn't have to guess what page we actually needed. The kindle edition also has the benefit of being more discreet. Between accessing it on the iPhone app or actual kindle, you can look less obviously touristy. In Paris and London, everyone had either an iPhone or a kindle in hand.

This guide made our Paris trip wonderful and I'll certainly be investing in more for our future travels!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Rick Steves' travel shows on PBS, so when we started planning our trip to London, Paris and Rome, I was delighted to add this guidebook to the stack.

With well-delineated walking tours, restaurant recommendations that are off the beaten path, and some gentle good humor, this book is outstanding. The only thing I would have wished for was an explanation of which arrondissements housed a given attraction/site/restaurant (in the manner of Frommer's Paris 2012, which I also read in preparation for our trip). It would help greatly with organizing travel in and around the city. The arrondissement map included in the book does not help overly much.

I did like the "survival information" on how to get around using the Metro and buses, pronunciation guides (although I studied French, it has been many years) and opinions on whether a given site was worth seeing if one has only so much time. Those are the sorts of places where many other guidebooks fall woefully short.

Overall, this is a great addition to our library of knowledge for Paris and whetted my appetite greatly for our upcoming travels.

[Completely Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book when my husband and I decided that we were going to take a spur of the moment trip to Paris (in 2010), which is a city that I have always wanted to visit. I really liked that it had walking tours and that kind of thing, so I went for it. I wanted to see more than just the tourist places (though I wanted to see those places too). I never would have imagined how much I would actually use this book. I carried it around with me constantly! We used it all day everyday that we were there and had the most amazing trip I think was possible. Rick Steve's suggests not only great things to see and do, but also restaurants off the beaten path. We took his advice for EVERY meal we had, and I can honestly say that we didn't have a single bad meal. We loved it all! He also had places to stay, maps, transportation information, the list just goes on and on! I highly recommend this book (or a newer one if one is available by him) if you are planning a trip to Paris. In fact, I know that he has books on other cities and countries around the world and I would personally purchase other books of his in the future for any other travelling I do. Rick Steve's is my first choice go to travel guide!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't spend as much time with this book as the London one because Paris was at the tail end of my Eurotrip so I planned its itinerary last and was getting a bit pooped. Also figured that I would be feeling more like relaxing at the end of my vacay so I wouldn't want to stuff it as full of activities as earlier in my trip and would be perfectly happy just walking around Paris, chilling, and eating good food.

This book was just as great as his other ones though. I like that he pointed out free museum day is the 1st Sun of the month which I totally took advantage of since it fell during our time there, hooray! Managed to squeeze in 3 museums that day too (and almost a fourth but they cut the line off when we arrived late in the day). I also used his advice for what days are best to try to avoid crowds such as for Versailles. Also wanted to do some sort of course so we wound up doing a wine tasting course with O Chateau. Great recommendation, loved my experience there, and the book has a promo code for a discount. *thumbs up*

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fabulous. My only regret was that we didn't follow his hotel recommendations--the hotels that we stayed in on his advice in Italy were much more charming than the chain that we stayed in in Paris. I was actually a little stressed out about going to the Louvre; we'd spent hours in the Vatican museum in Rome and by the end were on sensory overload, just ready to get out. But we followed Rick Steve's tour from the book (we actually downloaded audio guides onto our iPods, which was awesome), and it was great. We saw what we wanted to see, got some great background on pieces we were unfamiliar with, and then got out. We went back the next day to explore a wing that he didn't cover, and it just turned out to be a great experience. He is big on art and history, so if you aren't you may want to take that into consideration when you look at his recommendations (although I think that's the case in Italy more than in Paris), but overall, it was an absolute lifesaver.

[Steven Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently spent a week in Paris and had downloaded the iBook's version to my iPhone and iPad. I found the book invaluable and the ability to read up on sights, museums and orientations, all while standing on a street or on a Metro made travelling much simpler. I confess that at times I missed the sense of adventure of getting lost on the maze of Parisian streets, but overall my experience was greatly enhanced.

I did find some of the links embedded in some of the text broken, but the search function made it easy to find the right section. I found most of the advice in the book useable and the recommendations accurate. By far one of my favorite trips was exploring the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise. It was a nice day and Rick's advice to start the trip on the upper end and work your way down hill was brilliant, as was the gravesites he recommended in his tour.

