The Architecture Lover's Guide to Paris (Paperback)

As seen in 'Paris Arrondissements: Part 5'.

Read the article here!

French Views

Author interview for Cultinclub: Especial Cannes Festival.

Watch the video here!

RCE 106.9fm

As seen in 'Paris Visitors: Don’t Miss Out on These Essential Art and Architecture Guides'.

Read the article here!

Perfectly Provence

As featured on Fabulously Delicious podcast - listen here!

Fabulously Delicious

I selected this book for personal reasons. After a recent trip to Paris, I found this book to be an informative read. I enjoyed knowing more about places/things that I thought I already knew, I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book.

NetGalley, Lauren Burress

As featured in

Mindful Puzzles Magazine, February 2022

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a beautiful book and had me wanting to return to Paris immediately! If I am ever lucky enough to return, I’m definitely taking a copy with me. It’s also a great choice for those looking for virtual travel from the safety of their reading spot.

NetGalley, Morris Morgan

This well-designed book is the first guide in a while that inspired me to make an immediate “to do” list – and I’ve lived in Paris for 15 years. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a visitor, or an armchair traveler, such a comprehensive tribute to all aspects of Paris architecture provides a world of new discovery, with stunning photographs that show the art of architecture in the best possible way.

Read the full review here

Meredith Mullins, Bonjour Paris

"I will certainly take this book with me on all future visits to Paris."

Gillian Forte, President of the Cercle Français de Brighton et Hove affiliated to the Alliance Française de Londres

This is another of P&S's pocket books on continental Europe, this time about the unique and fascinating architecture of Paris. Superb.

Books Monthly

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Architecture Lover's Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou is a lovely, full of history with so much information, well illustrated book. throughout. I really enjoying reading and going to different places around the world and this book was spot on.
Sorry hurry up lockdown to be lifted and I can plan my holiday back to a place I love to visit. So looking forward to see more of this Place I love so much.

I had to go out and buy it in the end to plan my next holiday in Paris.

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

For us Francophiles, Paris architecture is food for the soul! Merci Ruby for this très beau book that transports us so wonderfully to our spiritual home with the turn of every page! Virtual travel at its best!

Listen to the interview in full here

Loulabelle's FrancoFiles Podcast

This book is full of valuable information for those who want to know and understand Paris… Five star recommendation.

Watch the interview in full here

Trending Who What When & Where, Paul Page

I enjoyed this book because it took me back to my Paris travels. It included so many of the sites that I had visited, and expanded on the history and architecture of each. Beautifully photographed, great descriptions, and an abundance of locations covered. I will definitely have a copy of this book on my next visit!

NetGalley, Randal White

I really enjoyed my time reading this book. It is great to drop in and out of, and the layout and illustrations/ photographs are beautiful. The information is concise, and could be used ‘on the move’ in the city, if you like to take a guide with you. The sections for each ‘type’ of building - such as ‘Bridges’ was useful, and made it interesting to compare across the range of architectural types of such a wonderful place. As a collector of books on Paris, this will be joining my bookshelf!

NetGalley, Kerry Park

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is WONDERFUL. I thought this will be a simple touring Paris book, but I was wrong. Do not judge the book by it's cover, I suppose.

Paris, the city of love, enlisted in many bucket list place to go. And here the author wrote in detail how they build Paris. I still remember the old apartments of Paris, with their musty odor, old wooden gate and cobblestones street outside, sometimes I asked myself how did they build the city neatly? Here I found the answer.

Moreover the author highlight the less known buildings such as Musée Picasso, or even Parisians Metros. And I can also find a spot written about Bataclan and it's tragedy last 2015. Even sitting cozily in your chair can bring you a glimpse of Paris.

NetGalley, Jo Clairefontaine

Having been to Paris, albeit twenty years ago, I was interested in reading this as the architecture of the place was simply astounding. At first glance, this appears to be a standard travel guide, but what sets it apart from all the others that line bookstore shelves, is the emphasis on architecture. this book provides things such as lists of different architectural elements, from lampposts to columns, and where to find them as well as the history of why they're there. This book also contains your standard lists of various hotels, cafes and restaurants as well as contact info, as well as a travel guide, with a three day itinerary the author has written up in order to see significant architectural sites. I loved the large colorful photographs of various places, it makes me wish I didn't get stuck with a cheap 35mm camera all those years ago.

