image - vicki archer
'Worth walking for' is the dedication that John Baxter writes to open his narrative and guide to walking in Paris. That was enough to have me turning pages all weekend... The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris is Baxter's memoir to the City of Light, it's his personal walking tour, his anecdotes and his discoveries along the way... It's Midnight in Paris but better...
'In this enchanting memoir, acclaimed author and long- time Paris resident John Baxter remembers his yearlong experience of giving "literary walking tours" through the city. Baxter sets off with unsuspecting tourists in tow on the trail of Paris's legendary artists and writers of the past. Along the way, he tells the history of Paris through a brilliant cast of characters: the favorite cafÉs of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce; Pablo Picasso's underground Montmartre haunts; the bustling boulevards of the late-nineteenth-century flÂneurs; the secluded "Little Luxembourg" gardens beloved by Gertrude Stein; the alleys where revolutionaries plotted; and finally Baxter's own favorite walk near his home in Saint-Germain-des-PrÉs.
Paris, by custom and design, is a pedestrian's city—each block a revelation, every neighborhood a new feast for the senses, a place rich with history and romance at every turn. The Most Beautiful Walk in the World is your guide, par excellence, to the true, off-the-beaten-path heart of the City of Lights.'
This one is a must to read and one for the bookshelves... Thank you Jeanne... xv
European readers can find it here...
my daily click HERE
So much to see
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift. Walking through Paris with John Baxters knowledge at hand will compound the experience. I am such a flaneur at heart and can think of nothing better than being able to eavesdrop into the lives of Gertrude Stein and Picasso whilst strolling through the city.
ReplyDeletePaul
Fabulous
Am making a n0te of this one.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds delightful. I clicked over to Amazon and "looked inside" and fell in love. It's on the way. Thank you for recommending this Vicki. I can't wait for it to arrive.
ReplyDeleteSam
I must read this. No other city in the world offers delights at every turn as Paris does...just thinking of it gets me excited. Ahhh....how I wish I was able to go walking there today!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tip on this book. It sounds wonderful, and I will be getting a copy! I'm sure it will make me want to revisit Paris. Love your photograph too!
ReplyDeleteClaudia
So thrilled that you are enjoying this book Vicki! You are a treasure for your kind words. ;) I think a literary walking tour with John Baxter is in order one day...in Paris. Or then again...we could go Australian and simply go 'walkabout' in Paris. I am all smiles at the thought...this is a must! :)xx
ReplyDeleteSounds absolutely fabulous - a must read for me!! And your photo is absolutely enchanting - exactly how I think of Paris!! What a lovely gift from a thoughtful friend!!
ReplyDelete... AMAZING book I found in my bookshop yesterday ... I bought it and can't stop looking ... Paris, A Journey Through Time by Leonard Pitt ... old street photos of Paris before Haussmann and now (right next to each other) ... I had always thought Haussmann ruined much of old Paris, but he actually made it visually "available" ... I will check out John Baxter's book .. thanks so much for bringing new books to the conversation.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what beautiful flowers are planted in the urns in the image. I love the two shades of pink. Sounds like the perfect book for an armchair vacation.
ReplyDeleteKaren
They are chrysanthemums Karen... xv
DeleteThis book is a rear gem among hundreds about Paris. I love it and have an entire post with images for it http://jewelyettofind.blogspot.ca/2012/01/walking-with-john-baxter.html.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy Vicki if you could stop by.
There are other John Baxter's books, I have several and like them all. You might also like his We'll Always Have Paris and Immoveable Feast. Easy, nourishing and enjoyable read.
Happy reading.
Natalie
Getting it on my KindleFire right now. I will never know Paris or France as you do, but this will certainly help. One of my favorite areas is around the Place des Vosges & I often wonder how many tourists never visit this awe-inspiring place. Lovely photograph, Vicki. Those flowers.....
ReplyDeleteSounds like a must-read. Lucky me, a birthday trip to Paris is in the works. Can wait for long walks in my favorite city, and this looks like the perfect book to tuck into my back. Thanks Vicki!
ReplyDeleteWalking is the only way to see and truly enjoy all the beauty of Paris! Can't wait to return and do it again.
ReplyDeleteOff this week on the Queen Elizabeth - Singapore to Dubai and all points between - with lots of walking in many hot countries, phew! At least it will 'walk off' the scrumptious food the ship is known to serve!
Hugs - Mary
A must have book and I thank you Vicki and to Jeanne for the introduction. I trust anything the two of you would speak highly of. I cannot wait to jump on the train here in Aberdeen in an evening and be in Paris by morning. Adventures await!
ReplyDeleteHAve a lovely day Vicki x Deb
My bookshelves are bulging and now I think I must try and squeeze just one more into the collection. Thank you for the recommendation Vicki and for that gorgeous shot of Paris en printemps!
