Bonjour Livres: A literary journey through France
France is a country that has been the backdrop of many great works of literature. Whether it’s the beautiful countryside or the city streets, France provides the ideal setting for stories.
If you are heading to the country soon, these famous books set in France are must-reads to get a taste of what you can expect.
And even if travel isn’t on your radar at the moment, these reads will help you teleport to the streets of Paris or the countryside of Provence – sweet deal innit? 😉
My list here is a mix of fiction and non-fiction books and novels about France, spread across various genres and periods in the country’s history.
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FICTION BOOKS SET IN FRANCE
1. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
One of the most famous books based in France, Dan Brown’s global bestseller follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he attempts to solve a murder in the Louvre museum. The story quickly turns into a thrilling adventure as Langdon and his partner venture out to various places in Paris, attempting to unravel an ancient mystery.
Brace yourself for a lot of intriguing plot twists and turns, as Langdon interacts with characters who offer him cryptic clues to the conspiracy.
The novel’s gripping storyline sets a great foreground to the picture of Paris it paints, making for an unforgettable read.
2. Paris is Always a Good Idea – Jenn McKinlay
Let’s get one thing out of the way – the title of the book is 100% true. The city is indeed always a good idea, even more so if you visit Paris solo. And this story is the perfect accompanying read, as it traces the adventures of one woman who goes to Europe alone to find the love of her life.
Chelsea Martin is struggling to keep her life in order, with the loss of her mother, and her father getting remarried. She decides to hit pause and take a Euro-trip of a lifetime. In the process, she finds herself and chances upon love in the most unexpected place.
A light-hearted story full of humor and romance, it’s such a feel-good book.
3. Chocolat – Joanne Harris
This story is set in the fictional French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. It’s a place that hasn’t seen much change in the last century. But things get shaken up when Vianne Rocher and her daughter arrive in town to open a chocolaterie.
The novel follows the effect of this little shop on the lives of the villagers, and how it brings out their secrets and desires. It is a captivating story about the power of chocolate, love, forgiveness, and redemption. And it paints quite a picture of the resplendent French countryside.
4. The Red Notebook – Antoine Laurain
Originally published in French, The Red Notebook tells the story of a Parisian bookseller who finds an abandoned handbag on the subway. Inside is a red notebook filled with details about the woman who lost it.
The bookseller, Laurent Letellier, soon sets out to track her down, determined to return the bag and its contents. In the process, he meets a cast of characters who will change his life forever.
With a unique premise and charming character segways, this novel offers an unconventional love story set in the streets of Paris. If you’re searching for books set in France that offer a different take on love, this is the one for you.
5. You Had Me at Bonjour – Jennifer Bohnet
A light hearted read based in France, this story follows Jessica as she wades through a difficult marriage and a cheating husband. After a messy divorce, she decides to visit France for a ‘Shirley Valentine’ trip to reclaim her life.
Along the road, Jessica finds a series of interesting characters and potentially a new love interest. Of course, the delicious Southern French rose makes everything better.
Easy to read, romantic and funny, this novel is ideal for a weekend read. It will keep you smiling until the last page.
6. Paris for One: and other short stories – Jojo Moyes
This collection of short stories set in France offers a different perspective on modern life. The stories follow characters searching for love and acceptance, who eventually discover that the answers they seek are closer to home than they think.
Moyes’ stories explore the beauty and quirks of Paris and its people, with vivid descriptions of the city’s cobblestone streets and bustling markets.
The stories also feature themes of self-discovery, friendship, and forgiveness. Each story is unique in its own way and will leave the reader feeling inspired.
7. The Elegance of the Hedgehog – Muriel Barbery
This novel is set in an apartment building in Paris and follows the story of two unlikely characters: the concierge and a young girl who lives there.
Paloma is a precocious 12-year-old who has made up her mind to commit suicide on her 13th birthday, while the concierge, Renée is a woman of great intelligence and wit. But her appearance does not reflect her inner self.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a witty and heartfelt story about two people who discover beauty in life, even in its darkest moments. It’s an uplifting story about friendship, compassion and finding your place in the world.
8. The Debt to Pleasure – John Lanchester
What I loved about this book is that it is not set in the conventional touristy places in France.
Instead, it takes us to a small village in the South of France and follows the story of Tarquin Winot, an eccentric recluse who is determined to complete his gastronomic roadmap of French cuisine.
