Yes, Authentik with a ‘k’. Handy size, snappily-written, and we’re in ‘em!


We’ve got our hands on the new Authentik selection of guides to Paris and London (and soon New York too), published by Mont-Tonnerre, and I have to say that they are rather good! The three Paris guides are about Chic Paris, Gourmet Paris and Artistik Paris and have got a lot of things right (and I’m not just talking about the writing)…

1. The format. Cute pocket-size with a rough cardboard cover that recalls a bygone age when travel was exotic, ribbons to keep your page and elastic to keep the whole thing shut.
2. Map and notebook at the back. Great for when you get lost in Montparnasse or inspired in the Tuileries gardens.
3. The details. Sturdy binding, modern design with a classical twist and lots of little drawings to give the text life (and give you an idea of what’s in store for your visit).
4. The writing, of course. I’ve read quite a few Paris guides, and most of them left quite a lot to be desired. Here, it is very obvious that the writers know the city well, and love it. There are concise and pertinent comments about all the places noted, lots of insider information and description to get your imagination whirring!

Being centrally located, many of our hotels are mentioned. For instance, Artistik Paris talks about Andre Breton’s stay at the Hôtel des Grands Hommes, and our photo prize also caught their attention. However, it’s the details in the Gourmet Paris guide that I particularly liked…

It just so happens that our hotels are in Saint-Germain, The Latin Quarter and near the Eiffel Tower. So what does the guide have to say? Mont-Tonnerre kindly allowed us to scan a couple of pages to show you. Read on…

Of course they are absolutely right. The descriptions of shops and restaurants are spot on, and there are even a few places that I’m looking forward to discovering! We recommend the Authentik guides, and it has nothing to do with being in them.

If you want to get hold of the guides, Amazon sell them very cheaply (around £7/$12). The site also allows you to take a quick look at the first few pages of each to make sure that you like them. Click here for the Amazon UK page and here for the US page. (P.S. Looks like a Paris notebook in the same series is due for the end of the year. Cool!)