The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Paris

Travel journalist Boukabou writes in the foreword to her Parisian guide that it was created for “both the physical traveler and the armchair explorer.” She exuberantly examines the architecture of one of the world’s beautiful cities in lively prose and outstanding photographs. Her book is an opportunity to slow down and savor the amazing sights that one might miss when visiting a city where there’s so much to do. Sections of the guide are devoted to such Parisian architectural delights as train stations, Métro entrances, museums, parks, cemeteries, churches, bridges, and theaters—each with photographs. Boukabou also offers fascinating tidbits of historical knowledge—for example, in the 18th century, walkers who wished to sit on a Parisian park bench and observe the surroundings had to pay a fee for the privilege. The final section provides self-guided walking tours, to help readers easily locate and visit the architectural sites in person. Spending time with this book is a joyful virtual visit to Paris—the only thing missing is a plate of macarons.