NetGalley, Stephen Kelley

This book is a brilliant, well-researched and all-encompassing guide to Paris from the perspective of the city's unique architecture. The descriptions of Paris's most beloved architectural and historic landmarks are accompanied by beautiful photography. Boukabou focuses on different styles featured within the city, as well as different types of architectural wonders a visitor may want to see - she covers everything from bridges to streetlights to columns to hotels particuliers. I've visited Paris many times and found so many new locations to put on a map for a future visit.

The highlight of this book is a selection of six curated walking tours with local tips for hidden gardens, rooftop viewpoints, and various architectural gems.

NetGalley, Dasha Slepenkina

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What a wonderful book! Perfect for those of us unable to travel at the moment to remind us of the beautiful architecture and history of Paris. It has been several years for me and what a beautiful book and reminder of all I am currently missing. 5 stars Anyone who loves to travel should read this book. And architecture fans as well. Beautiful photography as well.

NetGalley, Susan Underbrink

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

WOW, The Architecture Lover's Guide to Paris is such a beautifully put-together book. I'm planning a trip to Paris later this year and thought this book might be helpful and it definitely was what I was looking for. What a great mix of amazing photos and history of any great locations. You really learn a lot from this travel guide.

NetGalley, Angela Borgo

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

To me, Paris is a magical city. The first time that I visited, I could not believe that I was standing in front of so many places that lived in my imagination. On that first trip, I cried when I left the city; that is how much being there had meant to me.

Of course now, travel is much more complicated and I don’t see a trip to the City of Light in my near future. So, I was delighted to come across this book that allows for a lovely virtual visit. Early in the book, there is a helpful architectural timeline that helps readers to recognize the styles and periods in Paris’s history. From there, some of the topics covered in this title are cafes, restaurants and bars; train stations; Metro entrances; churches; museums, public parks, cemeteries and more. Also included are hotels and information on shopping. In addition, there is a helpful section of sell-guided walking tours. Throughout, the book is filled with photos that bring Paris to life. .

Take a look at this guide. Dream of when it will be possible to visit again.

NetGalley, Joyce Laudon

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is such a beautifully put together book. There are many travel books on Paris but this one is different, not only because of the photographs in it, but also the history of the architecture. It's loaded with information which will guide you all over Paris not just the tourist areas.
I know I will definitely look at areas a bit more off the beaten track on my return to Paris.
I would recommend this Paris guide if you want to know the stories and history behind the buildings.

NetGalley, Jenny Mcquillan

Excellent travel guide for anyone visiting or planning a trip to Paris and interested in architecture and photography. The book is laid out well with suggested walking tours and loads of hints and tips. There is sections on history and the design influences through the centuries, Recommendations for where to find coffee and food along your chosen route which is very useful. Also some great photo spots for the landscape photographer. A book I shall refer back to and use as soon as I can travel to Paris again.

NetGalley, Heather Cracknell

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Ahhhh...Paris. This delightful book took me right back in a split second. It is an extraordinary city, enchanting and endlessly fascinating. And there is only one Paris. I like that this book focuses on architecture of all kinds...not just buildings but also bridges, markets, columns, gardens, arches and catacombs.

The author describes architectural styles and periods, very useful. She also gives examples of features and where to find them such as The Renaissance and its shapes and perspectives, found in the Louvre, Pont Notre-Dame, Fontaine des Innocents, etc. There is a section on eateries including a few I've had the fortune of experiencing. As an arch and columns fan, I was thrilled to see a section devoted to them. There are other quintessential Parisian bits of architecture, seemingly small but impactful such as lamps, newspaper kiosks and public toilets.

