Last updated on at 05:47 am
Let’s talk about two of my most favorite things: books and Paris, or simply, “books set in Paris”.
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I’m having so much fun writing this post because nothing gets me quite excited than talking about books and Paris.
Books and Travel
So yes, if I haven’t been that obvious already, then let me make it clear that I love books. Ha. I can talk for hours on end about books and not get tired. Uh-huh. Having said that, my love for books came before my love for travel was born. Books made me want to travel.
Say, I would read about this place in one of the many books I would always have with me and then I like how the author breathed such life to that place with her words, and voilà, I’d then tell myself: “Hey, I want to go to this place!”
That’s actually how I came to visit Florence. I read Nora Roberts’s Homeport, where one of the main characters’ job had to do with paintings and she had to go to Florence. I like how Florence and parts of its history were described in the book, so of course, I wanted to see the place in actuality. So a few years later, I was there.
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Of course, it wasn’t that easy because I had a lot of saving to do to realize that dream, but my point here is that books made me want to travel.
And it’s no wonder that when I’m not on the road (because let’s face it, travel is expensive and we can’t always do it even if we want to, heh) I rely on books to take me to places.
Paris
And one of the places I would always want to travel to, even if at times just vicariously, is Paris. Because, oh my gosh, I love Paris (and not only in the springtime)! That even if I’ve been there more than once, I still haven’t had enough and want to go back!
So if you’re someone like me who’d love to travel and experience Paris, even if only vicariously for now and specifically via the book route (hopefully we’ll do the real thing soon), then check out these 10 best books set in Paris.
Best Books Set in Paris
1. Paris Letters
Paris Letters by Janice Macleod is some sort of a memoir.
MacLeod from California recounts how she got tired of her 9 to 5 job and saved for a year to travel around Europe for two years.
We follow her to Paris, which she describes in beautiful detail, and read about her adventures in the city, including meeting a butcher from across a café she usually frequents. She goes on a whirlwind Parisian romance and the rest… you have to read about it, heh.
Suffice it to say that the book is delightful, and told straightforwardly and funnily. You’ll have a great time walking the streets of Paris with the author, falling in love along the way, rooting for her happily ever after, and if you’re still single, maybe for your own too.
Janice McLeod followed up this book with an equally charming one, A Paris Year: My Day-to-Day Adventures in the Most Romantic City in the World.
This book again takes you to Paris and helps you experience the city in practically all senses. It comes with even more photos and illustrations for a full Paris experience.
2. Paris for One and Other Stories
If you’re looking for a short, but still adorable book set in Paris, then pick up Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes.
Moyes, of the Me Before You fame, tells the story of Nell who is set to spend the weekend with her boyfriend in Paris but got stood up instead. Disappointing, you might think, but it turns out for the best when she meets her own Frenchman.
Paris for One is a light, breezy read that helps you escape to Paris even for a short while. And since it’s told by the talented Jojo Moyes, you’re in for a sweet treat.
3. The Red Notebook
If you like your books with a bit of mystery thrown in as well as some dash of romance, then consider The Red Notebook by French author Antoine Laurain.
The main character is a bookstore owner who finds a discarded purse with some contents in it. After perusing said contents, he becomes intrigued with the owner and goes on a quest to find her. So romantic, right? And just with the perfect setting: Paris!
The book is witty and poignant. Such a gem!
4. Anna and the French Kiss
Another romance set in Paris? And why not, right? Since Paris is the city of love, then more likely than not, we’d probably come across lots of romance-themed books set in the city.
And Anna and the French Kiss is yet another one.
In this book, 17-year-old Anna is sent off to Paris to study for her senior year. We see her navigate the foreignness of her new school, create friendships with new people, and get acquainted with lovely Paris and everything French. Of course, there’s a boy in class she falls in love with, which rounds up the romance segment of the story and satisfies the “French Kiss” part of the title.
The book is cute in a chick-lit kind of way and a feel-good one at that.
5. The Little Paris Bookshop
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is a moving tale of love, heartbreak, loss, and friendships.
The main character Monsieur Jean Perdu runs a bookshop on a barge on the Seine River in Paris. He fancies himself to be a “literary apothecary” who prescribes just the right book that he thinks the person needs. He’s been through heartbreak when his ladylove left him some years ago, leaving only a letter behind, which he has yet to open. Current circumstances, however, made him embark on a trip to find answers across the Seine and towards Provence.
Written in stunning descriptive prose, The Little Paris Bookshop is a captivating tale that touches your heart.
6. The Nightingale
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah is one of my favorite books set in Paris and also one of my favorite books, period. It’s inspiring, heartbreaking, and beautiful, all at the same time. It doesn’t hurt that it’s beautifully written too with Hannah’s engaging prose.
Set in the 2nd World War, it tells the story of two sisters during the Nazi occupation. We see them deal with the difficulties of the time in their own ways. We read about how they persevere and survive, and how they come out of the ordeal. It’s a heart-wrenching story, yes, but it’s also uplifting.
This is an amazing book that’s one for the books (pun intended). A must-read! Shop it here.
7. One Paris Summer
Let’s indulge in some light reading this time around with One Paris Summer by Denise Grover Swank.
This book is not only light but also a sweet young adult one. Sophie and her brother go to Paris to spend time with their estranged father. There’s drama in that relationship, with dealing with her stepsister, and with falling in love with a French boy. The author, though, gives us a glimpse of Paris as Sophie and her brother explore the city. I love that part.
8. My Life in France
Fans of Julia Child should read My Life in France.
It’s an encouraging and beautiful tale of Julia’s life from her pre-cooking days to her rise as a chef. It doesn’t only take us to France but helps us experience the French culture with Julia’s stories about her life and adventures in the country. This book made me admire Julia Child more.
9. The Sweet Life in Paris
Oh, this is such a lovely book. And it’s fun too!
The Sweet Life in Paris by pastry chef and cookbook author David Lebovitz recounts his life in Paris after moving from America. He gives us a glimpse of how it is to live in Paris and live like the French. It’s informative, insightful, and truly a delight!
10. Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting
Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman is a study on French parenting told funnily and entertainingly.
It’s perfect for parents with little kids. Whether or not you’ll subscribe to the parenting ideas presented in the book is up to you. One thing for certain, though, is that I like how it’s set in Paris. Shop it here.
Wrap Up
So there you have it, the best books set in Paris that would take you to the city of love in an instant. All you need is a good reading nook, some peace, maybe a cup of tea or two, and off to Paris you go and escape!
Happy reading and tell us which books captivated you the most!
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Just reading this makes me want to visit Paris again. It’s been almost 20 years! Thank you for compiling this wonderful list!
Hi. You are most welcome. I’m so glad to know this post makes you want to visit Paris again 🙂