We'll Always Have Paris: American Tourists in France since 1930

We'll Always Have Paris examines the relationship between American tourists and France from 1930 onwards, with a focus on changing American perceptions and attitudes toward French culture, cuisine, and society. The book traces distinct periods in Franco-American tourism through major historical events including the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar economic boom. Levenstein analyzes tourist behaviors, travel writing, guidebooks, and marketing materials to document how Americans experienced and interpreted France across different decades. Through archival research and historical accounts, the text details how factors like exchange rates, political tensions, and cultural stereotypes influenced American travel patterns and expectations in France. The evolution of mass tourism, package tours, and changing definitions of authenticity receive particular attention. This social history reveals broader themes about cultural exchange, national identity, and the complex dynamics between visitors and hosts in international tourism.

Readers found the book insightful about how American travelers' perceptions of France evolved over time. The book provides context about tourism changes during wars, economic shifts, and cultural developments. Liked: - Details on how specific events impacted tourism - Personal accounts and letters from travelers - Coverage of post-WWII tensions and reconciliation - Information about food culture clashes Disliked: - Academic tone can feel dry - Sometimes too focused on wealthy/elite travelers - Limited coverage of rural France - Some repetitive sections One reader noted the book "captures American naivety and French frustration perfectly," while another criticized its "narrow focus on upper-class experiences." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (28 reviews) Google Books: 4/5 (12 reviews) Most impactful for readers interested in Franco-American relations and tourism history, though casual readers may find sections too scholarly.

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🗼 American tourists in 1950s Paris often refused to eat French cuisine, instead seeking out American-style restaurants and familiar foods from home. ✈️ Post-WWII package tours to France were marketed heavily to middle-class Americans as "luxury" experiences, despite often featuring budget accommodations and rushed itineraries. 🎨 The Lost Generation writers like Hemingway and their romantic depictions of Paris significantly influenced how Americans viewed French culture for decades to come. 🇫🇷 During the Vietnam War era, many French people became hostile toward American tourists, leading to a significant decline in U.S. tourism to France. 💑 Paris's reputation as the "City of Love" was deliberately cultivated by French tourism officials in the 1950s to attract American honeymooners and romantic couples.