Let's Go 2001: Paris: The World's Bestselling Budget Travel Series

by Inc. Let's Go

Release Date: 01 December, 2000

Edition: Paperback

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a not-so-dim look at the city of light

I'm a devoted follower of "Lonely Planet" guides, but there weren't any available at the local bookstore when I made the impromptu decision to spend spring break in Paris. So, a bit disappointed but desparate for guidance, I picked up this "Let's Go" -- and was pleasantly surprised. Once I got to Paris I gave in to temptation and bought the "Lonely Planet," which I found to be far better organized, and an overall better value. I don't think either guide is exhaustive, though, and each has its failings. If you're looking for a single guide, I would recommend the "Lonely Planet." However, you might prefer the "Let's Go" if you're a young budget traveller less concerned with trip planning details and more interested in a guide that will show you a good time (or at least where to have one).

What earns this guide four stars is the restaurant and entertainment section. In addition to listing restaurants by arrondissement, it includes a table listing them by style, making it much easier for people like me to eat out in a city hostile to vegetarians, or to satisfy a craving for Indian food. The summary of the nightlife (the musical venues in particular) is also quite accurate. The commentary is clever (though sometimes a little too self-consciously so), spicing up what might otherwise be too staid a look at a vibrant city. There's a substantial section of historical background, and helpful information on the contemporary musical scene (notably rai and rap). While most guides list the closest metro stop for an attraction, the "Let's Go" often goes a step further in providing detailed directions from the metro to the site, something very useful in a city full of daunting boulevards and winding alleys. There's also an extremely helpful directory in the back of the book that lists resources (housing references, crises lines, and cultural centers) for people planning longer stays, something unique to "Let's Go."

There are problems, though: This guide is overpriced, given its... newsprint-quality printing and the fact that it's chock full of advertisements. The ink smudges easily, it's hard to write notes on the rough paper, and I spent about 10 minutes ripping out as many ads as possible. The maps are mediocre at best, and even the most popular tourist attractions are extraordinarily poorly indexed (often a side-note rather than the main entry is listed). So, if you have neurotic organizational tendencies like I do, you might find yourself frustrated. If, however, you're content to stumble across something interesting, "Let's Go" might just be for you. I'm now living in Paris and have lent this book to several visiting friends who've really liked it. And while I've come to know the city well enough to make it around without a guide, at times this book still ends up in my bag when I feel like playing the tourist.

EXCELLENT GUIDE

I have been traveling to Europe every year for the last 15 years. Every year I buy several guide books. Without a doubt, Let's Go publishes the best guides for the budget minded traveler. This edition is no exception. Paris 2001 is loaded with practical information. If you have to watch your money the way I do, don't leave for Paris without this book.