Paris has inspired some of the most well-known literary figures of all time. It is also one of the world’s most romantic and beautiful cities. From the bustling boulevards to the charming cafés, Paris has captured the hearts of many. Therefore, it is no surprise that many writers have used the city as the backdrop in their books.
Whether you are planning a trip to Paris and need expert tips or want to get lost in the city streets through the pages of a historical fiction novel, there are plenty of books out there for you.
This list consists of some of the best books about Paris for all interests. From classic novels to detailed guides about Parisian food and culture, each of these books is bound to delight.
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Best Memoirs About Life in Paris
Paris Letters by Janice Macleod
Paris Letters is an inspiring memoir by Janice MacLoad about her journey toward living in Paris after leaving her corporate job to become an artist. In the book, she shares her experiences of moving to Paris with just a suitcase to embark on a new adventure.
While there, she falls in love with the city’s beauty, makes new friends, and finds her passion for painting. And in any romantic city, she also falls in love with a man named Christophe. The memoir describes stories of the many people she befriends and the process of selling her personalized artwork.
Paris Letters is a magnificent book that inspires you to pursue your dreams and gives you a window into life in Paris. You never know. This may be just what you need to begin your own journey.
The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz
The Sweet Life in Paris is another memoir by well-known culinary author David Lebovitz about living in Paris. In the memoir, David recounts his experiences working as a pastry chef at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants. He takes us through his life as an expat trying to navigate the challenges and beauty of living in a new town.
The memoir gives an entertaining and unique perspective of the city’s culture, food, and day-to-day life. The book also includes over fifty original Parisian dishes created by Lebovitz that go along with his adventures through the culinary world.
The Sweet Life in Paris is a witty and entertaining read that is sure to inspire a trip to Paris. Especially for the food!
Waking Up in Paris by Sonia Choquette
The beautiful memoir tells the story of Choquette’s journey of self-discovery when she decides to move to Paris after a difficult divorce. With hopes of finding inspiration, she settles into a small apartment in le Marais and throws herself into exploring the city’s culture and way of life.
We learn about Paris more intimately through Choquette’s eyes as she reflects on her experiences and the people she meets. Her memoir is the perfect novel for though looking for an inspirational read and dreaming of visiting the City of Lights themselves one day.
My Life in France by Julia Child
My Life in France is an entertaining novel by Julia Child that will surely get into your hearts and stomachs! In her book, she recounts the years she lived in France, learning about the cuisine.
While in France, she found a passion for cooking and learned about French culture and the culinary secrets that have made her one of the world’s most famous chefs.
Child takes us through her journey to creating her famous cookbook, including her trials and tribulations. The memoir is heartwarming, filled with photos of Julia and her family and a beautiful account of her life-changing experience moving to France.
The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino
Former Paris Bureau chief Elaine Sciolino of the New York Times writes an intriguing tale about one of Paris’ most beautiful streets, Rue des Martyrs. One of the many places in the city with a rich history, Sciolino goes into great detail about her experiences living there.
Sciolino combines her experiences with research to introduce us to the shops, restaurants, and people who call Rue de Martyrs home. The Only Street in Paris is a lighthearted book that gives us a glimpse into the everyday life of the Parisians that live and work on the charming street.
Classic Books About Paris
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway is one of the greatest literary authors with close ties to Paris. Like many struggling writers, Hemingway moved to Paris, hoping to draw inspiration from the romantic and lively city.
One of his most famous books, A Moveable Feast, chronicles his life as an American expat. His memoir gives us a glimpse into what life was like in the 1920s through his eyes.
A Moveable Feast also features some other noteworthy figures, such as Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein, who he encounters during the beginning of his writing career.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities is a classic novel set during the French Revolution. As the name suggests, the book takes place between the two great cities of Paris and London, starting in 1775.
The story follows former doctor Alexandre Manette, Frenchman Charles Darnay, and Englishmen Sydney Carton through a series of events that cause their fates to become intertwined.
One of the greatest novels of all time, A Tale of Two Cities takes you deep into the chaos, romance, and drama of the era.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
The enchanting book by Victor Hugo is a must-read for those looking to get lost in the Medieval streets of Paris. Most of us are familiar with the movie adaptation, but the original novel differs significantly.
The novel revolves around Notre Dame cathedral and the hunchback named Quasimodo, who lives in the bell tower. After falling in love with the gypsy Esmeralda, he devotes himself to protecting her. The powerful novel centers around love, forgiveness, and betrayal. All while showcasing the political issues in Paris at the time.
