14 Best books about Paris

The 14 best books about Paris! If you are a Francophile, then you know you there is no better way to transport yourself to Paris than through a fantastic book about Paris or set in Paris. If you are looking for a gift for the Francophile in your life, a book about Paris is the way to go.

Even after 18 years living in Paris, my favorite city in the world, I still love reading about it. The books about Paris below are some of my absolute favorites!

Table of Contents

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A Hedgehog in the Kitchen!

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

This my personal favorite book about Paris.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

A juicy novel set in a chic Parisian apartment building.

The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

David Lebovitz dreamed of living in Paris before moving here. In this brilliant book, he shares so many experiences, that as an expat in Paris of 18 years, make me laugh out loud! You will love reading about his sweet life in Paris.

Notre Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) by Victor Hugo

A classic that everyone should read at least once, especially if you love Paris!

Sundays in Paris by Yasmin Zeinab

If you’ve spent time in Paris, you will know how tricky it can be to plan a day of activities on a Sunday – so many things are closed. In recent years, more places have started offering Sunday hours but this book is still a gem.

Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane

Georgianna Lane shares the most beautiful photography showcasing amazing flower arrangements and nature in Paris.

The Only Street in Paris : Life on the rue des Martyrs by Elaine Scolio

Elaine Sciolino, the former Paris Bureau Chief of the New York Times, invites us on a tour of her favorite Parisian street, the rue des Martyrs. I have a soft spot for this street because we used to live right next to it. Discover the greengrocer, cheesemongers and more.

Chéri by Colette

Colette was such a brilliant writer and I love her books. This is the story of a love affair in France between a young man and a much younger woman. It is very juicy.

My Life in France by Julia Child

If you love France and food, then you probably already love Julia Child. You will love reading Julia’s personal account of her time living in France. As you read her story, you will feel like you are right along side her eating sole meunière or boeuf bourguignon.

Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik

This book was published in 2001 and my mom gifted it to me right before I moved to Paris in 2002. Gopnik writes about moving his family – himself, his wife and his then infant son – to Paris in 1995 and what their vie quotidienne in the city of light and love was really like. Such a treasure of a book for any Francophile!

Paris Dreaming by Katrina Lawrence

Katrina Lawrence is an Australian beauty journalist who left her heart in Paris. She muses about life, love and lipstick in this lovely read.

Paris Letters by Janice Macleod

Janice dreams of quitting her job but doesn’t know if it’s feasible financially. After doing a little math, she realizes it’s doable. She cuts back and saves up and buys herself “two years of freedom in Europe”. A few days into her time in Paris, she falls in love with butcher down the street. When her savings start to dwindle, she comes up with a creative project to fund her dream of staying in Paris.

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

Bard is an American journalist living in Provence. This treasure of a book combines a beautiful Parisian love story and a selection of tasty recipes. Perfect for foodie Francophiles!

Letters from Paris by Juliet Blackwell

A beautiful novel set in Paris about the protagonist’s experience living through a terrible life event, moving to Paris and tracking down a century-old mask making atelier and discovering a collection of Belle Epoque letters that offer insight into the Belle Epoque in Paris as well as the life of the woman who wrote them.