Museums, palaces, chapels and cathedrals are detailed as well. You can see the largest pipe organ in France and Syrian influences. There are so many things I have yet to see such as The National Museum of the Middle Ages, Palais Garnier, The Paris Sewers Museum and Parc Monceau. It would take a few years to "see" everything, let alone experience and live it. Many are passionate about the Eiffel Tower but my favourite monuments are lesser known, some of which are included here.

Paris is about discoveries and living. Though not a modernist fan, I like that old and new blend so well. If you are at all beguiled with Paris, do pick up this book which is an excellent complement to other guidebooks as it is specific.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this enticing book!

NetGalley, Brenda Carleton

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone who knows me knows that I love Paris. It’s a place I’ve been five times spending everything from a few days to a couple weeks exploring the city. I’m still amazed that there more places for me to see and while reading this book I made a list of places to find on my next trip… because there will always be a next trip to Paris for me. Like London and New York, Paris is just not a city I tire of.

This book does a wonderful job of blending tourist information and architectural information. There is a good overview of the city’s history with explanations of the major architectural movements. Most of the content is divided into types of buildings such as train stations, department stores, and churches. The book provides one itinerary for 36 hours in Paris and six self-guided walks. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and I liked that the author included some pictures she took herself. The book includes addresses and websites for the various locations featured so readers can easily find additional information if they need it.

NetGalley, Kathryn Cox

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a City of Light fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this gorgeous guide to Paris’ elegant architecture, with beautiful color photos and helpful tips on self-guided walking tours, hotels, cafés, restaurants, 17th Century mansions, and more. Highly recommended!

NetGalley, Literary Redhead

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful book full of gorgeous photos and interesting history. I found myself brought back to my visit to Paris quite a few years ago - remembering many of the beautiful sights, including favorites like the palace & Gardens of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens and more. I wish I'd had a book like this at the time - I hope to visit again someday and when I do, this book will be a great companion.

NetGalley, Melanie Thomson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful travel book to one of my favorite cities in the world. I have been to Paris many times, usually with a guidebook in tow. Many of the places in the book I have visited but this gave me whole new understanding and information about the architecture and history of Paris and its structures. Paris is so unique because of its architecture and it is wonderful to have a book with that as its focus. I found it very readable and easy to understand. Beyond basic tourist information it adds some suggestions for hotels, restaurants and bars. I understand the focus is the architecture and not the latest pricing or hours for different venues. The photos were beautiful and added greatly to the book.

NetGalley, Kaye Cox

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Architecture Lover's Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou was everything I hoped for and even more. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a ticket to Paris since it has been a while since I have been and a while before I go again, if I do.

I'll admit that all I was expecting was some nice photography, some information about key sites (mostly buildings), and the very basics of actual travel info (websites, hours, etc). There is some wonderful photography, the descriptions of the places were more than I expected and, thankfully, the architecture of the title includes the spaces such as parks. Space is to architecture as silence is to music, every bit as important as buildings or notes. I was particularly impressed with the suggestions on when to do things to get the most out of them, as well as the inclusion of some less visited locations.

All in all, if I do get back, I will be bringing a copy of this book. I feel like I would have a good visit without it because I know enough (barely) to have a nice time. The Architecture Lover's Guide, however, will elevate the trip from good to great, and probably far more memorable.

NetGalley, Jack Messer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book made me want to pack a bag and go to Paris! This exquisitely done travel book tells you where to stay, where to eat, what’s free, and how many stairs you will need to climb to get the best view. A great way to get lost in the beautiful architecture of Paris.

NetGalley, Melissa Borsey

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Love this!!!! I am a lover of all things Parisian, and miss being able to visit right now. Because we are unable to visit, I'm doing a lot of reading and trying to learn about some places I'm not as familiar with as some others. I'm finding this book to be tremendously interesting and fun.

NetGalley, Kaye Barley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world and I’ve had the opportunity to visit it multiple times . This guide book captures my Paris - from the palaces and famous monuments to the beautiful street lights and fountains that can be found all around this gorgeous city - with of course a focus on the architecture and gorgeous photos .. it’s one id love to have on my bookshelf for my next trip .

NetGalley, Ceylan Goktalay