Hugo originally wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame as a way to advocate for the preservation of the cathedral that had been falling into disrepair. Little did he know, it would become one of the greatest French novels ever written.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Les Misérables is another incredible novel by Victor Hugo about the city he loved so much. The story follows Jean Valjean, a former convict trying to move on with his life after being sentenced to 19 years in prison for stealing some bread.
He decides that in order to move on, he must break his parole and create a new identity for himself. He encountered several vivid characters along the way, including struggling mother Fantine, her daughter, and a group of young revolutionaries.
The vast 1900-page story includes darker themes of poverty and social injustice, which were political issues in 19th-century France. The original book has been adapted into both a musical and film and remains one of the most celebrated French novels of all time.
Best Novels Set in Paris
Paris: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd
Paris: the Novel is a unique book that combines historical facts and fictional characters for an informative look into Paris through the ages. The city’s history is shown through the lives of six Parisian families from very different backgrounds. Through their experiences, we learn about the city’s history from the 13th to 20th centuries.
For those looking to learn more about Paris’ history, Paris: the Novel is the perfect mix of fiction and historical facts.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
This feel-good novel is about a bookseller in Paris named Jean who owns a literary apothecary on a small boat on the Seine. He is known for prescribing the perfect book for every customer, yet he cannot do so for himself.
Unable to get over a past love from decades ago, he finally decides to leave Paris and journey to the south of France to find himself again.
Throughout his travels, he meets some new friends who are on their own path to self-discovery and healing. The Little Paris Bookshop is for those looking for a heartwarming book about love, friendship, and travel.
The Paris Hours: A Novel by Alex George
The story spans one day in Paris from the perspectives of four strangers, each searching for something they have lost. Camille is a maid who has defied her employer’s orders, Souren is a refugee who performs puppet shows, Guillaume is a struggling artist, and finally, Jean-Paul is a journalist trying to forget the horrors of the Great War years before.
We follow the stories of these dynamic characters as their pasts and presents are woven together to reveal their hidden secrets. When their paths finally cross, each will discover if they will find what they seek.
Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan
The mystery novel is about a writer, Robert Eady, who mysteriously disappears, leaving only a set of plane tickets to Paris for his wife, Leah, and daughters. With no idea of where to star their search, they set off in hopes of finding clues to his whereabouts.
When they land, Leah discovers an unfinished manuscript of Robert’s that leads them to a small bookstore, which they purchase. Leah uncovers some startling information in the bookstore that makes her reconsider her search for her husband. Paris by the Book is full of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.
Historical Fiction About Paris
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
The Paris Library is a historical novel that tells the true story of a group of librarians at the American Library in Paris. The book jumps between timelines, starting with the German occupation of Paris in World War II. The heroic character, Odile Souchet, is working at the library and, with the help of others, risks her life to protect the library’s collection from the Nazi invaders while secretly delivering the books to Jewish neighbors
The second character is a teenager named Lily in 1983, Montana, who befriends Odile after she moves to the United States years later. As Lily uncovers mysteries surrounding Odile’s past, she discovers a secret that connects them. The Paris Library is a moving story that teaches us about courage and resilience in the face of difficulty.
The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain
The Paris Wife is a an engaging story about the life Ernest Hemingway had with his first wife, Hadley Richardson when he first moved to Paris. Set in the vibrant city, McLain brings Paris to life as she recounts Hemingway’s life and his friendships with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and other influential figures of the time.
Throughout the novel, we follow Hemingway through the beginnings of his writing, his marriage, and the challenges he navigates during the start of his career. All while gettings a glimpse into the lives of the literary elite of the time. This captivating novel offers insight into these celebrated writers’ lives while transporting us into the vivid Paris scene of the 1920s.
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
The Lost Girls of Paris is a terrific historical fiction novel set during and after World War II. The book starts with the character Grace Healey finding a mysterious suitcase beneath a bench at Grand Central Station. Curiosity spiked, she opens it to find photographs of different women. She discovers that the briefcase belongs to Eleanor Trigg, who led a secret network of female agents during the war who aided in freeing Occupied France.
Grace sets off to find the truth behind this network which leads her to Marie, who, after being captured by the Germans during the war, is now living with her daughter. With her help, Grace uncovers the truth about Eleanor and the other girls. Grace’s journey is woven together with Marie’s and Eleanor’s in an extraordinary story about friendship, courage, and betrayal.
Inspired by actual events, Pam Jenoff does a terrific job spotlighting the inspirational women who fought so bravely in the war.
The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel
This historical novel takes place during the Nazi Occupation of Paris. The story is told from multiple perspectives of the main characters as they try to navigate their new lives under German command. From Ruby, an American living in Paris with her husband Marcel, to Jewish teenager Charlotte, and others, Harmel does a terrific job weaving the stories of its intriguing characters together.