I highly recommend this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a big stack of guide books I've used on different trips, but this one will be the most thumbed-through, rained on, beat up one of the bunch. I used Rick Steve's 2014 guide to plan a 7-day trip to Paris with my husband and three teen daughters, and it was perfect! We did nearly every walk in the book - Historic Paris, Rue Cler, the Marias district, Montmarte... We used his guided tours in the Louvre, the d'Orsay, the Orangerie, the War Museum... He told us exactly how to get out to Versailles, at what tabac shop we could buy the money-saving "Museum Pass," what option would be the most economical for using the metro, and on and on. The only recommendations that weren't spot on for my family were his restaurant suggestions, and that's just because we're always looking for inexpensive familiar food rather than cultural gastronomic experiences. Three cheers and five stars for Rick Steve's Paris guide!

[Sally Kilpatrick]

In the interest of fairness, I did not read this book cover to cover. I did skim it in its entirety before going to Paris. I also referred to it often while planning and again while in Paris. Some things I liked, and some I didn't.

On the plus side, the Book of Steves is absolutely correct about the charm and the accessibility of the Rue Cler area. Loved, loved, loved it. His tips on museums are pretty good, too.

On the down side, his walking tours take longer than the time says, unlike those of my good friend, Frommer. I'm not sure I trust Rick on food, either.

As with all guidebooks, the shopping reqs don't take into consideration my budget, but that's a quibble I have with most guidebooks.

In conclusion, see if you can check it out of the library. Also, compare those walking tours with Frommer. Generally, I can shave about 30 minutes off the time of a Frommer walk. Do consider, however, that eating in France is never quick--and that is part of its charm.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best guidebook! Rick Steves does an excellent job cutting through the fluff that other travel guides have and gets down to the information you need to know from page one. It feels like you are listening to someone speak to you and explain to you the ins and puts of paris. He hits all the major sites to see and throws in some special local places also. I loved reading thru the walking tours to learn more about each area and site. They are GOLD! Just enough historical background mixed in with what you need to know to get around today. He has maps clearly labeled with the path to walk and describes where you need to go within the text as well.

On our trip we took this book and lonely planet - didn't open lonely planet once!! I'm returning it! We read thru rick Steve's book over and over for guidance. I cannot recommend this book enough!!!!!!!!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a doubt, this is the most informative book I have read to prepare for my upcoming trip to Paris. Rick Steves provides detailed walking tours through several Parisian neighborhoods and gives a lot of detail about works of art in many Paris museums, including the Louvre, Orsay, and Pompidou Center. His hotel and restaurant recommendations are more moderately-priced than those found in Frommers or Fodors and are mostly located in Rue Cler and Marais, quieter areas that may appeal more to middle-aged travelers and families. This is the only travel book that I will be packing in my suitcase to take with me. I also like that updates on Rick Steves' website explain what has changed since the 2009 edition was published.

[Wyma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible! Cindy Mc lent me her 2003 and I had to buy one I could tear pages out of to take with me...yes I do that with travel books and then replace with new edition (which is out late this month).

The Paris is even better than the Steves' Spain. It has very special walks described for each arrondissement. The one for Montmartre takes you around to all the artist's and writer's homes. Unfortunately I spent too much time at Sacre Coeur and did not get to take it. But now I know what I will do next time.

I used to always read a mystery set in the city I was traveling to and then visit one or two places from the novel. That's fun, too, but Rick Steves' Paris is so good that I skipped hunting up another Maigret for this trip.

Read it even if you are not going to Paris.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent 10 days in and around Paris in August 2014 and this guide book was indispensable. The information is well laid out, easy to read, easy to follow. It's more than just dry information, there's also detailed notes, mini art and history lessons, and helpful maps. And there are puns. OMG THE PUNS. I really wasn't expecting humor in a guidebook!

