Paris Discovered: Explorations in the City of Light

by Mary McAuliffe

Uncovering the Paris that charmed Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century and George Gershwin in the 20th, this guide—written by an historian and based on personal exploration, old maps, and documents—offers 50 walking destinations, many unfamiliar even to Parisians. Several excursions evoke the spirit of an age past by exploring the haunts of Heloise and Abelard, Frederic Chopin, the Impressionist painters, and the American expatriates of the 1920s. Images of the French Revolution are conjured by the neighborhoods of Les Miserables and the mystery of the lost dauphin. Other tours of the very earliest houses and churches—along with waterworks, medieval walls, and an underground river—provide a fascinating view into a thousand years of infrastructure. Recommendations are also included for the best ice cream in Paris or the hottest new spot for shopping at Viaduc des Arts.

Genres: Travel, France, Paris, History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Mary McAuliffe holds a PhD in history from the University of Maryland, has taught at several universities, and lectured at the Smithsonian Institution. She has traveled extensively in France, and for many years she was a regular contributor to Paris Notes. Her books include Dawn of the Belle Epoque, Twilight of the Belle Epoque, When Paris Sizzled, Paris on the Brink, Clash of Crowns, and Paris Discovered. She lives in New York City with her husband.

Dawn of the Belle Epoque
Twilight of the Belle Epoque
When Paris Sizzled
Paris on the Brink
Clash of Crowns
Paris Discovered

Reviews

[Kathleen Lovelace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a traveler's book of essays detailing primarily off the beaten path sites of historical interest. Since I read the essays before falling off to sleep, I had vivid travel dreams each night.

McAuliffe's style is engaging and her extensive knowledge of history is interwoven in each chapter to make even mundane places a delight.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Paris and enjoy learning more about this fascinating city whenever I have the opportunity. This book did not disappoint me in that area. I plan to take a few chapters with me on my next visit to follow much like a guide book. At times, it did seem a bit dry (as several reviews noted) but in general, I found it informative and well-researched. It enticed me to plan my next trip to the City of Light.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This does a very nice job of providing information that anyone who has been to Paris will understand in context. Not to read before you go, I think. Better to read it inbetween your first and second trip. Cause you can't go to Paris just once. Why would you?

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked parts of it very much. I would have liked it more, if places were described like this: At the back of a small shop...

But instead, they're described like this: Beginning at Rue du Pain (okay, there is no Rue du Pain--that's bread, not physical pain, btw) turn right, walk three blocks, turn left at Rue d'Escargot (again, I'm sure there isn't a Snail Street, but I can't remember that much from my 8th grade French) and you will find a shop. Enter the shop. Follow the dim hallway to the rear and.... AAAAAh! Enough already.

Yes, she does have as many tangental asides as I do. And, unless you are literally in Paris, you do not need actual directions to the sites. BUT, if she had included all the directions and tips at the back of the book, that would have been alright and helpful for tourists richer and more child-free than I am.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the subtitle states, explorations of 49 off-the-beaten-path places in paris, with some historical connection (the author's a professor of history. Some fascinating, some not - depends on your own interests. Best for a reader who's been there and wants to return - take a copy of the individual essays with you that you'd like to visit. This is a book of essays, not a guidebook, so it may take some doing to actually locate the more obscure sites.

[Robin E K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lists Paris sites that are truly "off the beaten track". I enjoyed the various chapters ranging from history to romantic love affairs to the famous writers & musicians of the times. Since this is a travel book, it would be helpful for each chapter to list "notes" of location and additional information how to access. Only a few chapters do this. Overall, you can tell the author loves the city of Paris and is well versed in its history.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter is about a different Paris neighborhood. This book really made me want to plan a trip to France.

[Jessi Vowels · Rating 4 out of 5]

kind of dry, but very interesting. exactly the kind of info that intrigues me and really enriches my travel but is sort of hard to come across.

[Christine Brennen-leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of essays about Paris. Interesting, but probably only to those who have been there.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief pieces on various parts of Paris, some rather perfunctory and others (Abelard and Heloise, the King's water machine) more substantive. Meh

[Denise Covey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent historical resource for Francophiles. Great walking ideas.