The Eyewitness Travel Guide France

The Eyewitness Travel Guide France by Roger Williams and Robin Gauldie is a rich visual handbook to the world's number one tourist destination. Color-coded sections make it easy to find the exact area you are looking for and are handily summarized on the front cover (The back cover has a convenient guide to all the symbols used throughout the book). In fact, the newest edition has streamlined this system to make it even easier to read quickly and turn to the right pages.

The strength of the book lies in the visual layout. Each chapter, covering a different region of France, begins with a topographical map overview - Sights at a Glance - and a short description of the area. As you work your way through the chapter, lush photographs accompany each entry and detailed 3-D plans of important sights zoom in on interior features and point out where to find them. Three-dimensional city maps suggest walking tours that include all the highlights and note when major sights are open.

The Travelers' Needs section at the back of the guidebook has time-sensitive information about lodging and restaurants. Much of this information can be found online these days or locally when you are on-site. More importantly, an additional section, entitled Survival Guide, provides practical information that has a longer shelf life including pages on personal security and health (Did you know that pharmacists in France can diagnose health problems and even recommend medications?), Communications, Shopping, Travel Information (how to use a parking meter or buy a train ticket) and more.

The only drawback to this lavish publication is its dead weight in the bottom of your bag.