The Rough Guide to France 9 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

The Rough Guide to France covers every corner of one of Europe''s most visited countries from Parisian cafes to the chic resorts of the Cote d''Azur. A full-colour introduction includes the pick of the sights and activities with over 50 colour photographs. The guide gives lively reviews of the best places to eat, drink, shop and party, wherever you are and whatever your budget. For every region, there are also practical tips for exploring the French countryside from the peaks of the Alps to the fertile Loire Valley. In the ''contexts'' section, the team of experienced writers provide insider coverage of French culture, wine, festivals, history and film and some language essentials. All this, and over 40 maps and plans.

France is known as a place that will delight the senses--and this Rough Guide will help you bathe in them all, from eyefuls of architecture to the sounds of la mer lapping against the shore, the touch of designer fabrics to the smells and tastes of some of the most renowned cuisine in the world. As authors Baillie and Salmon put it, "The pleasures of the palate run from the simplest picnic of crusty baguette, ham and cheese washed down by an inexpensive red wine through what must be the most elaborate take-away food in the world, available from practically every charcuterie; such basic regional dishes as cassoulet; the liver-destroying riches of Périgord and Burgundy cuisine; the fruits of the sea; extravagant pastries and ice cream cakes.... If you feel inadequate in the face of all this choice, never be afraid to ask advice, for most French people are true devotees, ever ready to explain the arcane mysteries to the uninitiated."

In France: The Rough Guide, the country's attractions are written up with creative flair and insightful advice, and the honest reviews of food and accommodations offer something for every traveler's budget. The coverage is complete with sections exploring history, cuisine, wine, literature, architectural terms, art, festivals, and politics. Bon voyage!