Forever Paris: A Beautiful Armchair Travel Adventure for the Whole Family
I thought I would ask you a question this morning. What if you could travel to Paris without purchasing a plane ticket, packing a suitcase, or even leaving your favorite chair? Sometimes the best adventures begin with opening a book. I get to be an armchair traveler again today, and I couldn’t be happier!
I recently received a copy of Forever Paris: A Guide to the Timeless Soul of the City by Marin Montagut. When I first saw this book, I knew I wanted to sit down, turn the pages, and see where it would take me. And let me tell you, Paris has plenty of places waiting to be discovered!
This is one of those books that makes you want to pull up a armchair, grab a cup of coffee, and start planning adventures with the people you love. Before you even open Forever Paris, the cover catches your attention. The dark green cover reminds me of a Jane Austen novel and those beautiful old-fashioned libraries where you might find books that have been treasured for generations.
The entire cover is decorated in gold, with little illustrations that include the Eiffel Tower, a chair, a crown with a heart, a coffee cup, coins, and a gentleman who reminds me of a Roman emperor. On the back, you’ll find another illustration of the Eiffel Tower with a heart on top. I love that little detail!
When you open the book, you’re greeted by a page that looks like old-fashioned wallpaper, complete with a round mirror and a place to write, “This book belongs to.” I can already imagine writing Charlie’s name inside with the date he will receive the book before wrapping this book for Christmas.
Marin Montagut shares that he arrived in Paris at nineteen years old without a map or any real reference point. Can you imagine arriving in a city like Paris and setting out to discover everything on your own? Wouldn’t that be both amazing and just a tad bit scary at times?
His journey eventually led him to meet artisans, artists, antique dealers, bookbinders, hairstylists, and other talented people who have helped shape the Paris he loves. He describes this book as an invitation to discover the capital differently, take a journey back in time, and celebrate the people and skills that have been passed down through generations. I love that idea!
Some of the establishments featured have been around for decades, while others have been operating for centuries. That makes this book more than a travel guide. It is also a little piece of history. As someone who enjoys learning about the past, I can see this becoming a wonderful addition to our homeschool reading adventures.
There are approximately twenty chapters, beautiful illustrations, neighborhood maps, an index by place, and another index by category. The book is 287 pages, so there is plenty to explore without feeling like you have to sit down and read everything in one afternoon.
Which is perfect for our 10 Minutes Reading Challenge and its why you will find this book inside our Christmas Gift Guide/ Wish List and I will be asking Santa to bring copies of Forever Paris to all the #travelors he knows and #Homeschooling families as well as anyone who loves Paris.
As I flipped through the pages, I discovered illustrations of wardrobes, old-fashioned lamps, bicycles, wine buckets, bottles, beakers, hats, dogs, elephants, books, and even dominoes. You never quite know what you’ll discover when you turn the page which was half the fun of reading this book.
The illustrations give the book an old-world charm that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every little detail. I especially like that the author includes maps and information to help readers find their way around the city. Some of the sections include unusual places, neighborhood strolls, and covered passages. You can even look up where to go by using the book’s indexes.
Which Paris Adventure Would Our Family Choose?– One of my favorite features is the color-coded address guide.
Each category has its own color, making it easier to find the places that interest you.
- Yellow – Art and Culture: Museums, galleries, and cultural attractions.
- Green – Outdoor Activities: Gardens, parks, and outdoor adventures.
- Blue – Shops: Unique shops and places to discover.
- Red – Food Shops and Markets: Culinary treasures, markets, and specialty food shops.
- Light Pink – Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars: Places to sit, eat, and enjoy Paris.
- Orange – Entertainment, Wellness, and Hotels: More ways to enjoy your time in the city.
Now, if our family were actually planning a trip, I already know everyone would have a different place they wanted to visit first. Charlie and I would probably head straight for the cafés. I can picture us sitting outside, ordering an espresso for him and a croissant for me, watching the people walk by.
David and I would enjoy exploring the museums, artisans, and interesting historical places. My mother in law and I would love wandering through the beautiful gardens and discovering the neighborhoods. And I think David would probably start with the green section and all the outdoor activities. What about you? Which color would you choose first?
