I've got a fun book to share with you today! A small, pocket-sized guidebook, Lonely Planet's Paris Encounter is the perfect book to take when you're headed to Paris for a weekend (or when you are new to Paris and definitely need the pull-out map!).

One of the best things about Lonely Planet guidebooks is their resourcefulness. I love finding out new things from them!

What Will Your Paris Encounter Be?

...aperos at a pavement cafe deep in the heart of medieval Marais (p114)

...seductive strolls along the Promenade Plantee at twilight (p15)

...arguing about modern art in the Centre Pompidou (p22)

...the lights of the city twinkling beneath the Eiffel Tower after dark (p10)

...catching the last metro home after a night out in Belleville(p102)

...picking up charcuterie and wine at the Marche Bastille (p129)

Discover Twice The City In Half The Time...

...full-color pull-out map and detailed neighborhood maps for easy navigation

...our discerning author recommends the very best neighborhoods, sights, restaurants, shops and entertainment

...unique itineraries and highlights help you make the most of a short break

...local experts reveal Paris' secrets: from the Louvre's documentary maker on the best places to view art to a fashion designer's shopping tips

Paris Encounter was written by Catherine Le Nevez, who first lived in Paris at the age of 4! She's written many guidebooks to Paris, including LP's Citiescape Paris, France, Provence & the Cote d'Azur, and more.  Yes, it is nice to tour Paris with an expert!

Paris Encounter is split up into several sections:
This is Paris
Highlights
Paris Diary
Itineraries
Quarters
Further Afield
Snapshots
Background

The best part of the book for me is the Quarters section, which is packed with excellent information for each of the quarters of Paris. Whether you love la tour Eiffel, the Arc de Triomphe, Bastille, Montparnasse, or more, you'll find excellent information for eating, accommodations, things to do, and more.

Another great part of the book is the Snapshots section.  You'll find further information on Accommodations, Artistic Paris, Food, Literary Paris, Markets, Romantic Paris, shopping, music and theatre, and more.

Of great usefulness are the maps. There's a detailed pull-out map of Paris, as well as a map on the back inside cover of the Metro system.

I haven't been to Paris in many years, and the descriptions of both things I love, and things I haven't explored yet are enough to make me start searching for airfare...

Kudos to Lonely Planet for packing such a powerful punch into such a small, portable guidebook. This one is perfect for tucking into a stocking!
There's also a new, 2nd edition of the Paris Encounter - YAY!