Loire Valley (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE) (Paperback)
June 18, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Travel France Guides
Review
…You feel, looking at them, as if you could close the book and step into the street. — Contra Costa Times
…considered to be the world’s best travel resource to over 30 destinations around the world, make it easier to plan a splendid vacation. — North American Press Syndication
Both novice and experienced travelers will be captivated. — US News & World Report
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Encyclopedic in scope, it’s meant to be used before, during, and after your stay. — Travel & Leisure
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The most graphically exciting and visually pleasing series on the market. — Chicago Tribune
Want to know where to get a great espresso on your way to the Uffizi? Or how much to tip a hotel maid in New York City? Try these travel guides, each an intricate trove of 3-D aerial views, landmark floor plans, color photos and essential eating, shopping and entertainment info. With titles covering Paris, Prague, and London, these pocket-sized guides are like a Michelangelo fresco: deliriously rich in detail. — People Magazine
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you!
Marked by the elegance of its beautiful chateaux, a mild climate, and delicate wines, France’s Loire Valley conveys a relaxed appreciation for the good things in life, and DK’s Eyewitness Travel Guide: Loire Valley beautifully relays that impression. In more than 800 full-color photographs and numerous maps, travelers have instant access to the Loire Valley and all its pleasures. Street-by-street maps highlight prime attractions, scenic roadways, wineries, tours, and museums. Chapters focus on architecture, art collections, spectacular gardens, and a brief history. The Travelers’ Needs section compiles a list of hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, hostels, restaurants, and entertainment. This is a perfect guide to complete enjoyment of the Loire Valley.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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This book is almost great. Almost. It tries to give you the best of all worlds– in depth tours; some local knowledge (restaurants and such); and pictures. As one might expect, the scope becomes to broad to do any of it well. I was disppointed with the tours it gave; it seems like it missed much– so much so that I bought the Michelin Green guide while there. One of my main gripes is the size of the book– its too big to fit in any type of pocket. It does however have a slick rain-resistant cover, and the cover folds to become a useful bookmark.
I have purchased a number of DK Eyewitness guide books over the years, and this has been another disappointment in a long line. First, the books are heavy to carry (and pages can’t be easily torn out). Second, the indexes are unreliable; some popular topics and landmarks are there; other equally-popular ones are not. Third, the pictures are pretty, but small, and the text description too little even on famous chateaux. Not much history, not much description, not much indication of why we should visit the place. The driving and walking routes plotted are no better than many others that are available, including on line, and much worse than some. The hotel and restaurant information is minimal, and tucked away in the back in a separate small section.
If you want basic touring information, go with Frommers. If you want more detail on history, art, and architecture, go with the Insight Guide which I loved (though they ought to be updated more often)–that makes a great on-site guide. If you want the ultimate in history, architecture, and detail, buy Michelin Green.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love those Eyewitness Guides
Whenever I’m getting ready to take a trip, I check to see if there is an Eyewitness Guide for my destination.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent! I LOVE IT!
I rode my bike in the Loire Valley. This book helped me in planning the route (along with Michelin Green Book). Wonderful, alluring pictures!