NIGHT+DAY Paris
Author: Alison Culliford
ISBN: 0-9766013-8-9
Price: $17.95

Web Direct Price: $15.95

Paris is many things to many people. While some come to experience its sleek sophistication, others indulge in the neo-bohemian scene, and still others flock here to enjoy the pinnacle of romance. No matter what you seek, Night+Day will show you how to make every minute in the City of Lights a memorable one.

August Love Letter

Beginning in mid-July, Parisians begin to leave the city en masse for their annual summer vacations. By mid-August, visitors easily outnumber locals. While it's still far from a ghost town, there's considerably less traffic, blaring sirens, and bustling commuters. Many restaurants close for a few weeks, but it's easier to snag a reservation at the ones that remain open. All this and the finest weather of the year make August the best month to see the city in relative peace. Locals who haven't split look forward to sprawling peacefully in the city's green spots, or watching the world go by from the shade of a terrace awning, pastis in hand.

Although I'm lucky enough to live next to the Canal St. Martin, which is a lazy dilettante mecca throughout summer, come August I'll be leaving my usual haunt to venture down to Paris Plages (paris.fr). This year sees no fewer than three separate "beaches": the original, still found next to the Hôtel de Ville; last year's space at the Villette, which has doubled in size; and a brand new one past the Bibliothèque Nationale. They're all bursting with brand new features, in addition to the existing swimming pools and sports facilities, which I'll no doubt ignore in favor of the lounge chairs.

Colin Mitchell

Today's savvy travelers rely on NIGHT+DAY Paris—with its opinionated listings, insightful descriptions, and witty, intelligent writing—to get the sophisticated edge in travel. From the trendiest tables, hippest hotels, top shops and galleries, to the hottest nightspots and coolest attractions, NIGHT+DAY Paris is packed with expert recommendations and insider tips.