Rick Steves’ France 2009 (Paperback)
May 7, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Travel France Guides
Review
Today’s tourists are as likely to be toting Rick Steves as Giorgio Armani, tasting the good life without burning through the Kids’ college fund.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Explore the Louvre, cruise above the Loire Valley in a hot-air balloon, or sample the world-famous cuisine of Provence—Rick Steves’ France 2009 allows any traveler to experience all that the country has to offer—economically and hassle-free. From the must-see sights of Paris to the rustic villages of Basque country, Rick guides travelers through France with expert advice, historical knowledge, and a healthy dose of humor. Complete with tips on transportation, accommodations, and dining, Rick Steves’ France 2009 is the definitive guide to the world’s top tourist destination.
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I haven’t seen the 2003 edition (my latest is 2001) but I would be shocked if Steves has cut Dijon out of the book, as it was in previous editions. This is a great starting point for a trip to France, but it’s predecessor was a book about the best 2-22 days in France and I think it shows.
A marked problem with the Steves guides is that his guided tours businesses tend to fill up his top-rated hotels in many cities so that guidebook customers cannot get in. I encountered this myself in Bacharach in the Rhineland and in Venice. Frustrating.
That said, he is an excellent writer and the Rick Steves guides, unlike the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide series, do tend to discriminate between the top-flight and the ordinary. Unfortunately the Steves guides also miss things that way. I’ve never been able to understand why Rothenburg is in the German guide instead of any number of other German cities such as Bamberg or Schwabisch Hall for example, which possess similar ambiance without the touristic hordes. Nor do I necessarily agree with his choices in the Dordogne.
I use the Steves Guides as a starting point, then branch out and do my own research.
5.0 out of 5 stars
rick steves france 2009
this book is very thorough and rick steves knows how to travel well without spending an excessive amount of money………great tips and discounts available in the book…….
5.0 out of 5 stars
These are the best guides
The Rick Steves guides are the best. He and his staff of researchers update the information annually.
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A Travel Must
Anyone who travels to Europe benefits greatly from Rick Steve’s information and approach to travel. You find great, affordable places to stay and get a real sense of the country…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rick Steve’s Keeps It Real
Rick Steve’s France 2009 is the industry standard for excellence in a travel manual. Rick’s approach to travel was unheard of back in the days when I backpacked across Europe on…
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOULDN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT RICK
WE HAVE USED RICK STEVES IN IRELAND GERMANY AND TAKING HIM WITH US TO ITALY AND FRANCE . WE HAVE STAYED IN PLACES AND EATEN IN RESTURANTS IN HIS BOOK AND HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED!
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excellent source of info
love his books! always such a great source of info for the type of traveler that wants to get down to the local level. his reviews are dead on.
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Great guide
We just returned from France…this book was great. He is on the nose with most things Rick Steve also has audio tours that you can download from Itunes (free).
5.0 out of 5 stars
better than 2005
I bought my 1st RS France in 2005 & have used it for 3 trips to France. I purchased the 2009 edition for our next trip.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rick Does It Again!
Another great travel guide from Mr. “Europe Through the Back Door!” We have used Rick’s guides since 1996 and have always found them easy to read/use/swear by, etc.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun but practical
Like all other guide books, this one is filled with great information on how to plan a successful vacation.