Secrets of Paris gives you the sort of gossipy, inside
information that a friend who knows Paris well would give you. It's packed with
secrets and advice but it's also funny and enormously readable. Vernon Coleman
has spent years putting together his favourite Parisian secrets, and the book
contains sections designed to introduce you to the French and to understand
Parisians. There's a list of Twenty Things You Must Do In Paris and a list of
Ten things Not Worth Doing. This is a splendid read for anyone who enjoys
travel, history, geography and gossip - and an essential guide for anyone who's
ever likely to visit France. A sparkling introduction to Paris and the French.
Extract from the Preface to Secrets of Paris
There
are some places in Paris which every tourist visits. The Eiffel Tower, Sacre
Coeur, the Place du Tetre, the Louvre and the Champs Elysee for example. But,
wonderful as these iconic places are, there are many other places in Paris which
are a real delight to visit but which the usual tourist buses and official tours
don't and won't take you to. Nor will the usual guide books recommend them.
Unashamedly and unapologetically, Secrets of Paris is designed to give
you the sort of gossipy, genuinely helpful information a friend who knew Paris
would give you. Where we recommend particular services or shops it is purely
because we have found them to be worth recommending.
Finally, we've tried
to make this a book you'll find fun to read as well as to use as a reference
guide.
Enjoy Paris. It's difficult not to. Vernon Coleman
What the reviewers say about Secrets of Paris:
`Is it
travel writing or reference? Actually, it cleverly manages to combine both.
Before you've finished reading, I guarantee you'll be planning a
visit...Secrets of Paris gives you just that - an insight into Parisian
life, packed with local and personal anecdotes, and historical and
socio-political information. Refreshingly, this isn't just a trite travel book
but a readable, funny and intelligent guide to what to do and what not to do and
see in the city. Imagine getting top tips from a trusted friend who has lived in
Paris for a few years.' French magazine
`This isn't a guide
book, although its sub-title is `Paris for Beginners, an Insider's Guide'.
Rather, it's a witty series of observations about life in Paris. A prolific
writer, Coleman has sold over 2 million books in the UK alone, covering genres
as medical matters and novels. In this book he writes amusingly about flowers,
the elderly, notaires, zebra crossings, hotels and almost anything else you can
think of. There's a list of 10 things not worth doing (including visiting the
Bois de Boulogne) and 20 things you must do in Paris (from visiting Pere
Lachaise to having a drink at Deux Magots or Cafe de Flore). Hugely
entertaining.' Destination France
`Vernon Coleman...now gives
us the sort of gossipy, inside information that a friend who knows Paris well
would give you. It's packed with secrets and advice, but it's also funny and
enormously readable. A sparkling introduction to Paris and the French.'
Stewart Peterson, Greenock Telegraph
Secrets of
Paris is available from the shop on this website and from all good bookshops
and libraries everywhere.
