Shop windows and interiors are among the glories of Paris-as enticing as its museums and grand vistas but far less tiring to explore.

They distill the qualities we most admire in the City of Light: a love of fantasy and tradition of craft and style, and the art of doing simple things well. The richly illustrated text of Through the Windows of Paris sketches the history of shopping in Paris and evokes the special character of the city. There is no better place to find it than in the boutiques selling crusty bread and creamy cheese, witty hats and luxurious lingerie.

New or old, tiny or expansive, they engage all the senses and reveal the true character of the capital. This book comprises 160 color images of fifty unique shops and a comprehensive list of addresses, telephone numbers, and metro stops. Whether you make the trip from your armch! air or hop on the next plane, this book will guide you, in words and pictures, through the windows of Paris.