Don't be a Tourist in Paris: The Messy Nessy Chic Guide

by Vanessa Grall

Vanessa Grall is a London girl who moved to Paris and never looked back. Her blog Messy Nessy Chic is described as a 'chic cabinet of curiosities', and it records her bohemian adventures in the city. Her eye for style, both classic and kitsch, has won her a huge, dedicated following, with over 1.5 million unique visitors to her website per month, and 400,000 subscribers on social media.
In addition, Vanessa's charisma has seen her profiled in Porter, Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, and The Daily Mail.

Don't be a Tourist is Grall's off-beat guide to her adopted home, in which she looks past the cliches and tourist traps, and uncovers the true heart of Paris. Join her to walk in Hemingway's footsteps, to uncover catacomb parties, and to find the city's most authentic dishes. With tips for visiting on a shoestring, with your parents, or with a broken heart, Don't be a Tourist in Paris is a uniquely warm and insightful guide that affirms Audrey Hepburn's famous statement that "Paris is always a good idea."

1. The Paris Runaways
2. Paris like it is in the Movies (and on Instagram)
3. Anywhere but the Louvre
4. Lonely Hearts Club
5. I hate to say I'm a hipster but...
6. I Know this Great Little Place
7. Parents are Coming to Town
8. Paris in Down the Deep, Dark Rabbit Hole
9. 10 Hour Layover
10. Forget Pinterest Paris

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, France, Paris

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2017

Reviews

[Mason Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This of course isn't so much a book that you read through as one that you skim and then use when you're getting ready for a trip. As a reader of the Messy Nessy blog, and a lover of Paris, this was a pretty obvious book for me to get when she announced it. Beautifully produced, the hardcover book has color photos, embossed cover, bound-in ribbon bookmark, and pages at the back for notes. The organization may make it a little challenging to find things so I suspect when I'm planning my next trip to Paris I'll make my own annotated list of "to-do" items, which is fine. If you want to know about interesting little places and hidden gems in Paris, you'll want this book.

[Alicia Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underground catacomb libraries, a hotel
Once owned by the most famous courtesan in the world, a grave still famous for fertility, I could go on!

[Chase Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girlfriend and I just went to Paris and we used this book as a jumping start of places we wanted to go and things we want to do. We also carried it around every day to use to fill up our downtime on less planned days or just between planned adventures. I only give it 4 stars because we met a few dead ends, maybe because of the effects of Covid, or maybe just the sporadic schedule of an establishment. The (guide)book is still so useful and imaginative! If we go to Paris again, I would still use this book.

[Hailey Strother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly the most comprehensive Paris reference book.

[Andrea Thatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing read for any Francophile whether you've never been to Paris and are just getting into the culture or have been a hundred times and are fluent in all things Paris. I'll bet you'll find something new to explore about Paris in this book. My only criticism is that I think readers accustomed to high end travel photography and Instagram Paris may be disappointed by the photos. They're obviously amateur and I believe the paper choice makes them a bit dull, but honestly it can be part of the charm. I particularly loved the section on what to do with a 10 hour layover in Paris, I think it would make a great no-fuss day in Paris itinerary even for someone staying longer. All in all a great read and I'm sure I'll use it in planning my next Parisian adventure.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written for me – I loved all the “secret” locations – the parks, restaurants, shops, walks, hotels, bars, etc. Lots of photos (many in color as well as black and white) and so many suggestions of fun things to do and places to see that are NOT tourist spots.

This book is like having your own personal tour guide who shows you the off-beat, little-known haunts, shares fascinating anecdotes, and encourages you to explore and discover the charming and quirky spots that most people don’t even know about.

Now I’m ready to go back to Paris with a list from this book! (I read the third edition, updated in 2022. Will keep my eyes open for a newer edition before my next trip).

[Taao Taao · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book, however, it was disappointing to see several inaccuracies. The most significant issue was the misidentification of Georgian dishes as Armenian. This error is misleading and does not accurately represent the culinary identity of Georgia. It leads me to question the author's research and exploration. It is imperative that the author verifies all sources in future editions to ensure accuracy of each country's unique flavors and heritage. It makes me not to buy any single book from this author anymore.

[Susan White-Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, Je t'aime Paris, and so I see a book about Paris and I have to read it.
This is interesting-basically the author, a blogger, who is a British transplant to Paris, is giving her recommendations for all things Paris. Restaurants, bars, interesting out of the way places, shopping, etc.
I always like to read books like this, be it Paris or any place, then you can get a more personalized range of options when you visit.
I recommend this, it fin and informative.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I go to Paris frequently, so I really didn't expect much from this book going into it.
Was I surprised! I discovered so many places that fed my interest that I'd completely overlooked, like fabric stores, a pastel company, the Relief map museum, etc. that I wished I had added a few extra days to my trip this year... (I was a little surprised she didn't add the pet cemetery, though.)
I may even buy my own copy of the book for the next time I go.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike your typical tourist guides that feature the “must see” tourist spots that you need to tick off your checklist, this book covers places that your typical tourist doesn’t find or might be hidden away in some special corner of an out-of-the-way street. Since I’m a fan of the movie “Amelie”, chapter two reveals some of the filming locations for “Amelie” as well as other popular films that were inspired by Paris.

[Joyce Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this eclectic book as we prepared for a week in Paris. Having gone to Paris multiple times, I loved the suggestions in the multiple arrondissements to experience the uniqueness of the City of Light.

[Megan Crusante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got some great ideas for my upcoming trip!

[Xia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Charming guide book that made me fall in love with the idea of Paris

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide to off-the-beaten-path Paris. Highly recommended (I even forgive her the numerous typos in French....)

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful!!! 100% recommend!!!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great for planning my off-the-beaten-path trip to Paris that never happened because of COVID.

[Isabela Moraes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um guia maravilhoso e nada convencional de Paris! Dicas insiders, lugares diferentes… amei! Ele não é tão fácil de achar mas se um dia cruzar com ele, vale muito a compra!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired the most memorable day in Paris and will be my companion on every future trip!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my forever nightstand comfort book. When I'm feeling down, I crack it open and dream of Paris.

[Hannajanepartlo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the author's fault, just time and covid have made many of the recs obsolete.

[Karin Kind · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide for a trip to Paris, but as a supplement. I found I needed other guides for the quintessential touristy things of Paris.

[Jennifer Engelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great alternative to "tourist" books, this one is aimed at a distinctly cooler cat

[Kristen Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much!! I’m so inspired for our trip and marked a lot of cute places down:)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my way to Paris now

[Jenefer Teofany · Rating 4 out of 5]

My very first book in 2021

[Nika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must-have for any kind of Paris-fanatic: Whether you've been living in the city for years & want to have a new & fresh view onto it, or you're coming to visit for the very 1st time - there's something within it for both types of readers!
Scribble in it, highlight parts, choose your favorite spots & set off for adventuring around the French capital. With a quirky & light style of writing, Vanessa doesn't impose the infamous must-sees, like the Tour Eiffel or the Champs Elysees, on you but shares those sweet & rare hidden gems.
Absolutely worth a read & some well deserved 5 out of 5 stars!!!

[Katie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips and good curation, but wish the book was organized differently.