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Lonely Planet France
Lonely The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet France is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Grab a cafe creme at a Parisian sidewalk cafe, take in glacial panoramas above Chamonix or explore the Champagne-soaked city of Reims; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of France and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's France Travel Full-colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, art, literature, cinema, music, architecture, politics, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, wine Free, convenient pull-out Paris map (included in print version), plus over 130 colour maps Covers Paris, Lille, Flanders, the Somme, Normandy, Brittany, Champagne, Alsace, Lorraine, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Lyon, the French Alps, Basque Country, the Pyrenees, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Corsica and more eBook (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Lonely Planet France, our most comprehensive guide to France, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for a guide focused on Paris? Check out Lonely Planet's Paris guide for a comprehensive look at all the city has to offer; or Pocket Paris, a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip. About Lonely Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. The world awaits! Lonely Planet guides have won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.
2726 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
762 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Lonely Planet
3,653 books881 followersOUR STORY
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 13, 2022
Called up unexpectedly by my employer to be one of the first American pilots trained on a new latest technology helicopter, how could I refuse? I've never gone wrong in my flight career volunteering for different aircraft that expand my horizons as a professional aviator. Just one catch --- its training is in France for 6 weeks, and I've never even thought about going there, and only had about a week to prepare. What is there to do in the southern France area where I'm training? What resources are there? What are the people like? What transportation options are available? What French laws and customs should I be aware of? What other things should I think about or be aware of that I haven't that I need to know about visiting France? What to do, what to do, what to do?
In my case, having had good experiences 9 years ago with Lonely Planet's guide on Ireland, I got their guide on France. While I cannot vouch for all of their information on all of the rest of France, I have found, so far, their information here in the Provence area to be accurate and helpful to me in my situation. I especially found their section on transportation helpful --- since my employer is not springing for a rental car, I'm reliant on either walking or public transportation. Their section on SNCF, France's railway, was very helpful in figuring it out such that I could see more of the area beyond walking distance. Its section on Aix-en-Provence was particularly helpful
So --- if you find yourself traveling to France, this book is a valuable addition to your suitcase and in making travel plans. I recommend it for anyone traveling to France for the first time.
In my case, having had good experiences 9 years ago with Lonely Planet's guide on Ireland, I got their guide on France. While I cannot vouch for all of their information on all of the rest of France, I have found, so far, their information here in the Provence area to be accurate and helpful to me in my situation. I especially found their section on transportation helpful --- since my employer is not springing for a rental car, I'm reliant on either walking or public transportation. Their section on SNCF, France's railway, was very helpful in figuring it out such that I could see more of the area beyond walking distance. Its section on Aix-en-Provence was particularly helpful
So --- if you find yourself traveling to France, this book is a valuable addition to your suitcase and in making travel plans. I recommend it for anyone traveling to France for the first time.
April 16, 2019
My favorite travel series.
February 15, 2021
I read or skimmed through the whole thing, and I think this book gave me a great sense of what the different regions of France are like for tourists and what types of adventures or experiences they each offer. My guess is for most people this book is comprehensive enough —it is very fat with tiny type and took me weeks to get through it— but I happened to be interested in one site, Rashi’s home, which was not in the book (I found some information online). I certainly had my appetite whetted for medieval towns, good food, history both ancient and recent, art, and more.
The book is divided into regions. Each has an overview, and then divides further into sites and towns you can visit. Individual sites each have information such as websites, hours, languages of signage, costs. Sites range from outdoor activities of all kinds to museums, churches, historical sites, and more. Then there are sections on hotels/housing, dining, nightlife, and how to travel in the area (Bus, train, car, etc). Very useful for planning your own trip and figuring out where and when you might want to go (All seasons of the year covered).
The book is divided into regions. Each has an overview, and then divides further into sites and towns you can visit. Individual sites each have information such as websites, hours, languages of signage, costs. Sites range from outdoor activities of all kinds to museums, churches, historical sites, and more. Then there are sections on hotels/housing, dining, nightlife, and how to travel in the area (Bus, train, car, etc). Very useful for planning your own trip and figuring out where and when you might want to go (All seasons of the year covered).
June 26, 2017
My family and I are long-time travelers around the globe, and have developed definite opinions of travel guides over the years. Along with planning travel over the internet, we've basically settled on two different guides to take with us as we go. The Eyewitness Travel Guides are my preference for advanced planning and reading on a particular destination. The Lonely Planet Guides are perfect for our travels while we are on the road. Lonely Planet fills in many of the details that Eyewitness leaves off the pages of their travel guides. Eyewitness gives us the visual for where we are heading, Lonely Planet gives us the filler. Between the two, we've settled on a routine that has suited us well for our travel purposes. Highly recommended!
August 8, 2021
Even though I am about to visit only a part of France, I read the whole guide as I am a dreaming traveller as well. At least I have now a lot of inspiration where to go next.
Unlike other LP guide books, this one has a lot of pictures and as such one can imagine how the place will look like and the reading is much more amusing. There is a lot of side tips, which I plan to use to see some a bit less crowdy places and enjoy the views a bit more private.