ReplyDeleteV
Just got this book for my birthday and can't wait to start reading. I really loved his "Immovable Feast" and I'm looking forward to enjoying this one as well.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Vicki. I read on online review of this book on a blog a few days ago (I could have sworn it was here, but apparently not since you have just read it yourself.) Anyhow, immediately downloaded it into my brand-new Nook Tablet - a birthday gift from my boys. See this week's post ;-) - I have not opened it yet. Finishing two other books this week! Can't wait. The reviews are excellent. Bonne semaine, M'dame Vicki. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful recommendaton. Paris is everything...but what you remember after the incredible architecture and staggeringly beautiful museums and gardens are the little sensations, the way a necklace is draped on a mannequin, the scent of someone passing you by, dainty pastries lined up on golden papers behind a spotless window, the click-clacking of a heel on ancient stone, the wonder around the next corner. The way you think and feel about life when you are there.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhh!!!
Agree totally - I have just finished this charming book and of course, now want to "take a walk" with the author ... Perhaps he will be too busy for his walks and lunches now ?
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful gift + will get this book. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteIt it top of my wish list now to just take my camera and stroll the streets of Paris... In fact, I can stroll aroudf the outside of the Louvre alone for an entire day and capture the architecture, never mind all the rest! I have a particuliar love of The Marias...sigh... you lucky gal! Love the pic!
ReplyDeleteVeronica
Perfect for me, we will be in Paris in August and then head for the Aquitaine/Dordogne area! So excited about it.
ReplyDeleteWalking, talking, dreaming!
Oh rats - I just did an amazon.com order yesterday! I'll have to add this to my next list...
ReplyDeleteI've been really sick the past week or so with a fever and cough / flu like thing and haven't been online much. Reading through these recent posts, so filled with beauty, is a shot of inspiration I needed!
What a beautiful photo!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteBaxter's book 'We'l Always Have Paris' was a huge bestseller - and rightly so. It was wonderful. I've seen a lot of good media about this book, so will look forward to reading it now - especially after your lovely review!
ReplyDeleteJanelle McCulloch
I read this lovely little memoir on Boxing Day last year...it was a Xmas pressie from a dear friend. It's an easy entertaining book and you will most definitely appreciate more of Paris after reading it.....c'est fantastique!
ReplyDeleteOH my gosh..how timely! I JUST saw Midnight in Paris, and even though I had absolutely NO idea what the movie was about before I rented it, it could not have been more perfect!
ReplyDeleteI was in Paris when I was just 18...with my dad, as a graduation gift from him; and was besotted. We didn't have enough time there, although we did spend some time in the country with a dentist friend of his which was fabulous in every way. I only wish I'd been older so I could truly appreciate it as I would now! I had a great time, but to truly absorb and appreciate, you just really need to have some life experience. Although, we stayed at a hotel on the Champs de Lysees, and went to the Moulin Rouge (very risque for an 18 yr old from Napa, CA,but I was completely mesmerized, LOL) and some other night clubs...I would give anything to return. I am looking right now to see if my library can get this book. After being a total NUT over Peter Mayle's books, it's an absolute must-read! Thank you for all the beauty and light you bring to us!
Sounds wonderful, Vicki, and has sent my mind wandering...
ReplyDeleteAh oui, sounds like another irresistible book! (Gorgeous photo to boot!)
ReplyDeleteOh Vicki! Thanks ever so much for sharing this. My Mum and her best friend are heading over to Paris soon so this is perfect for them. Hmm, I might just have to buy a copy myself...J x
ReplyDeleteUne superbe photo... gros bisous
ReplyDeleteSounds like a delightful read. Thanks for the recommendation. I love the photo too - how totally gorgeous are the 'pots of colour'?
ReplyDeleteClare x
Mmmmm, the dodgy knee is creaking at the very thought of a brisk walking tour of Paris, but there's nothing wrong with my eyes! Sounds like Matilda's book shop in Stirling will get an order. Oh & I forgot to tell you they had a gorgeous display of French Essence in their front window recently. Nothing flash mind you, just a pretty little vignette on an old scrubbed pine table, with a simple vase of fresh garden roses as adornment. I wish the author could have been there to do some schmoozing & signing with the village locals.
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
Millie... I wish I was there too... When you next go in could you please say thank you to Matilda's and tell them I am thrilled to have French Essence in their window... and roses... just perfect...
ReplyDeleteGet that knee working and come to Paris... walking could be therapy! xv
Dear Vicki
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post and the facebook link. Lovely to hear such an interesting Australian talking about Paris. The book sounds wonderful. Sadly we're leaving too soon for a long holiday in Europe to receive the book from Amazon before we depart.
We'll be in Paris in June for three weeks. Do you know if he still conducts tours there? Would love to book on one. We're specially fond of the Place Furstenberg, it's truly beautiful, but we didn't know the other street. It would be wonderful if we could ask him to guide us through his favourite places. I hope you'll be able to reply.
I don't know if John continues to guide walks but here is the link to his website and I notice there are contact details... Always worth a try, I am sure it would be amazing... http://www.johnbaxterparis.com/ xv
DeleteMany thanks Vicki. I've ordered the book and will keep fingers crossed that it arrives before we leave. Have also sent him an email asking about the possibility of a guided walk. Cheers, Pamela.
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