Lanchester’s story is full of surprises and curious characters. And it will get you salivating for French food too!
Though the book has some dark moments, it is undeniably funny and will make you snicker all along.
9. Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
For readers looking for a lighthearted and romantic read, Anna and the French Kiss is a great choice.
The story, set in Paris, follows the adventures of Anna, a teenager who has been uprooted from her home in Atlanta and is sent to an international school in Paris.
At first, Anna is miserable in Paris and wishes to return home. But soon, she unravels the wonders of the city and finds a romance of a lifetime.
A delightful read full of wit and humor, this book is sure to win your heart.
10. The Cleaner of Chartres – Salley Vickers
Agnès Morel, an elderly cleaner at the Chartres Cathedral, is the main protagonist in this book based in modern-day Paris. She lives a quiet life and takes solace in her work, but soon finds herself caught up in a mystery that has been hidden in the cathedral for centuries.
The story takes us on a journey, with Agnès unveiling secrets and learning more about the history of Chartres. Along the way, she also learns more about herself and finds inner peace.
What makes this book so enchanting is the way it combines history, mystery and spirituality. It’s a truly unique story based in France.
11. The Little Paris Bookshop – Nina George
Set in Paris, the book tells the tale of Monsieur Perdu, the owner of an unusual literary apothecary.
On the barge that serves as his home, he meets a variety of characters, each with their own stories to tell. Monsieur Perdu looks for a way to cure his broken heart, as he moves through France and into the unknown. In the process, he realizes that sometimes you have to travel far to find your true home.
Filled with captivating writing, delightful characters and stunning scenery, The Little Paris Bookshop will transport you to the city of love!
NON-FICTION BOOKS SET IN FRANCE
12. A Moveable Feast – Ernest Hemingway
This autobiography is one of those works that HAVE to be on any list of the best books set in France.
It follows the author’s days in Paris after World War I. A Moveable Feast paints a vivid picture of the city and its people, from the grand buildings to the quaint cafes. Hemingway introduces us to his friends, who include Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and gives us a glimpse into their day-to-day lives.
This book is not just a fantastic read, but an exploration of human nature as well. It offers a candid insight into Paris during the roaring twenties.
13. My Life in France – Julia Child
This memoir is a must-read for food aficionados and anyone with an interest in the history of French cuisine. It is the story of the famous chef Julia Child, who moved to France in her mid-twenties and went on a journey of self-exploration.
The book was written in collaboration with her husband’s grandnephew in the last eight months of her life. It was published posthumously.
It offers an insight into Julia’s life in France, from her struggles to learn the language and master French cooking to her many mishaps and successes. A true classic, it’s a delightful read that will make you want to try out some new recipes.
14. A year in Provence – Peter Mayle
This non-fiction record follows the author’s move from London to a small village in Provence, and is one of the funniest travel books you’ll ever read.
In his entertaining narrative, Mayle describes the people he meets, the characters that populate the region – including some rather unscrupulous French bureaucrats – and the idiosyncrasies of Provençal life. He also shares his experiences of renovating a farmhouse in the beautiful and sometimes harsh landscape of Provence.
This book is sure to make you laugh out loud, and will give you a great insight into the Provence region and its people.
15. The Sweet Life in Paris – David Lebovitz
Lebovitz, a renowned pastry chef and cookbook author, narrates the enthralling story of his move to Paris. He shares all that he learns along the way – from adapting to a different culture to mastering French desserts.
Woven in between these stories is the author’s exploration of the city, which he has come to love and call home. I love how he gives us an insight into the little things – like how to find a doctor and a reliable plumber in Paris.
The book captures the reality of what it is like to be a foreigner in the city, with all its ups and downs. It’s filled with recipes and tips on how to make the best of your Paris adventure.
16. Bringing Up Bébé – Pamela Druckerman
This book is an illuminating take on parenting, written from the perspective of an American mother raising her children in Paris.
Druckerman compares the parenting styles of France and America, and looks at how French children are brought up with more independence and discipline. She shares her experiences as a new mother in Paris, and talks about her journey to understanding the French version of parenting.
Bringing Up Bébé is a great read for present and future parents, as well as those interested in French culture. It is an entertaining and informative look into the lives of families in France.
