If you're one of those people who are always looking for the 'hidden gems' when you visit a city, then you'll love Don't Be a Tourist in Paris, which is dedicated to unveiling the best that Paris has to offer - outside the tourist traps.

I've been to Paris on several occasions, but after having read this book, it makes me want to visit all over again - and this time I'll ensure I do it properly by avoiding the usual haunts.

​Recommendations within the book cover everything from hotels to bars, restaurants, clubs and bistros to creative haunts such as bookshops and galleries.  I loved the playful tone of some of the headings within the book like where to go if you're 'feeding a broken heart or a hangover' and 'Top 5 for a detox (after two much wine and cheese)', which let's be honest, we can all relate to! There are also tips on how to find French village life in the city and where to 'eat like a local', to ensure you'll find some authentic treasures along the way.

When I next board the Eurostar, I'll be clutching my copy of this book ready to explore all of the wonderful places that Vanessa has taken the time to painstakingly explore, so that we can all feel like cool Parisians - even if it's only for a weekend.

​Don't Be a Tourist in Paris is published by ROADS Publishing and is available from Amazon.co.uk (£25.00 for a hardcover).

A.A. Miln

I've always loved visiting Paris, both for its remarkable beauty and for its cultural and culinary delights, amongst many other reasons.

So, I was pleased to discover Bridges of Paris, a unique photography book that focuses on the 37 beautiful bridges that cross the River Seine, collectively weaving a unique and remarkable tale of the city’s history. Photojournalist Michael Saint captured more than 350 original images of Paris and the bridges that lay at its heart, all compiled with love for this stunning coffee table book, which will delight any fan of Paris. The book features glorious portraits of each bridge as well as intimate riverside moments.
   
Interesting themes explored within Bridges of Paris include Paris bridges as destinations, the history of bridges in Paris and how bridges help to connect diverse communities on either side of the river.

Saint James said, “Bridges of Paris is a kaleidoscopic collage that shifts focus from the monumental to the minutia that make up the quotidienne, (daily life) of the beloved French capital."  My passion for Paris and my art compelled me to spend a full year living in the city. I was able to develop an intimate relationship with the culture, people and bridges that Paris has to offer. I hope my book helps people experience a new culture with an open mind.”

The Bridges of Paris is now available in hard copy from Citron Bay Press, Amazon.com and select independent retailers.
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A.A. Miln

Paris is a spectacular city revered by many for its incredibly stylish residents and its alluring beauty. For lovers of Paris (whether you've been a a hundred times or your yearning to one day visit), it's a must-have coffee-table book.

Paris Sketchbook by renowned fashion illustrator Jason Brooks and published by Laurence King is a unique collection of drawings, collages, notes and sketches in the form of a beautifully illustrated journal that celebrates the history, elegance and style of everyone’s favourite European city. 

“Who doesn’t love Paris? I find the aesthetics of the city endlessly inspiring, it is a place imbued with a unique feeling of history, elegance and glamour. Paris also holds many happy memories for me personally, from my childhood drawing on paper napkins in restaurants to making illustrated reports from the Couture Fashion shows in my twenties. It is a city that I love and keep coming back to.” - Jason Brooks

The book captures the time  Jason Brooks spent in Paris across all four seasons, while showcasing illustrations such as a wintry night on the Champs-Elysees, breakfast at the Café Flore and the Jardin du Luxembourg boating pond on a sunny day in June. 

Arranged into themed chapters such as Architecture, The Street, Fashion, Shopping and Art, Jason communicates what we all love about Paris through his brilliant illustrations, showing why it stands apart from other capital cities and is considered shorthand for all that is romantic, nostalgic and glamorous. 

The global brands, grand department stores, flea markets and hidden boutiques that make Paris a renowned shopping destination are also depicted in the book, including Lanvin, Chanel, Diptyque, A.P.C, Colette and Dior. 

Travel has been a recurrent theme in his work and his adventures continue to inspire and inform his visual repertoire.

Every time I flick through the beautiful pages of this book, I'm inspired to hop on a plane for my next Parisian fix.   


Paris Sketchbook by Jason Brooks is available fromLaurence King Publishing for £17.95.


A. A. Miln