National Geographic Walking Guide: Paris 3rd Edition

by Pas Paschali

See the best of Paris with this streamlined, itinerary-driven guide, created in a handy, take-along format. Part of a brand-new series from National Geographic that showcases the world's great cities, Walking Paris is divided into the following sections:

The Whirlwind Tours section shows you how to see the entire city in a day or a weekend; what sights will interest kids most; plus, a hedonist's tour that's pure pleasure from dawn to midnight and beyond.

The Neighborhoods section of the book presents the city broken down into 15-odd itineraries that lead you on a step-by-step tour to the best sights in each of the city's greatest neighborhoods--from The Islands and the Latin Quarter to the Champs-Elysees and Montmartre.

Travel Essentials provides information on how to get to the city and how to get around, as well as hand-picked hotels and restaurants.

Each itinerary includes the following features:
Distinctly Paris: Explore the city through 2-page features that showcase the quintessential aspects of the city, such as Impressionist Paris, Gothic Architecture, and Royal Paris. Here you'll get intriguing background information to help you understand why this city is one of the world's greatest.
Best of: Specific thematic groupings of sights are described, such as Paris By Night, Cafes & Brasseries, and Flea Markets.
In-depth: These spreads take a deep dive into a major museum or other sight--Notre-Dame, Centre Pompidou, Opera Garnier-- providing step-by-step guidance on what to see and how to plan your visit.

Sidebars throughout give you the low down on shopping, eating, and going out on the town, and offer insider tips and interesting asides.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, France, Reference

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2012

Reviews

[Susan Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the city districts with sightseeing and walking plans including approximate times for itineraries. The itineraries appear to touch on most of the major sights with time built in for browsing or eating which frankly should be included in more guidebooks. I would love to see just how accurate the itineraries are for fast walkers and fast museum browsers though!

[Debi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this over other guidebooks because it offers full color with pictures and various maps, though I think I'll buy a more comprehensive guidebook now that I've gotten a sense of the neighborhoods and what they have to offer. This book provides a good overview of what to see in various areas of the city, but it somehow seems incomplete. It's like a giant brochure, which, I suppose, is what all guidebooks are.

What's missing:
tips about which streets to take from point to point
surface conditions (cobblestones, concrete, steps, slopes...)
weather tips (seasonal advice or warnings)

What's helpful:
visual representation of landmarks, attractions, and distances
days when places are closed
photos
organization by area
many maps

[Karlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a very helpful guide in my journey to and around Paris. I have shown it to several other Canadians who were both grateful for the preview and regretful that they did not purchase the book prior to coming to Paris. It’s really made the difference between a “good” trip and a “great” trip. I have seen many wonderful places and made stops that I would not have made because of this book. It also has helped keep me off my phone, as it has detailed maps and planned walks. Nat Geo forever and ever <3

[Katya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick little guidebook to Paris walks. While it covers a few off-the-beaten-path locations and hidden gems, it really shines in its ability to link landmarks together in an accessible, easy-to-follow route through a neighborhood. Don't expect recommendations for hotels or much insight into shopping or dining - however, if you're looking for a pocket tour guide this little gem has done all the work for you.

[Şahabettin A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

biraz güncelliğini yitirmesi hariç, anlatım, hiyerarşi, çocuklu aile için 1 gün 2 gün haftalık turlar olarak ayarlaması çok iyiydi, tavsiye ederim.

[Nancypants · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful! Will be traveling to Paris for the first time ever, and this booklet helped orient me to Paris and its neighborhood.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly what I would expect from a book about walking the city.

No concept of how long it would take or what the streets would be like or how you would navigate your way around.

If I felt lost reading this, I can't imagine I'd be able to find my way around in real life.

Saving grace: It did give me the idea to visit Sacre Couer at night. Going on the bucket list.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good structured guide book, for those who haven't much time to search for every place to go.
In this guide book you can find all the necessary information for the brief or long stay in Paris.
Well organized with maps, itineraries, ideas, historical notes and comments.
Enjoy the Paris by foot, walking - is the best way to discover 👣👍

[Terrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for our pending trip and found it informative and helpful by breaking the city up into suggested walks complete with mileage and estimated times. Hit all the high spots and then some.

Recommended (not for the challenge)

[Komal Dyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book! Read it from cover to cover and helped a great deal in planning our Paris vacation. It is also a great idea to take this book to the trip because it guides you plan your trip to destinations and the best ways to walk through Paris.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little book for a quick overview of touring Paris. Had some out of the way spots that looked interesting.

[Francine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was usefull.

[Joy]

In case I ever get to go to Paris again someday...

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

National Geographic has written about different neighborhood walks to take in Paris with maps and descriptions of the places along the way.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for your travels. Shows sites and places of interest in Paris..