LP is the best guide book at the market, I always use it before going to any destination for at least a week and I almost never regret following its tips and recommendations. Happy travel to France everyone!
Unlike other LP guide books, this one has a lot of pictures and as such one can imagine how the place will look like and the reading is much more amusing. There is a lot of side tips, which I plan to use to see some a bit less crowdy places and enjoy the views a bit more private.
LP is the best guide book at the market, I always use it before going to any destination for at least a week and I almost never regret following its tips and recommendations. Happy travel to France everyone!
September 9, 2024
After reading the entire book at different paces - some parts just skimming, some parts thorough reading, some parts reading with lots of planning - I have understood the futility of just reading a guidebook with no plans of traveling soon. All it leaves you with is a sense of unfulfillment, a sense of inaction. However, if I ever actually on on a trip to any of these places, this would be very handy book. Lots of information and helpful details, and absolutely no exaggerated expectations.
May 25, 2017
Very good
This is a good guide for touring France. My only complaint is that you can't find things quickly in the kindle version if you are not 100% sure of the region of France, a town or city is in. An index in the back would remedy that I think.
This is a good guide for touring France. My only complaint is that you can't find things quickly in the kindle version if you are not 100% sure of the region of France, a town or city is in. An index in the back would remedy that I think.
November 16, 2017
I got this book specifically for information on the Champagne region of France, and it's by the far the best in that regard of all the other travel guides I picked up. Definitely recommend this one if you're traveling to Champagne.
August 16, 2017
A great guide through France. Lonely planet is once again reliable.
Read
May 20, 2019great resources
August 4, 2019
Good especially if you have time to explore more places on the country sides.
June 17, 2021
Great read - very informative.
Read
June 11, 2022Interessante come primo approccio, ovviamente stringato non essendo dedicato a una singola regione. Da affiancare a guide più approfondite.
May 9, 2024
Wonderful guide
March 30, 2025
Hiring a private driver in France ensures a stress-free journey to your destination, whether it’s a train station, airport, or hotel
July 2, 2025
TOO OVERWHELMING. It's so fat and barely any photos. I just couldn't. Not a fan.
October 4, 2009
This travel volume, by the folks at Lonely Planet, is well done! It begins with the authors listing their favorite places, with nice color photos to illustrate--from # 1, Avenue Champs-Elysees to # 16 Annecy. The book begins with an exhortation to prepare for a trip to France well in advance: "Some parts of France are tried-and-true, bona fide 'dream destinations' and as such require planning weeks, if not months, in advance in order to snag the best room in the house. . . " (page 18).
Introductory materials include a series of travel itineraries, such as Paris to Provence. There follows a brief but useful history of France--from prehistory to the present. Then, of course, a brief treatise on French culture with nice boxed features (e.g., dos & don'ts) and mention of such issues as sports, religion, the arts, and architecture, among other subjects. After that, a section on France's obsession with food, with some nice slick color photos. Nice coverage of both food and drink.
The heart of the book, though, is its discussion of France, district by district. Here, we get a brief introduction to attractions in communities, where to eat, where to stay, sites to see, and so on. Sometimes, I think, the coverage is a bit thin, but the book is already over 1000 pages long, so more coverage might make this simply too much of a good thing!
Paris, of course, needs to be mentioned. There are maps of the major regions of Paris. The section on sights to see begins with the Louvre (what a museum!), Jardin des Tuileries, Palais Royal, Centre Pompidou, Place des Vosges, Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle (the latter a small gem), the Sorbonne, the Eiffel Tower, Bois de Boulognes, and so on. No great detail on any of these, but enough to get a flavor of the various attractions, so that one might wisely choose which would be priorities for visiting. There are sections on recommended places to stay and to eat. Too, there are sections on entertainment and the arts.
In the hinterlands? One example: Beaune. Once, I flew into Paris and was then driven to Lake Geneva, going through the Jura Mountains--and then returned on a parallel route. My driver stopped at a wonderful restaurant in Beaune. One of the most delicious meals that I have ever eaten! Beaune was charming. The description here helps revive those pleasant memories. The writeup notes that wine tasting is a favorite activity, and describes the bounty available at Beaune.
And on it goes. . . .
Anyhow, a useful companion were one to contemplate a trip to France.
Introductory materials include a series of travel itineraries, such as Paris to Provence. There follows a brief but useful history of France--from prehistory to the present. Then, of course, a brief treatise on French culture with nice boxed features (e.g., dos & don'ts) and mention of such issues as sports, religion, the arts, and architecture, among other subjects. After that, a section on France's obsession with food, with some nice slick color photos. Nice coverage of both food and drink.
The heart of the book, though, is its discussion of France, district by district. Here, we get a brief introduction to attractions in communities, where to eat, where to stay, sites to see, and so on. Sometimes, I think, the coverage is a bit thin, but the book is already over 1000 pages long, so more coverage might make this simply too much of a good thing!