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HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS SET IN FRANCE
17. The Nightingale – Kirsten Hannah
This bestseller is about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story starts off with Vianne, a young mother, who is struggling to protect her daughter from the horrors of war.
Her sister, Isabelle, volunteers to join the Resistance and starts working undercover with the French rebel forces. The novel follows their stories as they battle to survive in a world gone mad, and face the dangers of an oppressive regime. It is a beautiful and inspiring story of courage and resilience.
The book will move you in all sorts of ways. It’s a must read to get a poignant glimpse of WWII France.
18. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
There’s a chance you’ve already read this one in school.
Set in Paris and London during the French Revolution, the story follows a group of characters whose lives are caught up in the political upheaval of the times.
From Carton’s unrequited love for Lucie Manette to Sydney Carton’s heroic sacrifice, the novel is full of interesting characters and symbolic moments. Dickens’ writing is a perfect blend of tragedy and romance.
A Tale of Two Cities is a great read for anyone looking to explore the country through literature.
19. The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Victor Hugo
This classic novel set in 1482 Paris tells the story of Quasimodo, a hunched bell ringer at Notre Dame Cathedral. Hugo’s timeless tale is full of adventure, romance and tragedy.
The story follows Quasimodo as he attempts to find acceptance in society as a disabled person. He falls in love with the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, but their budding romance is threatened by several obstacles. The novel also introduces readers to a variety of colorful characters, including the heroic Captain Phoebus and the villainous Frollo. Throughout the novel, Hugo paints a vivid picture of the city and its people, from the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral to the bustling streets of Paris.
The book is an exploration of human nature as well as the city of lights.
20. The Paris Wife – Paula McLain
The Paris Wife is an insightful novel that tells the story of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife Hadley Richardson. It’s a captivating narrative about Hadley and Hemingway in Paris during the 1920s, just as their relationship was blossoming.
During this time, they meet a host of other literary figures including James Joyce and Gertrude Stein.
McLain’s book is an intimate look at an important period of Hemingway’s life and the people who shaped him. It gives the reader a peek into the literary landscape in Paris at the time, with a tale of star crossed lovers in the foreground.
Though a fictional account, the novel adds depth to Hemingway’s life story. It’s especially worth reading in succession to A Moveable Feast.
21. Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I – Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
A heartwarming love story set during the Great War, this novel follows the letters exchanged between a young soldier and his sweetheart over the course of two years, as they bear witness to unspeakable horror and tragedy.
The correspondence also reveals the beauty, hope, and resilience of the people living through it.
The novel is filled with art and culture references, giving readers an opportunity to explore the cultural life of France during World War I.
22. The Count Of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
This classic tale of revenge is set in France during the tumultuous period of the Bourbon Restoration.
The novel follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is wrongly accused of treason and sent to prison. After escaping from the Château d’If, he begins plotting a scheme to exact revenge on his enemies and reclaim the fortune that was taken from him.
In this sweeping adventure novel, Dumas brings the city of Marseille to life. As readers follow Dantès on his journey, they gain a glimpse into 19th century French society, from the bustling port to the elegant salons of Paris.
23. Paris: The Novel – Edward Rutherfurd
Imagine a plot that starts in the 16th century and goes through to the present day. That’s exactly what Edward Rutherfurd does with his historical novel that follows the lives of five families through eight centuries of Paris’s history.
This gripping story takes us through major moments in the history of the city, including the French Revolution and World War II. It paints vivid scenes of Paris’s past and intersperses it with captivating personal stories of love, loss, and betrayal. It’s a beautiful read that will take you back in time.
Paris is a city with a long and rich history, and this book captures its spirit perfectly.
24. The Lost Girls of Paris – Pam Jenoff
Based on true events, The Lost Girls of Paris is a story about courage, resilience and the power of friendship. This book is a reminder of the strength and courage of women, especially in times of great danger.
Grace Healey discovers a box filled with photos and accounts of a dozen female secret agents who were sent to Occupied Europe as spies during WWII. She then sets out to learn about them and the truth behind their mission. In the process, she begins to discover who she is and what she is capable of, herself.
Curious what happens next? Check out this intriguing book set in France to know more.
25. Murder on the Eiffel Tower – Claude Izner
This is an unputdownable read set in 19th century Paris. The book is about Victor Legris, a bookseller and a detective, who is tasked with investigating the murder of an American journalist at the Eiffel Tower.
