Book Description
From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, the Place de la Concorde to Montmartre, life in Paris is charged with elegance—from private homes and the varied architectural styles along its boulevards, to the quays of the Seine, winding streets, cosy bistros, and intimate restaurants. Gardens, including the Luxembourg and the Tuileries, provide an outdoor paradise in the heart of the city. Lavishly illustrated, Living in Paris includes an extensive guide to the capitol's best addresses; it is an inspiring resource for anyone who has strolled along the streets or dreamed of visiting the City of Lights.
Customer Reviews:
The Next Best Thing to Being There .......2007-02-13
Beautifully illustrated, this book takes you on a well organised journey through the main districts of Paris but also informs on a differnent asthetic level such as the essential spirit of this city as seen through its architecture and its culture. The grande old history from the baroque and ancient regieme onwards is elegantly sought out with a particularly interesting chapter containing old master craftsmen at their trades and where you might find them. This is a book that you can simiply sit down with and devour in a glutonous way. I found this book, when sitting in one of those well heeled, and gracious bookshops, that sell good coffee and deadly cakes! Long story short - Amazon to the rescue and I am now enjoying the glories of it's pages right from my armchair. For anyone who plans to visit Paris (like myself)and/or anyone who loves things of days gone by, and wants to do so in thier mind.... give this a look. It's cheaper than an airfare and nearly as good.
Armchair and Reality Paris.......2006-06-07
I bought this book when it first came out, as a friend was leaving that very day to go to Paris. It kept me going until I was able to make my first visit in 2003. I have made two more visits since then.
I still go back to it and tell friends about it. It is one of the best photographed Paris books that I own. It brings you and your armchair right into the best of it...and allows you to savor the beauty. Voila!!!
Ah Paris.......2001-04-25
I'm surprised the other reviewer only gave this 3 stars. I think the photograghy is sumptuous and the text is quite lovely. These are the spots I remember and go back to in my imagination.
It's The Pictures, After All.......1999-12-16
The photographs within these covers are gorgeous - it's a perfect souvenir of Paris. In fact, if you buy this, you can think about leaving your camera at home. The text, translated from the French (original title 'Art de Vivre a Paris') is a bit gushy, and you might wonder, as I did, how much has indeed been lost in the reinterpretation. Never mind. Living In Paris has been in and out of print, so when it's available, get it! It's still cheaper than taking 5 rolls of your own shots to the Fotomat. And these are the pictures you'll wish you had taken.
Amazon.com
Let's face it: the French have gotten a bad rap. Mention that you're considering a trip to France and everyone will warn you about rude waiters, supercilious shopkeepers, and snooty concierges who won't give you the time of day--and worse, pretend not to understand your high-school French. Not so, says Polly Platt, author of French or Foe?; "The French are generous, exhilarating friends," but they are different--wonderfully so. The trick to getting along in France is understanding the culture and learning to accept it on French terms instead of your own. Though the book is designed primarily for people who will be living or working in France for extended periods, the lessons Platt teaches about manners, attitudes, and culture are invaluable for even those visitors just passing through.
Customer Reviews:
Best Friends We've Ever Had.......2007-07-05
As the relatively new kids on the geopolitical block, we Americans often misunderstand how the rest of the world operates, none more so than our amis ancien the French. I came across this book in a Genevan bookstore shortly after moving there and it has helped me immeasurably over the years. My Parisian friends have enjoyed and confirmed the truth and wisdom contained in its pages.
Who knew that approaching the French in a typically American way with a big smile and focus on the task at hand is considered disingenuous and rude? How amazingly different is the response I consistently get with a deadpan expression, proper greeting and speaking French first before getting down to business!
A whole host of helpful tips, from playing devil's advocate during an evening together, politically incorrect flirtation, and the customer not always being right, are covered here in a humorous and easy-to-remember fashion. Understanding builds the bridge to friendship. After all, the French have been our friends since before we became a sovereign country, even if it, as President Sarkozy has said, "friendship means accepting that friends can have different opinions."
Indispensible.......2007-05-28
The single most indispensable book for anyone planning on living in France for longer than five months.
More than a mere study of facts and procedures, "French or Foe" explores the worldview of the French that make all that they do comprehensible. Without reading this work, France is incomprehensible, and you will be confined to a social and hermeneutic ghetto.
Highly recommended.
Informational, educational and fun!.......2007-03-01
I am an American woman married to a French husband, and when I came across this book, I was unprepared for such thorough explanations of and insights into my husband's often inexplicable behavior. Polly Platt's book goes a long way in demystifying the French, and makes you laugh along the way. A great guide for anyone planning to visit or live in France.