Paris, of course, needs to be mentioned. There are maps of the major regions of Paris. The section on sights to see begins with the Louvre (what a museum!), Jardin des Tuileries, Palais Royal, Centre Pompidou, Place des Vosges, Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle (the latter a small gem), the Sorbonne, the Eiffel Tower, Bois de Boulognes, and so on. No great detail on any of these, but enough to get a flavor of the various attractions, so that one might wisely choose which would be priorities for visiting. There are sections on recommended places to stay and to eat. Too, there are sections on entertainment and the arts.
In the hinterlands? One example: Beaune. Once, I flew into Paris and was then driven to Lake Geneva, going through the Jura Mountains--and then returned on a parallel route. My driver stopped at a wonderful restaurant in Beaune. One of the most delicious meals that I have ever eaten! Beaune was charming. The description here helps revive those pleasant memories. The writeup notes that wine tasting is a favorite activity, and describes the bounty available at Beaune.
And on it goes. . . .
Anyhow, a useful companion were one to contemplate a trip to France.
October 27, 2014
OK. I must explain the low rating. The only reason why I gave this a 2 star rating is because the e-version of this book is AWFUL!! It's hard to maneuver through the book. Photos and information cross pages which makes it difficult to reference information. I've even had problems just reading the book in that pages are skipped or placement does not make sense. In other words: DO NOT BUY THE E-VERSION OF THIS BOOK! I thought I would save space and not have to lug a huge travel book with me. "Ah, the convenience of having my travel book in e-format is wonderful," thought I. Nope. Stick with the paper version until Lonely Planet figures out how to make a better e-guide.
Formatting aside, the guide is comprehensive and provides all the tips and tricks you'd expect from a Lonely Planet guide. France was never on the top of my list of places to visit. I bought this guide because I was hoping to visit the Normandy coast for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Because of some of the recommendations in the guide, I am now more excited about visiting France someday...especially the French countryside.
Formatting aside, the guide is comprehensive and provides all the tips and tricks you'd expect from a Lonely Planet guide. France was never on the top of my list of places to visit. I bought this guide because I was hoping to visit the Normandy coast for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Because of some of the recommendations in the guide, I am now more excited about visiting France someday...especially the French countryside.
November 30, 2012
Lonely Planet is a generally good guidebook. However, the transition to an e-book, while promising, is poorly executed. The links to websites and maps can be really handy, but the links in the book more often than not, do not go to the correct pages. Additionally, some images with text are poor resolution and small, such as the tour of the Louvre, so one cannot possibly make out the writing, and as such, the images are useless.
If I were to choose a ebook guidebook again, I would opt for another one, one with less fancy features, but that actually provides links that works and maps that are navigable.
If I were to choose a ebook guidebook again, I would opt for another one, one with less fancy features, but that actually provides links that works and maps that are navigable.
August 9, 2009
Wonderful! Indispensible for our two weeks in France. My only complaint: some entries failed to be sufficiently superlative. There are just too many quaint villages and charming gites for Lonley Planet to list them all, so it couldn't be our only source for planning the trip, which for simplicity's sake I would have liked. I ended up relying on internet sources, just because the authors have to squeeze so much information about a huge and fascinating place into a book size bundle.
September 13, 2012
A decent and reliable tourist guide. For most parts it was OK and up-to-date. When I needed something, it was there.
However, in some cities (Rouen, Rennes) I've found places that were nicer/more interesting than the sights recommended by the guide, but for most places it was just fine.
The take-out map of central Paris is a nice idea and I used it a lot (until I learned to navigate around Paris without a map).
However, in some cities (Rouen, Rennes) I've found places that were nicer/more interesting than the sights recommended by the guide, but for most places it was just fine.
The take-out map of central Paris is a nice idea and I used it a lot (until I learned to navigate around Paris without a map).
November 27, 2007
Others will and probably already have found this guide really useful but this one let us down on restaurant and hotel recommendations and didn't really suite our travel style. The guide's assessment of many places didn't really agree with mine.
June 21, 2020
I read this as a kindle book, but have also now ordered it as a real paper book as I have loved reading this so much. I love the details, history, culture and advice. Such a useful book- I just want to go to France now. Can’t wait until we can travel again.
July 3, 2007
Well, I'm heading to France in September, so I'm in planning mode.
August 14, 2008
Lonely Planet Books are indispensable, I just wish they were better at referencing the map in the text, and the page ref from the map key.
May 23, 2011
An excellent choice for planning travel.
July 29, 2011
Excellent choice for a guidebook if you are only bringing one to two
September 13, 2013
Prefer Rough Guides but this was bought for me.
Maybe it's me but I find LP guides to have a more sneering attitude to others.
I want facts not the authors opinions. Is that wrong?
Maybe it's me but I find LP guides to have a more sneering attitude to others.
I want facts not the authors opinions. Is that wrong?
October 30, 2015
Omg FRANCE. Can't wait to go back. This book was super helpful, although was seriously lacking in low-cost food options. Eating in France doesn't have to be expensive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews