Book review: Paris Select (Insight Select Guides) by Natasha Edwards

To get us all focused on the pleasures to come, Insight Guides have introduced four fabulously romantic additions to their seductive Select series – Paris, Marrakech, Chicago and Shanghai.

Featuring stylish linen covers, full-colour photography, clear mapping and informative content compiled by a local expert, Select is the perfect companion for experienced travellers looking for that little bit extra to make their holiday special.

For those tempted to hop across the Channel for the full flavour of France, Select Paris is the perfect guide to getting the most out of this vibrant city. Visitors can seek out the most authentic experiences, make fresh discoveries and enjoy a good dose of local culture, all courtesy of a writer who knows Paris inside out.

The handy-sized guide begins with an inspirational In the Mood For... section, filled with suggestions covering a wide range of things to do, places to eat, drink and shop.

The heart of the guide, The Selection, is organised by city neighbourhood, from the Ile de la Cité, Ile St-Louis and Marais district outwards to the heights of Montmartre, and finally to a section called Beyond the Centre which features, amongst many other places, the Musée Marmottan Monet, home of the largest collection of Monets in the world.

Hotels is a separate section offering a hand-picked selection of great places to stay in Paris, while the Essentials section incorporates a user-friendly rundown of information on getting around the city and other key practical points.

The guide offers a superb collection of over 100 ideas for an action-packed and informative stay in Paris, with plenty of secret gems and off-beat haunts in the mix, from high romance at the Opera Garnier to shopping for vintage chic with the fashionistas in the Haut Marais.

Soak up more modern art at the Centre Pompidou, make a beeline for Chez Jeannette and the bars of Faubourg St-Denis or simply indulge in a chocolate wrap at the George V spa.

Wherever you are and however much time you have to spend in the city, this classy guide is just the job to dip into for inspiration and insider tips on making your visit a truly memorable experience.

(Insight, hardback, £9.99)