Foreign Country Vacation prep a MUST.......2007-02-10
French or Foe is a well written book that is a thoroughly enjoyable read AND was of immense help in preparing us for dealing with our first trip 'across the big water.' Despite our having very limited French at our disposal, the understanding of the French - through this book- allowed us to not only get along, but to thoroughly enjoy ourselves (in contrast to an unprepared fellow American Travelor, at our motel, who appeared to be about ready for a straight jacket).
How to enjoy the French.......2007-01-26
This book is an excellent guide to people proposing to live/work, of just visit in France. While it is directed mainly to Americans, it would be equally useful to Australians, or anyone from any other culture. It explains the culture, and particularly the codes of behaviour that non-francophones find so baffling. There is a rather long, complex potted history section which explains much of the background to the code, but for the short-term visitor, just having knowledge of the codes and how to respond to them will suffice. Armed with the contents of this book, one should have a trouble-free time in France.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty good book.......2001-06-06
This book has some good information for anyone considering purchasing a home in France. It's aimed more towards a U.K. citizen, versus a U.S. citizen, but I still found it helpful. Some of the info. applies only to purchases of 'flats' (apartments) and not houses, but he doesn't tell you that. I found out after asking for some of the documentation he mentions. I would recommend the book to anyone considering the purchase of a French property -- get it early so you do it right!
an absolute necessity..........1999-12-15
...if you're thinking about buying property in France. Hampshire is totally on target. I read his book before going through the buying process, and couldn't believe how perfectly his advice dovetailed with my actual experience.
All his information was exactly correct!.......1999-09-24
We JUST (September '99) bought an apartment in Paris, using this book as a daily reference. It helped us immensely, giving us confidence in many procedures from looking for a place initially to the closing, including geat information on insurance and utilities. Definitely a great source!
Book Description
Deals with the details of buying or renting a home in France in a practical, straight-forward style. Covers financial issues such as mortgages available for the house buyer; French tax laws; choosing a location; issues in purchasing or renting; and health and education in France.
Book Description
The symbolic home for creative people everywhere, Paris has been inspiration for countless artists and writers. In this dynamic book, well-loved author Eric Maisel gives writers the guidance they need to take a literal or figurative soul-renewing artistic sojourn in the city of light. It:
-Shares with readers how and why to take a creative visit to Paris
-Provides logistics for those committed to a trip and inspiration for those who hunger for a taste of the expat life
-Features the expert advice of America's foremost creativity coach
Filled with lessons and anecdotes that convey the spirit of the glorious city, this book will inspire anyone to create.
Customer Reviews:
Check out on the Left Bank.......2006-08-03
To follow in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir and F. Scott Fitzgerald.... in Paris ... a how-to guide for those bent on a Gaullist literary retreat into the city that spawned many literary masterpieces. Don't forget the cigarettes, the lattes, and of course ... your French Berlitz language book.
does it have to be writing and must it be done in paris?.......2006-02-22
I must admit to purchasing this because Danny Gregory did some of the illustrations. That said, as I read I became intrigued with what I could learn about my own compulsion, and sometimes strong commitment, to painting. Although the star of this show seems to be Paris, the lessons about turning away from other preoccupations and just getting to it, no matter where you are, can be applied to any location. Instilling discipline in a routine, albeit one that is wrapped in time and self-permission, is a strong central message. I liked the practicality of many suggestions and the devil-may-care attitude of others.
Paris is a writer's state of mind.......2005-12-07
In a rare combination of travelogue and writer's guide, Maisel speaks directly to every writer who values calm surroundings as well as a calm state of mind in order to write. Part tour guide, and part writing coach, Maisel takes the reader on the journey he promises in the subtitle.
More than about writers who want to go to Paris.......2005-12-05
A Writer's Paris proves inspirational, whether or not you're planning to go to Paris or if you've already visited the city where many artists go to create. Not only does Maisel describe life as a writer on a Paris sojourn, but also the activities for a writer to do for inspiration.
Substitute the places in Paris for the ones in your hometown or country you plan to visit to write. While the book has recommendations for places to stay, along with a planning checklist, information on where to go, and other resources, its content provides plenty of inspiration and ideas that work anywhere.
While the book's purpose is to encourage writers to take a Sabbatical in Paris, it also easily inspires and motivates readers to create more and writer better. Maisel happens to use Paris as the central location for the book's theme taking time-out for deep exploration for writing. Paris or no Paris -- writers can glean many things from this original book.
Topics include writing books in three weeks, taking the bad with the good, practicing the art of strolling, dealing with and appreciating the absurd, making the cafe a home, overcoming barriers, engaging your senses, and more. The writing is superb and flows lyrically with the illustrations adding the feeling of going on a journey while reading the book.
