laurie_ann

I don't think anyone has mentioned the Time Out series, which covers many cities in Europe and beyond. They have a general book for Paris and a separate one for walking tours. Get a preview at www.timeout.com. I like them, and have used them in London,Madrid, Prague, New York and Tokyo besides Paris as they are a bit more "hip" than traditional guide books and have a bit more depth than Lets Go, but, because they are geared to a more youthful audience, they tend to have good reasonably priced, if not bargain basement suggestions, for accomodations, dining, siteseeing, shopping. Have a great trip.

SuzieC

I probably own every guidebook as well on Paris <GRIN>... One could use their local library (Or, get a cuppa at either a Borders or Barnes & Noble and read...) I have to budget.
With that in mind, the two books I took with me were ACCESS and the Eyewitness Guide...
A search here will clue you into the budget hotels recommended... and restaurants too

MAP

Don't forget Sandra Gustafson's Great Eats in Paris and Great Sleeps. Try restaurant Perraudin, a casual favorite of ours.

flygirl

not really guide books, but fabulous when you just want to pick up a book and pick and choose the various chapters... anything by Barrie Kerper in the Collected Traveler series. it will get you going on history, gastronomy, sightseeing, and point you in a direction for further learning. I devoured her books prior to my other trips to Paris and Provence. I have all her other books in that series except for the one on Southwest France, which I will have to pick up soon (I am a guidebook junkie - an entire bookshelf just for my guidebooks).

your first trip? you will be back again and again! I've lost track - surely closing in on a dozen.