Amy40

Local bookstore had a deck of 50 cards for "city walks" in Paris. They were wrapped so I could not get a glimpse. But the portability factor seems irresistable. Have you seen them or used them? Thanks!

yk

Topping this post.

I just read about it in a throw-away magazine. They have City Walks: Paris & City Walks: NY. Each is a deck of 50 cards with one walking tour on each card. So, instead of hauling a big guide book, one can take a few "cards" along each day for the specific walks.

Wonder if anyone has seen/used it?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...R&st=books

Seamus

Bought this before our last trip and while I looked over some of the cards we didn't actually follow them, mostly because we had other things planned and hadn't extra time. There are some nice walks, though, and the size of the cards make them easy to carry in a pocket. Will likely use on a future trip.

Iregeo

Topping. Any recent information on this product?

sfowler

I was given the cards as a Christmas present by a friend who knows well my Paris addiction. I haven't been to Paris since then, but in looking through the cards they seemed designed more for the first-timer than an old hand, although there were some useful eating & shopping tips included.

Indygirl2

I have a set of them, but haven't used them yet. My first chance to do so will be in September. I haven't looked at them too carefully since first buying them in April, but if I remember correctly, the walks aren't overly long or ambitious and the information given about the sites and stops along the way isn't overly detailed. The beauty of the cards is that they're easy to carry, don't take up a whole afternoon and are probably easier to follow than the average guide book. I have one other book of Paris walks, I think by Time Out. The walking tours are all presented by different writers and are much more detailed and evocative. Unfortunately, the book is a bit unwieldy and the walks are often too long. I prefer to just read it in the comfort of my home.

I would note that you can look at the cards on Amazon (it will ask you if you want to "search inside." That might give you a better idea of their content.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...R&st=books

Kate

mermaid_

I have the cards and have used them in Paris. I pulled out the cards for the neighborhoods I knew I'd be in, and brought only those. With 50 walks to choose from, I have a lot more trips to Paris to go before I've exhausted the sightseeing!

Some of the walks:

- Les Batignolles
- Parc Monceau
- Beaubourg
- Passy
- La Butte aux Cailles
- Basilique St. Denis
- Rue du Bac
- Les Halles
- Parc Montsouris
- Bercy
- Viaduc des Arts
- Trocadero
- Pere Lachaise
- La Madeleine

In addition, of course, to the better known attractions of Marais, Montmartre, Louvre, etc.

Iregeo

Well, I went out and bought a set today and wow, they're perfect for a person like me, born without an internal compass! While I love to wander, I get nervous not knowing where I am, and I can spend 20 min. finding my place on the map each time I look! Anyway, each card is light, compact and focused on one small area, which can always be expanded on. Of course, I'll never leave the hotel without my Michelin Green Guide to fill in the informational gaps.

I plan to spend tonite reading each and every one to whet my appetite!!!

Woo hoo! I'm going to Paris!!!

JulieVikmanis

Where can I buy a set of these? We go to Paris with some frequency with a couple we often travel with. I've planned walking trip after walking trip and we've pretty well exhausted the possibilities. This would give us a chance to just throw all the cards in a pile and draw out the day's repeat trip. Could be fun.

wren

Hi Julie, When the stores are open, I am going to see if Barnes and Noble has them, as they have them online. I will let you know. You could order them from Amazon otherwise. They look pretty neat to me!

janis

I don't have the Paris set but did buy the London ones. I didn't plan on actually using them but simply for a prop/display copy during one of my travel seminars.

Well, when I got in to them they are great. Yes there are some of the usual suspects in touristy areas, but in the 50 walks are some more off the beaten path ones like Crouch End Brixton.

They are convenient because they have a clear map on one side and the directions/descriptions on the other. My one complaint is that they don't tell the walk's length. Most are short - 1 to 2 miles - but just looking at them I know some are longer and folks could be misled into thinking they are on a 20 minute stroll when they are really on a 3 hour hike. The scale is explained in the cover text but not on individual maps - it would be a big improvement if they just placed a scale ruler at the bottom of each walk map.

I got mune at Borders abut have also seen them at Barnes & Noble.

jody

I had the same feeling as sfowler..they focus too much on shops and restaurants..though I have found the maps handy. I take a few each trip because they are a handy size and easy to read.

Iregeo

I bought mine at Barnes and Noble. If they don't have them in stock, they can get them in a day or two.

They're not that detailed, but they are helpful. They cover lots of Paris and each walk is said to take an hour or two, mostly on flat ground, with some exceptions. Of course, you can always vary them, and add to them, with the assistance of the guide book of your choice.

For me, the huge benefit (especially sicne I'm travelling alone)will be my own comfort level of not feeling lost. That will make me enjoy my strolls more!

They're 14.95, I think,

Iregeo

BTW, for those of you interested in these cards with a HOMEGOODS store nearby, they are selling them for 9 or 10 bucks. Unfortunately, my store only had London and NY.

amesinc

Recently purchased both sets, London and Paris at my local Costco for $8.99 ea plus tax. Hope to use them this summer in each city.