France

Beginning in Paris and delving into the far reaches of the provinces, this book guides you to France's best sights, and lesser known ones as well. It provides the ins and outs of oldtime favorites, including the Loire Valley, Mont St Michel and Normandy's battlefields, and also the picturesque St Cirq-Lapopie, the Var region of Provence, and more.

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Beginning in Paris and delving into the farthest reaches of the provinces, the "National Geographic Traveler: France" guides you to the country's best sights, and lesser known ones as well. Veteran travel writer Rosemary Bailey provides the ins and outs of oldtime favorites, including the Loire Valley, Mont St. Michel, and Normandy's battlefields, but she also makes sure you won't miss picturesque St. Cirq-Lapopie tucked away in the Dordogne Valley, the charming, vine-striped Var region of Provence, and tiny Mirepoix in the Pyrennes, celebrated for the beautiful half-timbered arcading of its main square, to name a few. Among the many special features are mapped walking and driving tours - including a walk in Paris's Latin Quarter, a drive along the magnificent Gorges du Tarn, and a drive along the enchanting Indre River; and two-page write-ups that treat particular subjects in depth - there's one on cafes and cafe life, for instance, another on monasteries, and another on Breton customs. Also popular are the beautiful three-dimensional artworks that depict the architectural details of the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Chambord castle.
A hefty chapter on France's history and culture fills you in on all background information you need to know, while an extensive Travelwise includes the author's pick of hotels and restaurants.