FRANCE - TRAVEL GUIDES

“So ask the travelled inhabitant of any nation, In what country on earth would you rather live? Certainly in my own, where are all my friends, my relations and the earliest & sweetest affections and recollections of my life. Which would be your second choice? France.''
- Thomas Jefferson

TRAVELING TO FRANCE

France is one of the world's most alluring travel destinations, starting with Paris, one of the most elegant and romantic cities in the world.  The broader region offers wonderful scenery, cute little cafes in pretty little town squares in picturesque little villages, and an unrivaled sophistication and culture around food and wine.  Here are our suggestions on the best travel books for a trip to France.
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Paris

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Rick Steves: France

The Rick Steves guide is our recommendation for the best guide for first time visitors to France.  Always a good choice for travel in Europe, the Rick Steves series is known for making recommendations on specifically what to see and do and how practically to save time and money.  He only recommends what he feels is best, which is especially helpful when exploring the villages and vineyards of the French countryside.  Do get the latest version - these guidebooks helpfully are always updated yearly, helping ensure accurate information.

Fodors Travel: Essential France

Our other recommendation for those who want a comprehensive travel guide on France is the guide from Fodor’s Travel.  As always, Fodor’s provide a very thorough and balanced overview on all there is to see and do, with a nice blend of photos and detailed information.  The authors provide a nice local point of view, and we like the custom maps oriented for the traveler’s point of view. 

A Year In Provence, by Peter Mayle

My Life in Provence is a beautiful memoir by Peter Mayle recounting a year of his life, after moving to southeastern France with his wife to live in an old stone farmhouse.  It is a pleasantly funny book, complete with luscious descriptions of the region's amazing food and wine, and of the couple’s adjustment to a much slower and more relaxing life.  Click here for our review of A Year in Provence.

French Country Cooking: Meals and Moments from a Village in the Vineyards

One of the best ways to prepare for a trip to France is to prepare to eat.  There are a number of great cookbooks of course celebrating French cuisine and one of our favorites is French Country Cooking, the latest from the talented Mimi Thorisson.  The recipes are simply delicious.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child

The quintessential cookbook for anyone who loves French cooking is the classic from Julia Child, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  The first volume in this boxed set is the original, published in 1961 with 547 recipes and supporting illustrations that will please both seasoned cooks and beginners.  The sequel was published in 1970.  Bon appetit!