Rick Steves France

by Rick Steves, Steve Smith

Now more than ever, you can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through France. Wander the lavender fields of Provence, climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower, and bite into a perfect Inside Rick Steves France you'll Fully updated, comprehensive coverage for planning a multi-week trip to FranceRick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favoritesTop sights and hidden gems, from the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles to neighborhood cafés and delicate macaronsHow to connect with local Stroll through open-air markets in Paris, bike through rustic villages, and taste wines in Burgundy and BordeauxBeat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insightThe best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of vin rougeSelf-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museumsVital trip-planning tools, like how to link destinations, build your itinerary, and get from place to placeDetailed maps, including a fold-out map for exploring on the goOver 1,000 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you downCoverage of Paris, Chartres, Normandy, Mont St-Michel, Brittany, The Loire, Dordogne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, The French Riviera, Nice, Monaco, The French Alps, Burgundy, Lyon, Alsace, Reims, Verdun, and much moreCovid-related travel info and resources for a smooth trip
Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves France.

Planning a one- to two-week trip? Check out Rick Steves Best of France.

Genres: Travel, France, Nonfiction

2146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2022

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

[Evelyn Erb Bognar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been valuable beyond measure as a guide as we traveled throughout France. Rick Steve’s and his team save you time and money with expert advice. I believe that just about anyone can travel in France on their own, if armed with this book. The advice given was spot on. Any restaurant, museum, self guided walks through the city (my favorite) never disappointed.
If you are headed to France, read this book and then pack this book (or load it on your Kindle). :)

[Carol Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Steves calls travelers to become temporary locals. I like that.

I appreciate both the recommendations and the cautions e.g. "Don't get pulled into the tacky history-in-wax museums."

Regarding French cuisine: "If the sauce is the medicine, the bread is the syringe." :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I read the 2024 version)
Very much helped us plan our trip and where in France to go, as well as getting around, travel tips, etc. We also used his audio guides while in country, and website for preparation (packing etc). We will be keeping this book around for our next trip!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

probably the best FR guidebook so far. 🥐

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a must read before traveling to France I found it very helpful.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best travel guide books to Europe!

[Dirk Grunwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

that is always good logistics that help make traveling a little bit easier.

[Jolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

always love Rick Steves' travel books