One of the things I appreciate most about Forever Paris is how easily it could become part of a homeschool lesson. You can explore historical neighborhoods, learn about artists and artisans, discover museums, and read about places that have been part of Paris for generations.
One section introduces the Jardin des Tuileries, one of Paris’s best-known historic gardens. The book also includes information about its history and the people who helped shape it. You could spend ten minutes reading about a particular location, find it on the map, and then look up more information about its history.
You could even make a family activity out of choosing a different Paris adventure each day. For our ten-minute reading time, this would be a wonderful book to pull out and explore together. Charlie, David, and I could take turns reading different sections. Some of the lettering is rather small and fancy, so we might need our reading glasses. But that could make reading together even more interesting. Sometimes the best family memories come from slowing down and enjoying something together.
A Beautiful Gift for the Armchair Traveler– I can see Forever Paris appealing to so many different people.
- Someone who dreams of visiting Paris.
- Anyone who loves travel and history.
- Art lovers and collectors of beautiful books.
- People who enjoy museums, gardens, and architecture.
- Homeschool families looking for something different to read.
- Anyone who enjoys discovering little shops, cafés, and hidden treasures.
And even if you never get the opportunity to travel to Paris, you can still enjoy learning about the city from the comfort of your own home. That is what I love about being an armchair traveler! You don’t have to leave home to discover somewhere new to travel you just have to open a book. .
When I checked Amazon, the hardcover was listed at $25.31, and the Kindle edition was listed at $23.99. Please remember that online prices can change at any time, so check the current listing before purchasing. F
I received Forever Paris in exchange for sharing my honest review, and I am already looking forward to spending more time with this book. In fact, this is a Christmas gift I have chosen for Charlie. I think it will be fun to sit down together, pick a neighborhood, read about the places we might visit, and imagine what it would be like to experience Paris firsthand.
Who knows? Maybe we’ll discover a place that becomes our favorite, even if we only get to visit it through the pages of this book. Whether you’re a homeschool family, a history lover, an art enthusiast, or someone who has always dreamed of visiting France, Forever Paris offers a wonderful opportunity to explore. Sometimes you don’t need a plane ticket to take a journey. Sometimes you just need a good book. And today, I’m grateful for another opportunity to be an armchair traveler!
Disclosure: I received a copy of Forever Paris for review purposes. This article contains an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
About the book:
Marin Montagut’s charming guide takes readers inside more than 475 shops, museums, neighborhoods, gardens, restaurants, and cafés that exude the enchanting essence of Paris.
To discover every beguiling corner of Paris like a local, follow Marin Montagut to his favorite places; in operation for thirty years or more, these addresses define what makes the city so captivating. His adorable watercolors, accompanied by drawings from antique mercantile stock lists, bring each location to life. Reminiscent of a golden-age-of-travel guide, this book features gilt edging, foil stamping, a leatherette cover, marbled endpapers, a ribbon page marker, and maps.
Step inside these time-honored establishments to be tempted by sundry souvenirs and gifts, handcrafted by local artisans—lithograph prints, letterpress stationery, custom umbrellas, couture fans, and classic toys. Stroll flea markets to source period decor, sturdy workwear, or artist’s palettes. Stock up on culinary provisions, from copper kitchenware to specialty spices, wine, chocolate, candy, and pastries.
Visit unique galleries and artists’ studios, a museum of fairground arts, a hunting museum, or the residence of a Second Empire courtesan. See the city’s monuments from a new perspective on a boat cruise along the Seine, meander through hidden squares and neighborhoods that hold the secrets of Paris’s historical past, or stop to smell the flowers in botanical gardens. This exquisite tome celebrates the most soulful and authentic places in Paris, and will be treasured by visitors and armchair travelers alike for years to come.
Meet the Author: Marin Montagut
Marin Montagut is a French globetrotter who is passionate about art and travel. He studied at Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London and is now an interior and set designer, film director, producer, and illustrator.
Book Details
Title: Forever Paris: A Guide to the Timeless Soul of the City
Author: Marin Montagut
Length: 287 pages
Publisher: Flamingo
U.S. Cover Price: $35
Canadian Cover Price: $47
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
