Which guidebook?

Thanks, Ken. We will be in Nice for three nights, as that is where our plane lands. We will then spend a week near Menerbes in a Gite. Then one week in a Gite between Avignon and Carpentas. Then two weeks in an apartment in Paris. We do have the 2009 Rough Guide and Lonely Planet guides for Provence and Côte d'Azur but I wanted to get something more up to date for places to eat and I know Rick's guides are updated yearly. I have also found some great places to stay and/or eat using his guides. My local library does not seem to have to 2012 editions of Provence and Paris. I pretty much know what to see and do but I hate being on the street with no idea which restaurants are good or missing a wonderful restaurant because I did not know to go out of my way to a nearby town. This probably sounds like I'm being compulsive (at least my husband thinks so) but I've found that I have a much better trip if I feel informed.

Kay Just a note to remind you that guidebooks with a date of 2009 were written in 2008, probably mid 2008. Spending money on 2 or 3 up to date guidebooks and cutting out what you need is well worth your while. A small price to pay for several weeks in France. Have a wonderful trip in France! Bobbie

You didn't day how long you were planning to be in each location. The France book covers both Paris and Provence. If you're are planning to do both areas in a week to 10 days, that is the only book you'll need if your goal is to follow the Rick Steves' recommendations. I bought the Paris book for a recent 8 night stay in Paris. I has some additional detail over the France book and I think having it in addition was marginal. If your only interest is his food recommendations, I definitely wouldn't buy either of his books. I'm going to Cote d'Azur, etc next spring and checked the Provence book out from the local library. The Provence book covers a few additional locations but that was all I noticed. For a short stay it provides minimal additional information that you probably wouldn't make use of. Cutting the France book would certainly work unless you are going to stay over a week in each area. I would suggest you check out a new or recent version of the Paris and Provence books and see for yourself.

The truth is that there are many, many, many good restaurants not in the RS guide books. His just happen to be ones he or his writers have eaten in or have been around a while. You can always try the Michelin which has the most complete hotel and restaurant recommendations at viamichelin.com.

If you consider yourself a foodie, I second the recommendation for the Michelin Red Guide. Mr. Steves' restaurant recommendations tend to be more safe than memorable. Even if you don't have any interest in the high end "starred" establishments, the guide will have a recommendations for just about any decent-sized town in the country. Unlike nearly every other guidebook series, which typically sample only a tiny fraction of the available restaurants, the Michelin guide tests a huge number.

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely check out the Michelin guides. I don't consider myself a foodie, but I do like good food without spending a lot of money. I now remember the little Michelin Man logo to the side indicating good food at reasonable prices when I have looked at the Michelin guides in the past. Again, thanks to all.

Kay, Actually the viamichelin.com website is easier to use because it will show restaurants within an areain other words, if you type in a small place likes Gordes, it will show you everything within many kilometers of Gordes without having to look up each village individually.

Did it! You're right, Bets -- this makes it very easy. Now I am going to try it for Paris. Thanks again.