The Riches of Paris: A Shopping and Touring Guide

By Maribeth Clemente

Book Overview

Long considered the epitome of all that is chic, glamours, and desirable, Paris is every shopper's dream. But even the most indefatigable shopper is sure to be overwhelmed by the embarras de richesses . In The Riches of Paris , Maribeth Clemente shares her insider's knowledge of the choicest boutiques, restaurants, wine cellars, and auctions to help you find endless treasures. Whether you're looking for designer fashions, Limoges china, the finest perfumes, the best Bordeaux, or just browsing, The Riches of Paris is an indispensable guide for making your visit to Paris enjoyable and unforgettable.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312269072
• ISBN13: 9780312269074
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.9" x 5.6"

Customer Reviews

Finally something different

I am sitting here looking at 7 different travel books of Paris that I received as gifts prior to my trip to Paris. Now this was my 2nd trip; the first one was in 1966 and I was in high school so I don't think it really counts. I felt like I was starting over and I really didn't know where to start. While some of the guide books were helpful, I really wanted to get a few very special momentos of the trip - especially scarves - so I was just thrilled when I happened upon Maribeth's book at Shakespeare and Co. when we were already there. I devoured the book that night and from it easily found several wonderful shops that I never would have seen were it not for her shop. I look forward to using it to an even greater degree as I plan a trip back next year.

Your Paris Shopping Map-Don't Leave Home Without It!

Most of the Paris guides available give plenty of information on using the Paris Metro, the museums, and taking a taxi. However, what they lack is information on the very things that make a visit to Paris memorable and personal. Maribeth Clemente's "The Riches of Paris" provides key information on a wide variety of shopping interests. Are you into antique books?-the book has it....Are you into food stores, children's boutiques, or flowers? - the book has it. How about the best place to get a couture scarf, a pen, a cigar? - Again, the book has it. What I especially found useful was my ability to plan my shopping excursions before I got onto the plane...when I arrived I was able to fit in both the best sightseeing and museums AND the shops I knew would be of interest to me. My time was efficiently planned and I was able to fit many more memorable experiences into my trip. Ms. Clemente's index is especially useful in personalizing your trip...seperating shops by like categories, and presenting them in the book by area. This categorization takes the work out of planning a day....one day I planned to visit a particular area...I was set because of the book. Another day I decided to visit all children's toy stores...no problem again because of the book! A must have for getting the most out of your time!

The elegance and excitement that is only Paris...

...is evident in every page. Even if I hadn't been planning another trip to the city of lights, I would have been on the next flight!As shown in her other books, Maribeth Clemente has a wonderful way of not only giving you the information that you need, but getting you excited about your exploration with every word. She covers the "unique" of Paris with a fresh, honest perspective. I feel like I'm walking down a lovely boulevard with her as my guide. When I've checked the "reality" of other travel books, I've found a real mix--what I read was not always what I got. It seems like reviews were completed by multiple sources with multiple perspectives of what would entice. Maribeth Clemente's insight/personality is consistent, elegant, fun and unexpected. And yet...she always seems to leave a little bit to your own exploration. I trust her to route me to the best--especially if I don't have a lot of time. This book is also an improvement from prior releases in it's organization--making quicker, easier reference to the user "on the road". Thanks!

PARIS - A CITY OF ROMANCE, LIGHTS AND DELIGHTS!

One has not travelled until you have visited Paris. It is a city of wonder, history, romance, excitement and fashion. I studied for a short time in Paris many years ago and fell in love with the city. It also fell in love with my pocket book! The cafes, exquisite boutiques, and Epicurean cuisine will forever be a cherished memory; however, the first-time traveller to Paris should be forwarned; it can be a VERY EXPENSIVE city to enjoy, particularly if you do not know where you will get "the best value for your dollar." As this book clearly points out, most of the better hotels are luxurious and quite costly, as are the better known, finer restaurants. You definitely will not want to leave home without your trusty credit card! I purchased a Chanel Tee-shirt and for the same price, I could have purchased an entire rack of tee-shirts in my country. However, the joy of Paris is for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one you will never regret no matter what the cost. The book is not complete; however, many of the special places of interest are not included in the book, which was rather disappointing. There are also some excellent more affordable restaurants and places to stay in Paris which are not listed here. The book was interesting and informative but did tend to patronize basically the higher-end, upscale facilities.