Rick Steves - Rick Steves Best of France, 2nd Editiion

Rick Steves & Steve Smith

France is a place of gentle beauty, where the play of light transforms the routine into the exceptional. Here, youll discover a dizzying array of artistic and architectural wonderssoaring cathedrals, chandeliered chteaux, and museums filled with the cultural icons of the Western world. Gaze dreamy-eyed at Monets water lilies, rejoice amid the sunflowers that so moved Van Gogh, and roam the sunny coastlines that inspired Picasso and Matisse.

There are two Frances: Paris...and the rest of the country. Frances cultural energy has always been centered in Paris, resulting in an overwhelming concentration of world-class museums, cutting-edge architecture, and historic monuments. The other France venerates land, tradition, and a slower pace of life. Le terroir (the soil) brings the flavor to food and wine and nourishes the life the French enjoy. Although the countrys brain resides in Paris, its soul lives in its villagesand thats where youll feel the pulse of France.

Lart de vivrethe art of livingis not just a pleasing expression. France demands that you slow down and savor the finer things. Come with an appetite to understand and a willingness to experience. Linger in sidewalk cafs, make unplanned stops a habit, and surrender to the play of light as the Impressionists did.

France is Europes most diverse, tasty, and most exciting country. Bienvenue! Youve chosen well.

In this selective book, I recommend Frances top destinationsa mix of the most fascinating cities and intimate villages, from jet-setting beach resorts to the traditional heartland.

Paris is the queen of culture. Coastal Normandy features romantic Honfleur, historic Bayeux, the stirring D-Day beaches, and the surreal island abbey of Mont St-Michel. The lovely Loire offers beaucoup de chteaux in all shapes and sizes. Go back in time in the Dordogne to visit prehistoric cave art and cliff-hanging medieval castles. You wont need a year in Provence to enjoy down-to-earth Arles, elegant Avignon, and the Ctes du Rhne wine road. On the French Riviera, choose your favorite coastal resort and become an expert in the art of relaxation. Wine connoisseurs savor Burgundy.

In some cases, when there are interesting sights or towns near my top destinations, I cover these briefly (as Near sights), to help you enjoyably fill out a free day or a longer stay.

Beyond these top destinations, I cover the Best of the Restgreat destinations that dont quite make my top cut, but are worth seeing if you have more time or specific interests: Reims (with Champagne caves), Carcassonne (with medieval walls), Chamonix (with alpine wonders), and Colmar (with Germanic flair).

To help you link the best destinations, Ive designed a two-week itinerary (see ), with tips to help you tailor it to your interests and time.

Paris is the grand-dame of art, culture, and fine living. Saunter down the Champs-Elyses, climb Notre-Dame, cruise the Seine, and zip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Savor Frances greatest selection of cuisine and save some after-dark energy for this romantic city.

THE BEST OF PARIS

Versailles colorful gardens lead into a vast park with ponds, fountains, and a royal retreat.

THE BEST OF PARIS

The Rodin Museums iconic statue, The Thinker, ponders in the garden.

THE BEST OF PARIS

The best time to enjoy a Seine river-boat cruise is at sunset.

THE BEST OF PARIS

Paris oldest and most appealing square, Place des Vosges, is central in the Marais district.

THE BEST OF PARIS

The grand view from atop Notre-Dame Cathedral stretches from the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower.

THE BEST OF PARIS

The Eiffel Tower, viewed from the Champs de Mars park, is loveliest after dark when its floodlit.

THE BEST OF PARIS

The Louvre Museums pyramid entrance, glistening at twilight, is worth a detour to see after hours.

THE BEST OF PARIS

The west facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is ground zero in Paris.

Sweeping coastlines, half-timbered towns, and thatched roofs decorate the rolling green hills of Normandy. Its rugged coast harbors enchanting fishing villages like Honfleur and memories of a WWII battle that changed the course of history. And on its southern border, the island abbey of Mont St-Michel rises serene and majestic, oblivious to the tides of tourists.