Hi--

Don't know if this is appropriate on a Fodors message board. Didn't see anything about it in the rules/FAQ but tf it isn't appropriate, please let me know...

Anyway, has anyone bought the Insider Paris Guides at http://www.insiderparisguides.com? Am wondering if they give any more insight than any of the other more "common" guide books (rick steve's, fodor's, frommer's, etc). I did a search and didn't find any posts about these guide

I am sure this has been discussed to death in another thread but I like the DK Eyewitness Guides and the Green Michelin. The latter is particularly good for planning your attack on the museums--details the wings, etc.

Various guidebooks are discussed on occasion. The main result? It depends, everyone has different needs. Choose which feels right to you.

I didn't see that thread, but did manage unfortunately to get on the spam list for that firm (someone sold my name, paris Insites, I think). Anyway, I did get off it, at least.

I've viewed them but didn't buy them -- it seems kind of obvious they are not in any way a substitution for a general comprehensive guidebook like you cite, but they have a couple narrow-interest books that address one topic (ie, gay paris, biking paris). They also seem rather expensive to me. I think that organization is for rather well-off people that own a lot of expensive property in Europe or something (the International Living part) and a lot of those publications are for expats, not typical tourists.

I think I've heard the Leeds guide to restaurants is good.

Thanks for the advice. I found plenty of opinions on other guide books here, just never saw these mentioned. They seemed pretty expensive to me, too.

Not exactly the answer to your question, but we've found the Paris edition of the Zagats restaurant guide to be very helpful. As the poll results are compiled from reviews by your everyday patron (most of who are Parisians in this case) the reviews tend to be fairly accurate.

I'm with Gretchen. Either the Green Guide or the DK Eyewitness guide (or both) would serve you well in Paris.

i really enjoyed using the AAA spiral guides. really well layed out and organized. it helps in planning your days.