12 Powerful Books to Make You Fall in Love with Paris

Want to know the best books about Paris? These 12 books will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the historic city.

If you are anything like me, you love to plan your TBR list around your travel itinerary. These are my 12 favorite books about Paris. From Victor Hugo’s love affair with Parisian architecture to Julia Child’s discovery of French food and Hemingway’s take on cafe culture, you will be longing for Paris.

After reading this post, you will fall in love with the city of lights. While wandering the streets of Paris, you find yourself deep in classic tales and fresh narratives.

This post is all about the books you should read before visiting Paris.

Classic Books about Paris:

1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame By Victor Hugo

Through this novel, Victor Hugo expresses his belief that architecture is the supreme expression of human thought. As a result, this story becomes a beautiful open love letter to Parisian Architecture. This novel and its author are credited with saving Notre Dame Cathedral after its near destruction during the French Revolution.

Allow this book to be your literary tour guide. Let Hugo’s vivid imagery lead you through the Latin Quarter, and let his admiration for the great cathedral inspire you. As someone who has stood mesmerized by Paris’s great arches and lost in the haunting melody of Notre Dame’s organ, I say what Victor Hugo said best, “go see it.”

2. A Moveable Feast By Earnest Hemingway

Exploring themes of love, sex, and the value of art, “A Moveable Feast” is a memoir that vividly portrays Earnest Hemingway’s life as a young writer in Paris during the 1920s. 

The books will help you immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant literary and cultural scene as you let Hemingway lead you to the “lost generation” territory or entice you to enjoy a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Feel Hemingway’s deep connection to the city as you write your postcards in his preferred cafe, the Closerie des Lilas. 

3. Queen Margot by Alexandre Dumas

“Queen Margot” provides historical context and social insight into Parisian culture. Following the story of Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, you will gain a deeper understanding of the royal court and its influence on the city’s landmarks, such as the Louvre Palace.

While you are People-watching at the Pyramide du Louvre, let Dumas influence your view of Parisian fashion, food, and customs by explaining their historical roots. 

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Parisian Poetry

4. Paris in Our View: Poems Selected by Shakespeare and Company

This anthology is curated by Shakespeare and Company, renowned for its literary history and connection with luminaries like Earnest Hemingway and James Joyce. It offers a selection of poems that encapsulate the spirit of Paris and its romantic allure.

While exploring the left bank, stop and pick up a copy at the iconic bookshop. (Make sure you ask to get it stamped!) Let it help you observe the city through the lens of poetry and provide you with an understanding of Paris’s timeless appeal as the city of romance and artistic inspiration.

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Modern Books about Paris

5. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

This novel follows the lives of two women, Renée Michel and Paloma Josse, who live in an upscale Parisian apartment building. Renée is a middle-aged concierge who hides her intelligence and love of literature from the building’s residents, while Paloma is a precocious 12-year-old who plans to kill herself on her 13th birthday. Their paths intersect, forming an unlikely bond that changes their perspectives on life and its meaning.

This novel takes place in the 7th arrondissement, a neighborhood known for its museums, cultural institutions, and elegant architecture. You will find it a fitting setting for the novel’s exploration of existentialism and add to your understanding of French intellectualism.

6. The Littlest Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin

This is a charming story set in Paris, focusing on the life of Sarah Smith, who inherits a bookshop from her estranged grandmother. The novel provides a delightful insight into the Parisian literary scene and the importance of books in French culture through the eyes of a bibliophile.

Join Sarah as she explores Paris, discovering hidden literary gems and experiencing the magic of the City of Lights through the pages of beloved books.

(* this book is not available on bookshop.org.)

Mystery Books about Paris

7. The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie

This is a classic detective novel set in the glamorous world of 1920s Paris. The story revolves around the murder of a wealthy American heiress aboard the luxurious Blue Train as it travels from Calais to Nice. Readers catch glimpses of the Parisian landmarks that define the city’s skyline through the window of a train.

Christie’s classic storytelling and intricate plot make this an excellent book for the train. Your ride will fly by as you get lost in the mystery and intrigue of Parisian society. If your budget allows, you can even dine at the glamorous Le Train Bleu, an iconic restaurant steeped in French history.

8. Murder on the Left Bank by Cara Black

This captivating mystery novel follows private investigator Aimée Leduc as she delves into the murder of a young homeless woman and uncovers a web of secrets and intrigue.

You will appreciate this book’s thrilling introduction to the city’s hidden corners and mysteries. Through Black’s writing, you can explore the streets of the Left Bank and the Seine River while solving a gripping murder mystery that captures the essence of Paris.

History and Historical Fiction about Paris

9. Metronome by Lorànt Deutsch

History lovers will be enchanted by this unconventional look into Parisian History. The book explores Paris through its metro stations, uncovering fascinating stories and events that have shaped Paris over the centuries.

Traveling through the city will become a marvel as you learn of the city’s past. From its Roman origins to the modern era, all while exploring the iconic metro system integral to Parisian life.

10.Suite française  by Irène Némirovsky

The novel takes place during the early years of World War II. It offers a unique perspective on the city during a pivotal historical moment in time. Vivid descriptions bring the city to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the Parisian atmosphere of the 1940s.

You will learn of the city’s resilience and the impact of the war on its people and landmarks. This heart-wrenching tale helps you develop an appreciation for the layers of history that have shaped the city’s identity.

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Culinary Books about Paris

11. A Taste of Paris: A History of the Parisian Love Affair with Food by David Downie

Foodies will delight in this comprehensive tasting of the city’s culinary history. This book explains the origins of the iconic Parisian dishes the world has come to know and love. Downie paints a beautiful picture of the city’s vibrant food culture in this book.

This book will leave your mouth watering as you learn why Paris is a renowned destination for food lovers. After reading, you will savor your dining experiences with a richer understanding of the culinary traditions.

Suggested pairing: This Airbnb Experience

12. My Life in France by Julia Child

Amateur cooks and food lovers will delight in this memoir. It chronicles Child’s experiences learning French cuisine and the cultural nuances that influenced her cooking style. Her candid and engaging storytelling offers valuable insights into the transformative power of embracing new experiences and following one’s passions.

This read will guide you to culinary landmarks such as Le Cordon Bleu, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Le Grand Véfour. Before turning down dessert, remember what Julia Child would say, “A party without cake is just a meeting.”