Rick Steves

Admission is free; reserved seats are available with the purchase of any Rick Steves book, DVD, or luggage from Distant Lands Travel Books & Outfitters.

RICK STEVES' FRANCE, etc.Always a hit with travel enthusiasts, co-author and renowned travel researcher for the Europe Through the Back Door series Steve Smith gives a talk and slide show about French culture for travelers, titled "France 101: A Primer for Travelers Going to France." Smith, whose mission ... (more)is to make European travel accessible and meaningful, and who spends 100 days every year exploring Europe, always brims with insights and tips. Folding chairs become armchairs for an evening of travel magic.

RICK STEVES' PARIS 2009Continuing one of our favorite traditions here at the store, co-author and renowned travel researcher for Europe Through the Back Door series Gene Openshaw gives a talk and slide show about enjoying Paris on a moderate budget, previewing the 2009 edition of his Paris guidebook. ... (more)Gene talks about Paris -- the City of Light -- which has been a beacon of civilization for 2,000 years, the city's many cultural sights, its neighborhoods, and how to see it on a moderate budget. Gene has co-authored eight Rick Steves books, including Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler. His passion for Europe is well known by those who have used his books or attended his lectures.

Openshaw is a writer, composer, tour guide, and lecturer on art and history. His infamous travels through Europe with Rick Steves are documented in Rick's memoir Postcards from Europe. Gene went on to write several books with Rick, and contributes to the PBS television series "Rick Steves' Europe." Specializing in writing walking tours of Europe's cultural sights, he has co-authored guidebooks on Paris, London, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, and Rome.