As he untangles the mystery, Legris will find himself in strange places and surrounded by an exciting cast of characters. There are many twists and turns as the story progresses, and Legris will have to solve the case before it’s too late.
A mystery novel set in one of the most iconic cities in the world, it will keep you guessing until the end.
26. All The Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr
This Pulitzer Prize winning novel is set in occupied France during WWII, and follows two children whose paths converge as they try to survive the war.
Marie-Laure is a blind girl in Paris, and Werner is an orphan in Germany who dreams of becoming an engineer. Their story is told in alternating chapters and follows the events leading to their fateful meeting.
Doerr’s writing is beautiful – a perfect blend of lyricism and drama that will stay with you long after you’ve read it.
27. The Paris Library- Janet Skeslien Charles
This is a heartening story set in Nazi-occupied Paris. It’s about a character called Odile, and her colleagues, at the American Library in Paris, where they strive to keep the library open and protect their beloved books throughout the war.
Odile’s story is interwoven with that of Lily, a young librarian from Montana who comes to the library in 1940. Together they fight to preserve the library and everything it represents.
The book is a celebration of courage and the power the written word wields. It explores how stories can give people hope during trying times. I absolutely recommend reading this one.
28. Les Misérables – Victor Hugo
Another classic – this one by Victor Hugo – follows the stories of Jean Valjean, a convict; Fantine, a single mother struggling to make ends meet; and Cosette, Fantine’s young daughter. It is set in the Paris of 19th century France.
The timeless masterpiece is full of rich characters, memorable scenes and a captivating narrative. It is an exploration of human nature and its hardships.
Hugo’s writing is powerful, and I found his character detailing incredibly vivid. Les Misérables is a wonderful read if you enjoy historical fiction set in France.
29. Perfume – Patrick Süskind
Perfume is a novel about Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an unloved and orphaned child with an extraordinary sense of smell. He finds himself in Paris and the story follows him using his gift to achieve wealth and fame, at any cost.
When he discovers the scent of a young virgin, Grenouille decides to create the ultimate perfume. This single-minded pursuit leads him through the city and to a shocking conclusion. This book is compelling, both for its dark story and vivid descriptions of Paris during that period.
The book is set in the late 18th century and captures the beauty and ugliness of Paris in its darkest days. It’s a riveting story of an outsider’s struggle to survive.
30. Suite Française – Irène Némirovsky
This book almost never got published. Némirovsky, a Jewish writer, wrote the two stories in the book in the early 1940s as part of a 5-part novel. Unfortunately she was killed in Auschwitz and the manuscripts were only discovered by her daughter many years later.
Her book is set in France during the Nazi occupation. Interestingly, she began writing the novel as she and her family were fleeing Paris, so her account is all the more poignant.
The stories in the book, however, don’t just focus on the horrors of war, but instead explore the dynamics between people in a time of great difficulty.
The interplay of fiction and reality, along with Némirovsky’s writing, makes this an essential piece of literature.
31. Dangerous Liaisons – Pierre Choderlos De Laclos
If you’re looking for a classic read set in France, then look no further than Dangerous Liaisons. Written in 1782, it is a timeless story of seduction and revenge set in 18th century France.
The epistolary novel follows the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, two former lovers who now compete to seduce each other’s current conquests.
These books all offer an amazing insight into French culture and its people. With themes of love, friendship and adventure, these stories are sure to take you on an unforgettable journey. It is gripping and suspenseful – you won’t be able to put it down.
32. The Sweetness Of Forgetting – Kristin Harmel
The Sweetness of Forgetting is a story of a young woman who travels from Cape Cod in the US to Paris to uncover a harrowing family secret her ailing grandmother has let her in on.
The novel follows Hope, who is struggling with the death of her mother and the abandonment of her husband. As she pieces together the story of her grandmother’s past, Hope is taken back to World War II and discovers more than she ever expected.
The narrative is a heartwarming tale that captures the beauty of France and the power of love. It’s one of the best French books in historical fiction.
CONCLUSION
From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the sun-soaked vineyards of Provence, these books set in France offer a diverse literary landscape. Not only can you get vivid glimpses into the country’s culture and history, but also profound insights into the human condition.
Enjoy reading through the pages as your heart yearns for the scent of croissants and the sound of accordion music!
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