There is so much more to Paris, the city of light, than glitz and glamour. The city's darker secrets are now in the open thanks to this new book, small enough to fit in your pocket.

Learn about winemaking fire-fighters, a tree in a church, the patron saint of motorists (much needed in this busy city) and an atomic bomb shelter under a major railway station. There are dozens of places in these 384 pages, which you will want to see on your next visit.

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You may have been to London many times, or even lived there, but our guess is that you will find things in this little book that you never dreamed of.

For instance do you know about the monsters of Trafalgar Square? Or what is in the House of Dreams? Or the golden boy of Pye Corner?

Subtitled 'an unusual guide', it certainly is, and will give you many places to photographs and stories to tell when you get back home.

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This new 'unusual guide to Bali' is the ideal gift for anyone who has been there many times (that's you, Australians!) and thinks they have discovered it all.

Wrong!

Have you heard about those healing black sands that are nothing to do with another health cure - the healing of poor eyesight and hearing? Hint, cows are involved. Bali is also a good place to petition the spirits for a baby, but do find out how to steer clear of demons.

There is so much more than the casual surf-loving tourist would ever think in this small volume.

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Brooklyn is another place many people may think they know, but this book will soon let them realise that there is much more behind the brownstones and skyscrapers of this long-established borough.

For instance, have you ever heard of the rooftop vineyard, or watched a performance of robots in a church, or played basketball in a historic theatre? Do you know how to hammer a nail into your skull? 

Bring your camera for all of these and specially the baby pacifier (aka dummy) tree!

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This southern province of France may have carved out a modern-day profile of being all about wine, lavender, country living and Mediterranean food.

This book scratches deeper and discovers more than just olives and long Sunday lunches. For instance, have you ever seen the moondial in the Alpilles, heard the legend about Sarah, supposedly a daughter of Jesus, or visited Avignon's Coca Cola museum? If you have a strong stomach, track down the tomb of Mary Magdalene - complete with skull.

Read this small volume, and you'll find yourself booking your tickets and local accommodation immediately.

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This book is a little differently presented from the 'Secret' books, and is subtitled 'a guide to 30 exceptional experiences'. While this may not seem many, the guide proudly states that to arrive at the thirty best places, the authors, Fany and Amandine Pechiodat tested 1000 places. Just so you know Tokyo, a city of 13 million people, has 160 000 restaurants.

In keeping with the stylishness of this place, there are many beautiful photographs, and plenty of good hints and insights of this beautiful and mysterious city.

SNEAK PEEK: a head spa, a place to celebrate your un-birthday, the world's smallest bookstore, dine at a guerrilla restaurant or eat peasant food - all this and so much more is available. 

SEE other 'Soul of...' guides

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(reviewed by Sally Hammond)

All these paperback books are well-illustrated and published in 2019 by Jonglez Travel Guides.

SEE all the Secret Guides....