Rick Steves Best of France

by Rick Steves

Hit France's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of France!Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and moneyTwo-day itineraries covering Paris, Normandy, the Loire, Dordogne, Provence, the French Riviera, and BurgundyOver 60 full-color maps and vibrant photosRick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist trapsThe best of local culture, flavors, and haunts, including walks through the most interesting neighborhoods and museumsTrip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get aroundSuggestions for side trips to Versailles, Chartres, Reims, Giverny, Oradour-sur-Glane, Carcassonne, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, Vaison-la-Romaine, Côtes du Rhône, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, Monaco, Antibes, Beaune, Chamonix, and ColmarExperience France's Old World romance and New World excitement for yourself with Rick Steves Best of France!Planning a longer trip? Rick Steves France 2018 is the classic, in-depth guide to exploring the country, updated annually.Time for a shorter getaway? Colorful Rick Steves Pocket guidebooks like Rick Steves Pocket Paris are perfect when you have a week or less. Pocket guides include fold-out city maps.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, France, Reference

1025 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2013

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Beki Eikum · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can always count on Rick to sift through alllllll the info and tell you the best. I never would’ve known about Amboise and it was the BEST. Thanks, Rick!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not fault this book at all. Steve's guidance is genuine, and practical, with a mind to travelling economically, but including sleeping and eating options for all tastes and budgets. As a first-time traveller to Europe, I feel assured and prepared for my trip with this knowledge under my belt. A must read!

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written easy to follow tips of popular areas. However, this book does not give all areas of France.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Rick Steves always is a great book to read before going on a vacation... Highly recommend if you are heading to France for a vacation.

[John Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on traveling France . While some location has changed, the main sites and walls are still very useful