Written with an eye for the unusual and containing invaluable practical details and maps, this idiosyncratic guide describes 20 destinations in the Ile de France, the fascinating yet little-known countryside around Paris. Better-known destinations include the châteaux of Chantilly and Rambouillet and Maurice Ravel"s house in Montfort-l"Amaury, but the reader will also discover the Roman town of Senlis, the river-ports of Conflans-Ste Honorine and St Mammès, the Gothic church and medieval moats at Crécy-la-Chapelle, the old border-town and water-mills of Moret-sur-Loing which inspired the Impressionist painters, and the delightfully provincial atmosphere of Luzarches. Readers who are interested in discovering half-hidden châteaux and writers" country houses; walking, boating or dancing by the river; exploring old towns and country footpaths; and eating in family-run restaurants with 1950s décor and prices to match will find much here to treasure.