I hate Paris but am buying this book.......2005-11-09
After reading Eric's wonderful book Sleep Thinking & having my writing improve a millionfold because of it, I joined Eric's Yahoo!Group newsletter. He's talked about this book. It didn't do a "thing" for me because I really hate Paris. But his other books have helped sooo much, I keep reading his newsletter.
His latest one said:
>>When an editor buys a book from you that in her mind is in the inspirational" category, it can be decidedly hard for you to slip material into the book that is controversial and meaty.
Although A Writer's Paris is an "inspirational book," in the sense that it is meant to inspire you to go to Paris and write, I also wanted to talk about class and privilege, religious opposition to scientific thought, and other "non-inspirational" matters. I tucked in several such essays and wondered how many would make the final cut.
Some of these meaty essays made it into the book and some did not. ...
I am pleased that pieces like Privilege and the Place Vendome, Gay Mayors, and Darwin's Wife made it into the finished product.
<<
To me, those "meaty essays" sound like they are talking about what Fiction is really all about.
I just wish all of them had been included.
Maybe Eric will write a "meaty essays" book someday.
Book Description
Written in an entertaining style with a touch of humour, Living and Working in France is designed to provide newcomers with the practical information necessary for a relatively trouble-free life. It contents include finding a job, permits & visas, health, accommodation, finance, insurance, education, shopping, post office and telephone services, public transport, motoring, TV and radio, leisure, sports and much, much more. It is packed with vital information and insider tips to help minimize culture shock and reduce the newcomers rookie period to a minimum. Living and Working in France is essential reading for anyone planning to spend an extended period in France.
Book Description
The essential book on how to make a life in France. More than 90,000 Americans live abroad in France, making it home to one of the largest expatriate communities in the world. This is a savvy and insightful book full of hard-earned advice on how to make the most of your experience in France.Following in the footsteps of the successful Living, Studying, and Working in Italy, this guide will help Americans grow into French culture and help them feel at home in a country famous for its cultural and social particularities. The authors, two Americans who have spent extensive time in France, provide detailed information ranging from health care procedures in France to how to put together a reacute;sumeacute; (known as a CV in France). With material on networking, employment opportunities, choosing the right study program, and navigating the French Internet, this is the essential guide for anyone who wants to live, study, or work in France.
Customer Reviews:
Great!.......2007-02-17
It is a great book!
Easy to understand and they give you pratical advice.
Thank you to the authors!!!!!!!!!!
The Most Practical Book.......2003-05-23
I purchased a number of worthwhile books to help prepare to move a small Yuppie household across The Pond. In terms of practical matters, Living, Studying and Working (etc.) is clearly the best of all the titles I read. Other books placed so much emphasis on cultural expectations that they completely glossed over the hundreds of complications involved in such a complex transaction. It is this book that convinced my girlfriend (who is French, by the way, and learned quite a bit from this book) and I to postpone our target move date due to the difficulty of securing a work permit/residency, getting a bank account, etc. But it is also this book that shifted my attitude from "what am I getting myself into" to "ok, given preparation, this will work".
A must read for someone interested in moving to France.......2003-01-12
This book won't tell you everything (that'd take the fun out of it) but it will tell you lots of little things that really add up. This is one of the books I bought before I moved to France and it definitely helped. There's lots of little details that will make your move and your life in France go smoother. What I liked about it was it covered a wide range of topics, including social differences, taxes, transportation, appartments, etc.
Helpful basic information.......2003-01-07
I bought this book for my college-age daughter who was spending a semester studying in France. It was her first solo trip and her first time living solo in Europe. She found the book extremely helpful in learning about the culture and bureaucracy of France. There's lots of information on visas, transportation, money, documents, traveling in France and around Europe, and studying abroad. There's also a good chapter on the people of France that helped her understand attitudes and behavior.
It gives very basic information and should be used as a supplemental guide to other books about living abroad.
La Vie en Noire.......2002-12-06
In preparation for a three-year tour in Paris with my wife and children, I purchased this book and five (!) others on the subject of living in France from Amazon.com. While all have their merits, none have adequate coverage of the French legal system and how to work with the police. It shouldn't have surprised me that, in a country whose history contains episodes such as the Reign of Terror after the French Revolution and collaboration with the Nazis during WWII, there is an official process, called "main courant" in which citizens can "denounce," or file official complaints, against their neighbors for things such as having a baby that cries. Suffice it to say, this process, apparently embedded in the culture for centuries, can result in tremendous prolonged misery and stress, even for a Francophile like me, with many, many wonderful French friends. It might have been easier to deal with summons to the police station, investigations by the mayor's office, visits from social workers - all in less than three months of living here - with some advance prep. Thank goodness I work for a supportive company. Be forewarned!
