Paris has long been a source of inspiration for writers, with their stories capturing the hearts of readers from around the world. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and undeniable charm, the city has served as the backdrop for some of literature’s most memorable tales. These books, each set in the heart of Paris, offer a unique perspective on the city—from its romantic streets to its wartime struggles. Here are 14 must-read books based in Paris that will inspire your next trip to the City of Lights.

1. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

The Paris Wife is a beautifully written novel set in the 1920s, chronicling the life of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway. The book captures their years in Paris, a time when Hemingway was just beginning his literary career and Paris was a haven for expatriates, including Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ezra Pound. McLain’s evocative prose paints Paris as both a vibrant and challenging backdrop for their tumultuous relationship. This novel is perfect for those who are drawn to Paris’s bohemian past and the stories of the lost generation.

2. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

If you’ve read The Paris Wife, then Hemingway’s own memoir, A Moveable Feast, is an essential follow-up. This posthumous account of his years in Paris during the 1920s offers a raw and poetic look at his life as a young writer in the City of Lights. Written in a candid, almost journal-entry style, Hemingway reflects on his friendships with other writers and artists, including his relationships with his first wife and fellow expatriates. It’s a heartfelt love letter to Paris and an homage to the city’s artistic spirit during one of its most influential eras.

3. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set against the backdrop of World War II, The Nightingale is a story of survival, love, and resistance in Nazi-occupied France. While it doesn’t focus solely on Paris, it does feature the city as a symbol of both occupation and liberation. Through the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, Kristin Hannah paints a powerful narrative of courage in the face of oppression. For history buffs and fans of emotional drama, The Nightingale offers an evocative look at the sacrifices made during one of the darkest times in French history.

4. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

This charming novel is set in an elegant Parisian apartment building, where the lives of two unlikely characters—Renee, a middle-aged concierge, and Paloma, a precocious 12-year-old girl—intersect in the most surprising ways. With a sharp focus on Parisian intellectual life, philosophy, and the simple pleasures of Paris, The Elegance of the Hedgehog explores the idea of hidden beauty and the lives of those who often go unnoticed. The book’s philosophical musings and insightful characters offer a deep dive into the intellectual heart of Paris.

5. The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure

If you’re a fan of thrillers, The Paris Architect will take you on a gripping journey through Paris during the Nazi occupation. The story follows a reluctant architect, Lucien, who is recruited to design hiding places for Jews escaping the Holocaust. As the tension of war mounts and danger grows, Lucien is forced to confront not only his own fears but also his moral compass. Belfoure’s novel combines historical fiction with the suspense of a spy thriller, capturing the atmosphere of Paris during its darkest hours.

6. Paris to the Moon by Adam Gnade

For a slightly different, but equally captivating, Parisian adventure, Paris to the Moon by Adam Gnade chronicles the author’s time spent in Paris as a young artist. His vivid portrayal of life in Paris in the 21st century paints the city as a place where dreams and frustrations collide. Gnade’s memoir isn’t just about the iconic sights of Paris, but about the soul-searching experiences of a young man looking to carve his own path in the world. It’s a love letter to modern-day Paris, infused with both wonder and realism.

7. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

You can’t discuss Parisian literature without mentioning Les Misérables, one of the most iconic novels in world history. Set in the tumultuous period following the French Revolution, Victor Hugo’s masterpiece follows the lives of several unforgettable characters, including Jean Valjean, a former convict struggling to redeem himself, and Javert, a relentless police inspector. Paris is a central character in the novel, with the story bringing to life the streets, barricades, and revolution that defined 19th-century France. If you’re visiting Paris, a stroll through the city’s landmarks mentioned in the novel—like the Place de la Bastille or the Pantheon—will make Hugo’s words feel even more alive.

8. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

While The Da Vinci Code isn’t a traditional love letter to Paris, it certainly uses the city as a thrilling backdrop for its fast-paced, puzzle-filled narrative. Set in the Louvre and other Parisian landmarks, the book follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he uncovers secrets about the famous painting, the Mona Lisa. The city’s history, architecture, and hidden symbols take center stage in this international bestseller, making it a great read for anyone interested in Paris’s more mysterious and historical sides.

9. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

For those who adore books about books, The Little Paris Bookshop is an enchanting novel about a Parisian bookseller, Jean Perdu, who runs a floating bookstore on the Seine. Jean’s shop is filled with literary treasures, and his love of books is as deep as his own personal heartbreak. When a reader’s emotional troubles intersect with Jean’s life, a journey begins that leads them through both Paris and the French countryside. This book captures the magical allure of Parisian bookstores and the healing power of literature, making it a perfect read for book lovers.

10. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Set in Paris during World War II, Sarah’s Key is a poignant story about the intersection of history and personal memory. The novel revolves around two timelines: one in 1942 during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup of Jewish families in Paris, and another in the early 2000s, as a journalist named Julia uncovers the secret of a young girl named Sarah. De Rosnay’s moving narrative explores the scars of history and the search for justice. This heartbreaking yet beautiful novel will give readers a profound understanding of Paris during one of its most painful times.

11. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

In The Paris Library, the love of books is at the heart of the story. Set in 1939 Paris, the novel follows Odile Souchet, a young librarian at the American Library in Paris. As the city is overtaken by the Nazi regime, Odile and her colleagues risk their lives to protect books and their patrons. Interwoven with a modern-day narrative set in Montana, the novel tells a poignant story of friendship, loyalty, and the power of literature during times of war. For book lovers and history enthusiasts, this novel offers a deeply moving look at the resilience of those who sought refuge in books during one of the darkest periods of the 20th century.

12. The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl

In The Paris Novel, Ruth Reichl, known for her memoirs and novels about food and travel, weaves a delightful story set in Paris. This novel follows the character of a young woman who, after a series of personal and professional setbacks, finds herself in Paris—a city that’s as much about reinvention as it is about romance and the culinary arts. As the protagonist navigates her new life in Paris, she encounters new loves, adventures, and the undeniable magic of the city. Reichl’s exploration of food, culture, and the artistic soul of Paris makes this a perfect read for those captivated by the city’s romantic allure.

13. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

For those who love children’s literature, Madeline is a classic that’s sure to delight. The story follows Madeline, a young girl who lives in a boarding school in Paris, and her adventurous spirit. The charming illustrations and simple, yet heartwarming, story will bring Paris to life for young readers (and adults, too!). Madeline’s fearless nature and the whimsical scenes of Paris make this book an endearing way to experience the city through the eyes of a child.

14. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

Before becoming famous for 1984 and Animal Farm, George Orwell wrote Down and Out in Paris and London, a semi-autobiographical work that explores poverty and life on the margins. In the book, Orwell recounts his time living in Paris, where he worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant and experienced the struggles of poverty. The book paints a stark picture of the city’s less glamorous side and offers a raw look at the lives of the disenfranchised in both Paris and London. It’s an essential read for those interested in the grittier aspects of life in these iconic cities.

Why These Books Based in Paris Matter

These books capture the city’s romance, its grit, its resilience, and its timeless charm. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply yearning for a mental escape, let these literary works guide you through the cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and storied history of the City of Lights.

So, grab one of these titles, pour yourself a glass of wine (or coffee), and let Paris work its magic. And when you finally find yourself there, you might just feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a book.

Happy reading,

Carina

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