The Streets of Paris

A Guide to the City of Light Following in the Footsteps of Famous Parisians throughout History

Author: Susan Cahill

Ever since The Accidental Tourist, I have been entranced with quirky, and/or simply interesting guide books.  The Streets of Paris – A Guide to the City of Light Following in the Footsteps of Famous Parisians throughout History falls into that category like a meteor falling in the galaxy.  Susan Cahill provides a great commentary, and Marion Ranoux steps beside her with gorgeous pictures of the City of Love.

As we wander down the streets and neighborhoods where twelfth century lovers Abelard and Heloise lived and pass through to the twentieth century to the home of Edith Piaf, our wanderlust creates a fortress for interesting and intriguing facts and places of interest in the streets of Paris.

Medieval lovers, King Henry IV, Madame Curie, Colette, Edith Piaf – as Cahill reconstructs the lives of 22 Parisians – some hated, some loved –  she leads her readers into the lovely streets of Paris and to the quartiers of their lives: where they lived, worked, visited and places where their dreams and tragedies occurred.  Their favorite eateries, bars and restaurants demand our attention as Cahill provides a map of the hidden and alluring places where some of the 22 found their muse and their loves.

With a stunning four photograph layout, each chapter begins with a Metro stop and ends with a list of Nearbyes – points of interest for the reader and tourist, swaying in the streets to the most interesting cafes, gardens, squares, museums, bookstores, churches and patisseries along with myths and legends and facts all spun like butter into a tender and warm croissant.

Visit along with Cahill as she entrances and enchants us with a “guidebook” as rare and tempting as the “rues” of Paris and their famous hosts.

• We received a copy of this book for review.
• The Streets of Paris is available at Amazon.com and other booksellers