Book Description
An important new book for anyone planning to retire to France, whether permanently or for only part of the year. It contains comprehensive information about the best places to live; local services and amenities; the weather; buying or renting a home; the cost of living; health services; getting to France and getting around; learning French; and much, much more.
Book Description
Passionately written by authors who have taken the plunge themselves, the exciting new Adapter Kit series helps travelers extend their journey and live like the locals in select international destinations. Adapter Kit: France author Terry Link includes an overview of France and its influential culture, takes a look at the attractions and top features of specific regions, lists up-to-date prices, and adds plenty of advice on communicating and learning the language.
Customer Reviews:
Full of great practical information.......2001-11-13
I was pleased to find a book that addressed the practical concerns of Americans moving to France. My husband and I vacation in France each year and want to live there part of the year when we retire. This book was the first I've found that addresses issues like taxes, insurance, buying property and the relative cost of living. We have rented houses in the countryside, and I found that most of the observations and advice are right on with our experience. Although the author obviously loves France, the downside of moving there was presented as well as the many wonderful things about daily life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering spending an extended period in France.
Thank you Mr. Link.......2001-08-01
What a fantastic reference! I'm in Paris now and it was absolutely instrumental in finding a place to stay and just acclimating in general. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering a long or short term stay in the country. Well done!
Book Description
Imagine living in France. Author Terry Link left his life as a reporter to make a home there, and shows readers how to make their own dreams take shape. With Terry's expertise, future expats will get the information they need on visas, money, jobs, housing, health, language, culture, and history. Whether it's a seaside cottage in Normandy, a historic villa in Provence, or a sophisticated apartment in Paris, there's a place that matches their budget, needs, and dreams. With Living Abroad in France, it's easy to make the dream become a reality.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent value.......2006-08-25
Book was as described in perfect condition - buy from this seller with confidence.
From regional coverages and insights to financial concerns, nothing is omitted.......2006-02-04
Why the need for a specialized title on France when so many general travel books exist for the country? Because it's quite a different matter living in France as opposed to visiting it: there are concerns ranging from legalities and visas, work, and housing to cultural insights necessary to live alongside the French. In Living Abroad In France, author Terry Link begins with the dream and offers a step-by-step progression to achieving its reality, with chapters surveying all aspects of living in France. From regional coverages and insights to financial concerns, nothing is omitted.
Thorough and well-thought out, very up to date prices.........2005-11-15
This is the first review I have ever posted on Amazon. This is a book published only last month (Oct. 2005). One of its most outstanding features for someone seriously considering relocation to La Belle France is what appears to be very recent and deailed information (in both Euros and dollars) calculated per square meter for the most part but it has tables for converting to feet) of what it takes to buy or rent in 5 different areas of France that are most popular with foreigners who have been coming to France to live in recent years in large numbers: Paris and its surroundings (Ile-de-France), Normandy and Brittany, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley, the Midi and Languedoc, and (last but not least) Provence and the Cote d'Azur. And he breaks down different towns and cities from the most high priced desirable areas to the least: e.g., in Bordeaux: "Away from the river and in less expensive neighborhoods, the price drops. You can find apartments for 800-1800 Euros ($1080-2430) per square meter. etc.)" This is really impressively detailed for all the areas he discusses and is highly useful information that might be hard to find anywhere else really. Of course, it will become outdated fast, but for latter 2005, this is great stuff to have.
Link gives you some very sensible ideas for planning your fact finding trips, dealing with red tape in France (lots and lots) when you make your move, how to move with kids, pets, the kinds of insurance you need, job hunting, cost of living info, learning French, etc.--in short a very good summary of what it takes to move to this beautiful but ("complex--he didn't know about the riots of October and November 2005) from an American who has lived in the country for (I think) 13 years or so. Other books I have looked at of this kind seem to be written primarily for British expats and fairly youthful ones at that, not Americans, whereas as this one seems to be aimed at us Yanks as well (and the author is after all an American) and not just those who are sent by a corporation to work for a year or two. It's also good for somebody traveling to France and wanting some nice descriptive summaries of different regions of the country. The only thing lacking maybe is that it leaves out certain regions (perhaps for reasons of book size?) in the center of the country that might now be the best bargains. And while it does include a few thumbnail profiles of expats who have made the move, I would have welcomed a few more.
Anyway, if this book is any indication, anyone considering retirement abroad (like me) would do well to invest in the Living Abroad series. I may buy the Italy volume next!
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- Lonely Planet New York City
- Lonely Planet New Zealand
- Maternal & Child Nursing Care (2nd Edition)
- Midnight in Death (In Death)
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General
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Paris, City of Art
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