The Paris Shopping Companion

“The Paris Shopping Companion” by Susan Swire Winkler with Caroline Lesieur (fourth edition, 2006, Cumberland House Publishing, Inc. ISBN 13978581825121 — 257 pp., $14.95 paperback).

“Paris in your pocket” is the back-cover blurb, but I question whether this sizable book (5½"x9") would really be convenient to take on a shopping expedition. Also, the black-and-white photos are surprisingly mundane, given the plethora of pricey goodies on display. The maps, however, are good, as is the overall organization of the book.

It’s organized by areas — left bank, right bank, the Marias, the 16th arrondissement — as well as in sections on budget shopping, size-conversion tables, shipping and Customs information. Each store listed has a key showing location, Métro stop, hours, payment accepted and price range. A handy tool for shopoholics, at least for the planning stage of the trip.

— Jane Albusche, ITN