This historically rich novel is full of drama, courage, and sacrifice that will keep you guessing until the last page. If you love the historical fiction novels, The Nightingale and Lilac Girls, then The Room on Rue Amélie is for you!
Romantic Books Set in Paris
Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
The touching romance novel is about Mia Jenrow, an American ballerina who travels to Paris for the summer, hoping to become a professional ballerina. However, once she arrives, Mia quickly recognizes that her dreams may be harder to reach than expected.
To complicate the situation even more, Mia meets a charming French boy named Louis, who helps her discover Paris’s charms and realize that there might be more to life than ballet. Kisses and Croissants is the perfect feel good book for anyone who wants to experience the romantic side of Paris.
Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes
The novel is a collection of 9 short stories featuring different women. The first, “Paris for One,” revolves around Nell, who, gets stood up by her boyfriend after she had planned a romantic weekend trip to Paris with him.
Single and alone, Nell tries to embrace this newfound freedom by experiencing the city on her own and maybe finding some romance along the way. This lighthearted and romantic story is the largest of the collection.
Best Books About Paris Food and Wine
Paris for Foodies by Frederic Bibard
Interested in experiencing the best cuisine that Paris has to offer? Paris for Foodies covers 200 of the city’s top restaurants, cafés, and brasseries.
From the best Parisian street food to the most extravagant fine-dining experiences, Bibard gives you plenty of tips and recommendations for all budgets, arrondissements, and diets.
If you are interested in experiencing the Paris food scene like a local, this guidebook is an excellent place to start.
Sundays in Paris by Yasmin Zeinab
The detailed guide focuses on the best places to eat in Paris. Organized by type of meal and location, you will find hidden gems throughout the city. Zeinab also elaborates on Paris’ café scene and highlights some of the best attractions, shops, and markets.
In addition, she includes tips and itineraries for navigating the city for those visiting for the first time. Even if you’ve been to Paris before, Sundays in Paris showcase many unique culinary gems you may not have heard of before. It is the perfect guidebook for those wanting to experience the local Parisian food scene.
Best Books About Paris History
Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne
The Seven Ages of Paris gives a unique spin on Paris’s turbulent and rich history. From the rise of Phillippe Auguste to the present day, you are taken on a journey through the good and bad of the spectacular city.
Horne does a great job portraying the true events that took place, including the rise and fall of Napoleon and the Liberation of Paris from the Nazi Occupation. The Seven Ages of Paris gives an in-depth look into what makes Paris so unique.
How Paris Became Paris by Joan DeJean
Ever wondered how Paris became the modern city we know today? DeJean dives deep into the city’s past to reveal the beginnings of its transformation into one of the greatest cities in the world. Most know about Haussmann’s substantial renewal of Paris in the 19th century, but DeJean suggests that the city’s expansion began much sooner.
Starting back in learthe medieval period, we learn about other key figures responsible for enhancing the city, such as Napolean Bonaparte and Louis XIV. From ideas to create boulevards and parks to the fashion industry’s role, we discover the cultural and architectural changes Parisians have experienced over the centuries.
For an engaging and unique perspective of the ever-changing world that is Paris, you will love this book!
Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris by Graham Robb
Parisians is a thrilling nonfiction book about the city’s history. Unlike many history books, Robb explores the fascinating eras of Paris through several true narratives. From the famous writer Victor Hugo to lesser-known figures, Robb takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of Paris through the decades.
From the perspective of the books many characters, you are taken to some of the city’s most hidden places, where you will be exposed to a darker and more intimate side of Paris. If you are looking for an informative, engaging, and entertaining book, Parisians is one of the best.
Best Travel Book About Paris
Rick Steve’s Paris
Rick Steve has some of the best guidebooks for first-time to seasoned travelers. With over 700 pages of detailed information, this guidebook covers everything from top attractions to tips on how to get around.
Learn how to beat the crowds, save money, and maximize your time in the city. It also includes popular self-guided tours through the Paris neighborhoods.
Rick Steve’s Paris has recently been updated, and is available in e-book format.
Conclusion
No matter the genre, each book will transport you to the enchanting City of Lights. So, make sure to grab a cup of coffee and a croissant, and lose yourself in one of the greatest cities in the world. Have you recently read another terrific book about Paris? Leave a comment below and tell me about it.
Enjoyed this post? Check out these other Paris guides!
- Ultimate 5 Days in Paris Itinerary & Day Trip Ideas
- Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Paris
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Paris
- The Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris
- Top Impressionist Museums in Paris to Visit
- Visiting the Palace of Versailles: First Timer’s Guide
- The Most Charming Cities Near Paris
- 20 of the Prettiest Streets in Paris
Travel Planning Resources
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PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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