Best of France Guidebook

What's the difference between this Best of France guidebook and Rick's complete France guidebook?

Rick Steves France, the complete guide, offers more coverage of more destinations in a mostly black-and-white format.

The shorter Best of France guidebook focuses on France's top destinations and sights, is in full color, and is updated a little less frequently than the complete guide.

Both books are packed with hand-picked recommendations and Rick's travel advice and tips for saving time, money, and hassle.

Should I get the Paris guidebook (or Paris Pocket guide) in addition to the Best of France guidebook?

If you're spending only a few days in Paris, Rick Steves Best of France is all you're likely to need.

If, however, you're spending four days or more in Paris, the extra information in Rick Steves Paris can be worthwhile. It offers much more in-depth sightseeing information and logistical advice, several additional self-guided city walks and museum/sight tours, and more specifics on shopping and entertainment, plus suggestions for kids and wintertime visitors. The complete city guide also includes significantly more hotels and restaurants than the Paris chapter of Rick Steves Best of France. (Whereas the smaller Pocket Paris guide offers essentially the same info that's already in the Best Of guidebook.)

Should I get any of the Snapshot guides for France in addition to the Best of France guidebook?

If you're headed to the Basque Country, Rick Steves Snapshot: Basque Country is an essential supplement, as no part of that area is covered in the Best of France guidebook. But Best of France does cover Normandy and the French Riviera in a fair amount of detail — the extra information in Rick Steves Snapshot: Normandy and Rick Steves Snapshot: Nice & the French Riviera is only worthwhile for those who really want to dive into those regions.