Le Guide Vert est un livre faisant partie d'une collection de guides touristiques, fondée en 1926 par Michelin, qui met l'accent sur la découverte du patrimoine naturel et culturel des régions.
Il est complémentaire aux cartes Michelin ou de l'IGN, pour renseigner les touristes souhaitant voyager et découvrir une région, plusieurs villes ou un pays, en indiquant les principaux endroits caractéristiques intéressants à visiter, et circuits à effectuer, s'adjoignant elles-mêmes depuis quelques années au GPS.
Il peut aussi s'associer au guide rouge gastronomique et hôtelier Michelin.
Lol! I wrote this edition, so I'm a bit biased, but since I do a lot of guidebooks, I will tell you what I think makes this one different. Michelin Green Guides are very detailed in architectural and artistic description. So, for example, if you are visiting a church that's in the guide, there is usually a little diagram and a description of the architectural style and all of the major artworks within. There are good maps and walking tours to follow. The recent guides also have a short section of hotel and dining recommendations taken from their famous Guide Rouge.
I last purchased Guide Michelin: Paris in 1990. I've been through a few other Paris guides since then and I don't know why. There's really no need for any other. What I love about Michelin guides, and this is edition is no exception, is that you have enough information to get around- including the best walking routes- but you are allowed to experience things on your own. It's a "Just the facts" guide without opinion beyond a few "Don't Miss" suggestions. The "Introduction to Paris" provides an excellent overview of the city's history, art, architecture, literature and music- giving context to a vibrant, dynamic place.
The rabbi that is officiating our wedding recommended this book. I was leaning towards more the "Lonely Planet" versions but ended up with this one. It's been really great so far. We'll see how good it is once we're lost in Paris :o)