The book provides several walking tours for museums/monuments and neighborhoods. The tours can be followed by themselves or used as the starting point to craft your own sight-seeing experience. I especially enjoyed Père Lachaise Cemetery and the area around Notre Dame. I rented an apartment via Airbnb and ate at restaurants near it, so I can't speak to the recommendations on where to stay and where to eat.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great overview of Paris. I think I disagree with Mr. Steves on food but I found most of his information accurate and helpful. He did make me totally paranoid about picpockets. It wasn't as bad as he said it would be but I can think of at least 3 times when someone tried to scam us and we were able to avoid and protect ourselves. Basic rule of thumb, don't talk to strangers on the street or surrounding tourist attractions. I was amazed at how often I saw other Americans strutting around with their Rick Steves Paris bible. I consulted mine several times a day but usually kept it hidden in my purse.

[Stacy Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a book about Paris? If you're one of them, WHY?!! This is a travel book for people planning on visiting the "City of Lights." Or you might like to read it just in case you go to Paris some day. Either way, Rick Steve's shares my travel philosophy (but not my marijuana philosphy)and when I took my first backpacking trip through Europe at the age of 21, his book was my travel bible. Don't worry, I had a real bible too. He's funny, sarcastic, can see the genuine and help you avoid travel pitfalls. I will actually be purchasing a 2010 edition for my trip but this was all the Library had in stock.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'adore!

I bought the Kindle version and just carried it around on my phone. It was so easy to quickly navigate through the chapters and to search for keywords. And I didn't look like a tourist...just a person addicted to her iPhone. ;)

I highly recommend googling Rick Steves' free audio tours as well. You can download them all to your phone and basically have a free tour guide to all the major sights. I love you, Rick Steves. <3

The only thing that could've made this book better is if it could speak French for me, and manifest ice cubes for my drinks (the Parisians are stingy with their ice).

Buy it!

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic guide to Paris. There are many museums and historical sites to visit there, however, Rick provides a great list of markets, streets and neighborhoods to see. Each neighborhood and street had its own personality and quirks that I loved, it made me experience Paris through a local's experience by walking in these areas. When I ventured out to the Père Lachaise cemetery and followed Rick's guide, although overall it was helpful and guided me to the main tombstones but the map was a bit confusing as not all the streets were marked on Rick's map. All in all, Rick is a great resource to have at hand to have a adventure-filled travel experience.

[Shannon Connors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Steves tells it like it is about the places he visits -- if he likes a place, he'll tell you, but if he thought it was crowded, over-priced, or kitchy, he'll tell you that too. No color pictures in this book, but each chapter outlines a self-guided tour through part of Paris. Separate chapters for each of the great neighborhoods (Montmartre, Champes Elysees, etc.), day trips (Palace of Versailles), and sites (the Louvre, Musee de Orsay, etc.). Each chapter takes 15-30 minutes to read. Great if you just need to escape for a while, but you can't afford the cost of the ticket.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually have the 2009 version - this is my current must read for our vacation. The book is very well written - I will update my review after our trip. It may very well be worth all 5 stars.

This book was a God send on our trip to Paris. I don't know what we would have done without it. It had great tips and an overview of the city. Also included were museum tour guides - these really helped us get thru the Louvre, Orsay, and Versailles.

I will never travel to Europe without one of his books. This is a must read!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far better than Lonely Planet's Paris guide, which I also had on this trip. It is organized in walks, so that you are taken along particular streets through each area. The nice thing about this is that Steves highlights buildings, monuments, or just features along the way and talks about their history and significance in an often funny, lighthearted way. He also has walks through the famous museums, like the Louvre and Orsay, with stops at particular important works with brief, entertaining, and sometimes inaccurate descriptions of them. Overall, A+

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

People always ask me how we can travel without a tour. I point them right at this book. My favorite section is where it tell exactly what you HAVE to see in the 2,3,or 7 days you are there. I find it very helpful to know if something is worth seeing if you have a limited amount of time. It is a one stop shop for visitors for museum closings, how to bypass lines, what time of day to do activities, where to eat, and everything else. I also love the walks he has laid out so you see all the sights without getting lost. Great aid to any trip!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Rick Steves and after I relocated across the pond I liked his books even more. The writing is whitty and true to life. I love the history sections best.

As an American living overseas I have to work really hard to get rid of that idea that I must do it all in one trip. This is the biggest drawback of his books, they are written for Americans and not people who can get to Barcelona cheeply and quickly. I have also learned to stay away from a lot of the resturant recomendations - too many other traveller!