Parisian Chic City Guide – A Book Review

There is only one thing for it.

I’m afraid someone is going to have to run an intervention.

Yep, I’ve done it again. I’ve purchased (yet) another guide book. For Paris. A city I’ve travelled to more times than I can remember.

Of course, in my own defence, I was always going to buy this book. I’ve admired its author Ines de la Fressange since the days when she was Karl Lagerfield’s muse.

I loved her first book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide with its deep red cover. I bought it while on holiday in Queensland (in northern Australia) and I subsequently spent my time poolside immersed in Ines’ ideas on Parisian style. And it was through this first book that I was introduced to my favourite Serge Lutens product – a perfect, compact sized red lipstick!

So when I learned that Ines had released a second book it was immediately on my wish list – despite the fact that it was a guide book! I held out until I located the printed version, which is a rarity for me these days. But I’m so glad I did, due to all the stylish features of this book.

Title: ’Parisian Chic City Guide.’

Author: Ines de la Fressange (with Sophie Gachet).

Published: 2015, Softcover, 173 pages, plus room for notes.

What I Liked:

• The flow of the book. Ines’ tips are laid out by Parisian arrondissements. Through each chapter, you are introduced to a new district and the draw cards for creative food and fashion lovers.
• The tips themselves. This is no run of the mill guide book. In its pages you will discover true local secrets rather than your typical tourist haunts.
• All of the design elements of the book. From the soft touch cover, in Ines’ signature colour of French navy, through to the little pocket to hold your notes and receipts, this book is cool. And I loved the use of colour throughout, including the red, white and blue page marker.
• I was really taken by the size. The book is not much larger than the size of my hand, making it perfect to travel with.
• The maps. Vintage maps pepper the pages and add another stylish touch to the book.

What I Wasn’t So Sure About:

• Ines’ books are translated from French and I think they lose a little something in the translation. Nothing major of course, but just enough to make things feel slightly clunky every now and then.

Are you a huge Ines fan like I am? Have you read Parisian Chic City Guide? What did you think of it? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Until next time – au revoir.

 
Please note: This is an unsolicited post and no compensation of any kind has been received from Ines de la Fressange, Sophie Gachet, associated publishers or distributors.