Two things that won’t shock anyone. 1. I miss travelling and holidays. 2. I think Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As such, I recently picked up The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris which has been on my bookshelf for around a year now.
I have been lucky enough to go to Paris twice. First was on a school trip when I was around 14 or 15. It was blazing hot for the entire time, we did all the tourist spots plus Disney. The second was with one of my best friends in our early twenties. It was freezing cold, when we got to the top of the Eiffel Tower you couldn’t see anything for fog but we drank plenty of red wine. Very different trips but I have a great fondness for the beautiful city.
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris
by John Baxter
Paris, by custom and design, is a pedestrian’s city – each block a revelation, every neighbourhood a new feast for the senses, a place rich with history and romance at every turn. This is your guide par excellence to the true, off-the-beaten-track heart of the City of Lights.
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris Review
In a time where we can only but dream of travelling, this book is a godsend! It immediately transports you from your armchair or bed, or wherever you like to read, to Paris. From page one, you’re walking through the streets of Paris, on your way to a café where you can sit and watch the world go by, drink in hand.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know this author although he’s written quite a lot, what I can say is his life sounds fabulous! Living in Paris surrounded by so much history, literary or other, sounds like such a dream.
Full of stories and snippets into the lives of people who have lived in Paris – both famous and not – you get a real sense of what draws so many people to this beautiful city. Plus plenty of literary references along the way. Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald etc. The whole gang! The author cleverly weaves together all these stories which are not necessarily connected but together they bring Paris to life. I also really liked the guide to Paris at the end, so next time I go (one day, fingers crossed) I can try and emulate the Parisians.
Fun fact, when my friend and I went to Paris a man asked us for directions in French because he thought we were from there – it was the biggest compliment we’ve ever received I think.
This book is definitely one to read if you’re missing the travelling bug!
Thanks for reading, hope you check this book out.
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1 Comment
This was already sounding good and then you mentioned the literary references, wonderful!