France Guidebook

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

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

The shorter Rick Steves 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 Pocket guide) in addition to the France guidebook?

If you're not spending more than a few days in Paris, Rick Steves 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, several additional self-guided city walks and museum/sight tours, more detail on day-trip options, and more specifics on shopping and nightlife, plus activities for kids. Other information is generally the same — the Paris chapter of Rick Steves France has nearly all the hotels, restaurants, and nitty-gritty practical advice for Paris that you'll find in the Rick Steves Paris guidebook.

It would make less sense to supplement Rick Steves France with the smaller Pocket Paris guide. While the pocket guide has one walk that's not included in the Paris chapter of Rick Steves France, it otherwise offers far more limited coverage of the city's sights, hotels, and restaurants.

Should I get the Provence and French Riviera guidebook in addition to the France guidebook?

If you're spending no more than a week in Provence and/or the Riviera, Rick Steves France is all you're likely to need. The France guidebook includes coverage of the most popular destinations in this region, and with nearly all of Rick's practical advice and hotel and restaurant listings for those cities and towns.

If you plan to spend a week or more in Provence and/or the French Riviera, Rick Steves Provence & French Riviera is worthwhile (or get Rick Steves Snapshot: Nice & the French Riviera if you're just sticking to the Riviera). Both titles really delve into the region, covering significantly more destinations there, and with more in-depth sightseeing information for Nice, as well as extra background on the region's culture and history.

Should I get the Snapshot: Basque Country guide in addition to the France guidebook?

Yes! If your trip to France includes a visit to the Basque Country, this Snapshot guide is the perfect companion to Rick Steves France, which does not cover the French (or Spanish) Basque towns covered in Snapshot: Basque Country.

Should I get the Snapshot: Nice & the French Riviera guide in addition to the France guidebook?

Probably not — Rick Steves France has nearly as much information on the Riviera as the Snapshot guide. But, as mentioned above, the Snapshot guide is worthwhile if you'd like more comprehensive coverage of the region, or any information on Menton, Cannes, or St-Tropez (none of which are included in Rick Steves France).