Okay, for a comprehensive guide to France. Includes some hotels and restaurants. Of course, that information is somewhat dated. You can chase down a restaurant and find that it no longer exists.

I prefer buying Michelin Green Guides specific to regions. At 880 pages, Fodor's is not portable and cannot contain the detail that the Green Guides have. In fact, we refer to Fodor's as "the fat book." Great for an overview, but not practical for traveling. ( )

Do you know the old saying, “Buy the dress, the event will come”? That’s how I feel about travel guides. (I pick up a few guides to Hawaii, the next thing you know I’m drinking piña coladas in Waikiki.) I’ve dreamed of a trip to France my entire life. It is, unquestionably, number one on my dream destination list. Even if it wasn’t, after checking out Fodor’s guide, it surely would be!

This is a hefty little book (which is, technically, not ideal for travel) coming in at 892 pages. The first thing you’re likely to notice is the photographs. There are hundreds of them, making for a well-illustrated book. All are full-color, and the majority of them are relatively small. They serve a purpose. A few of them, however, are one- or two-page spreads and they are staggering, take-your-breath-away gorgeous! I mean, if you’re looking for inspiration to get on a plane, it’s there.

When it comes to travel guides, there are several publishers whose books I like for different reasons or attributes. But if I had to pick just one book, it would probably be Fodor’s every time. The pretty photos are nice, but what I really value are the detailed reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Beyond basic contact info and prices, these are substantive reviews sharing specifics, opinions, pros, and cons. Standout establishments are noted with a star and/or “Fodor’s Choice” designation. I’ve done very well following their recommendations over the years. When I’m trying to figure out where to go, I really value that—even if I’m still at home in my armchair.

The guide opens with an overview of the entire country. After that, there are chapters on Paris, Ile-de-France, the Loire Valley, Normandy, Brittany, Champagne Country, Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy, Lyon and the Alps, Provence, the French Riviera, The Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon, the Basque Country, Gascony and Haute-Pyrénées, Bordeaux and the Wine Country, and the Dordogne. Wherever you’re thinking of going, it’s covered. And, in addition to a high-quality folding map that can be pulled from the back of the book, there are more than 50 maps within the text. In short, you should be able to find everything you need for an exhaustive trip to France in this book. What are you waiting for? Buy the dress! ( )