Paris, Paris

By David Downie, Alison Harris (photographer),

Book cover of Paris, Paris: Journey into the City of Light

Book description

“Beautifully written and refreshingly original . . . makes us see [Paris] in a different light.”—San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
 
Swapping his native San Francisco for the City of Light, travel writer David Downie arrived in Paris in 1986 on a one-way ticket, his head full of romantic notions. Curiosity…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Paris, Paris as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

People often ask me what is the best book to take with them to Paris if they can only take one, and this is the book I always recommend. This collection of essays, which can easily fit into a purse or a backpack, is brimming over with fascinating stories about “the people, places, and phenomena” of Paris. Downie’s encyclopedic knowledge of history, and the idiosyncratic curiosity that draws him (and his readers along with him) into a variety of offbeat situations make for fun as well as highly informative reading. It’s a great book to take with you to read…

Want books like Paris, Paris?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Paris, Paris.

Browse books like Paris, Paris

Book cover of I'll Never Be French (no matter what I do)
Book cover of French Spirits: A House, a Village, and a Love Affair in Burgundy
Book cover of Joie de Vivre: Secrets of Wining, Dining, and Romancing Like the French

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Paris, French people, and Rome?

Paris 390 books
French People 10 books
Rome 339 books