If you’re a Paris lover, you’re sure to find the perfect read in our vast collection of books about Paris. Fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and more — there’s something for everyone.
This collection of books about Paris has everything: cherished classic novels, historical fiction that brings the past to life, light-hearted contemporary fiction, and memoirs from those living the Parisian life. And considering how much we love food here at Cardamom Magazine, you’ll find plenty of books for foodies including Paris-themed cookbooks, food guides, and culinary fiction. If you love Paris as much as I do, you’re sure to find some new favorites in this detailed collection of Paris books. Allons-y!
Additional research by Cardamom Magazine Research Editor Joan Carlson Bardin.
Books About Paris: Classic Novels
Let’s start with classic novels set in Paris. You’ve heard of them, but have you read them? Maybe now is the time.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Les Misérables is one of the world’s most famous novels: the story of the noble peasant Jean Valjean, the inspector Javert, and the desperate Fantine. Even if you’ve seen the movie or the musical, reading the original work can give you a different insight into this classic story.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Notre-Dame de Paris) by Victor Hugo
Another Hugo classic, this novel tells the famed story of love and betrayal set amid the beautiful Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas fils
La Dame aux Camélias is a semi-autobiographical novel of the author’s ill-fated love for a courtesan. The story is also known as Camille and inspired the opera La Traviata. Note that the word “fils” after the author’s name means “son” in French (similar to Junior in English). This is to differentiate the author from his father Alexandre Dumas who wrote The Three Musketeers.
Tip: If you’re an audiobook fan (like me) you’ll appreciate that many of these books are also available in audio format from Audible.
Paris for Foodies
If you love food and Paris as much as I do, you’ll savor the books in this section.
Paris for Food Lovers by Elin Unnes
This illustrated guide introduces you to the best places to eat in Paris plus gives tips on the best markets, food shops, and more.
Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make at Home by Ina Garten
Famed TV chef Ina Garten shares her own version of favorite Paris recipes along with stories of her connection to the city.
My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme
Julia Child tells the story of her love for France and French cooking during her time in the country from 1948 to 1954.
Teatime in Paris!: A Walk Through Easy French Patisserie Recipes by Jill Colonna
This beautiful book, filled with French pastry recipes suited for teatime, also takes readers on a delicious tour of Paris.
My Paris Market Cookbook by Emily Dilling
Offers a collection of seasonal Parisian recipes inspired by local markets.
Tasting Paris: 100 Recipes to Eat Like a Local by Clotilde Dusoulier
In addition to offering many delicious French recipes (such as brioche), this book also takes you on a culinary tour of Paris with plenty of photos.
My Paris Kitchen: Recipes and Stories by David Lebovitz
In My Paris Kitchen, American chef and author David Lebovitz offers a collection of popular French recipes along with their stories.
Historical Fiction
Paris is steeped in history and is a favorite setting for many historical novelists. From World War II to Jazz Age Paris to the French Revolution, you’ll find many aspects of Paris history covered in these intriguing novels.
The Confectioner’s Tale: A Novel of Paris by Laura Madeleine
Perfect for Paris food lovers, this novel takes the reader from a 1909 Paris patisserie to 1988 where a woman tries to solve the mystery of her grandfather.
The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel by Jeanne Mackin
Set in 1938 Paris, this novel tells the story of rivalry between two of the most famous fashion designers of their time, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel.
The Queen of Paris: A Novel of Coco Chanel by Pamela Binnings Ewen
Another novelization of the life of Coco Chanel, this book reimagines Chanel’s life during the years of Nazi occupation in World War II Paris.
Ribbons of Scarlet by Kate Quinn et al
This novel is a collection of interwoven stories featuring the women of the French Revolution. Despite the multiple authors, cohesive editing make the stories weave together nicely.
The Paris Hours by Alex George
This historical novel takes to you the Paris of 1927 and explores the lives of four ordinary people in the course of a single day.
The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron
This historical novel is based on the true story of Parisienne woman who resisted the Nazis in World War II Paris.
A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable
Based on the true story of a Paris apartment filled with treasures that’s opened after 70 years, this novel imagines the story of the woman who lived there.
Contemporary Fiction Set in Paris
Looking for something a little more contemporary? Check out these inspiring and heartwarming novels set in modern-day Paris.
Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay
After several years of loss and unhappiness, Chelsea Martin decides to return to the last place she remembers being happy to see if she can find joy in life again.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
This delightful novel tells the story of Monsieur Perdu and his floating bookshop on the Seine, an unopened love letter, and the healing power of books.
Waiting For Monsieur Bellivier by Britta Rostlund
The clever novels offers a dual storyline set in Paris, of two people each asked to do a mysterious job and how it changes their lives.
One Way Ticket to Paris by Emma Robinson
A romantic comedy about a British wife and mother who feels overwhelmed with daily life and takes a trip to Paris to find herself.
I Heart Paris by Lindsey Kelk
This fast-paced novel tells the story of British writer Angela and combines romance, adventure, fashion, and of course Paris.
One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan
When Grace plans a romantic trip to Paris to celebrate her 25th anniversary she wasn’t expecting her husband to ask for a divorce. Rather than canceling the trip, Grace decides to explore Paris on her own.
Memoirs Based in Paris
If you’re ready for some real world Paris adventures, check out these memoirs that will have you be packing your bags for a trip to Paris — real or virtual.
Seven Letters from Paris: A Memoir by Samantha Vérant
This memoir tells the story of Samantha Vérant, an American woman dissatisfied with her life who decides to track down the charming Parisian man who showed her Paris many years ago.
A Letter from Paris by Louisa Deasey
A Letter from Paris tells the true story of Louisa Deasey who receives a letter from a French woman that starts her on a journey to discover the true story of her father who died when was six years old.
Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard
Lunch in Paris is essentially two love stories in one. It’s the memoir of American Elizabeth Bard and her love for her French boyfriend (later husband) Gwendal and her love for her new home: Paris. And yes, there are recipes. Lots of French recipes.
I Found My Tomorrow in Paris by Marilyn Pearsol Giorgetti
After the end of a 30 year marriages, the author tells her story of reinvention and discovery in Paris.
We’ll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Memoir by Jennifer Coburn
The story of a mother and daughter who decide to travel to Paris for the adventure of a lifetime.
Dear Paris: The Paris Letters Collection by Janice MacLeod
Author and artist Janice MacLeod takes you a tour of Paris through this beautifully illustrated collection of letters.
Even More Paris
I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of favorite books about Paris. Both our research editor Joan and I had fun assembling a list of our personal favorites. Also, if your favorite didn’t make the list, tell us about it in the comments and we can add it.
If you’re eager for even more Paris, check out these other posts:
- Paris Food Guide: Saint-Germain-des-Prés — The story of a food tour I took in Paris in October 2019
- French Hot Chocolate — my take on the classic chocolat chaud that I enjoyed all over Paris on chilly days
- French Chocolate Soufflé: A Classic Recipe — a delicious recipe from a Paris-trained chef
2 comments
I am moving to Paris soon, thank you for publishing this!
Have fun! I lived in Paris for three months and loved it!