Learn around the globe with the perfect books set in France. Fulfill your wanderlust by exploring these stunning books about France.
With the arrival of the Paris Olympics, I couldn’t assist however keep in mind my go to to Paris, France, about 5 years in the past.
Through the years, I’ve learn loads of books about France and a few of my favourite traditional books are set in Paris. Plus, I’ve seen dozens of films that happen within the Metropolis of Lights. A part of me fearful that the town might by no means stay as much as my expectations.
As a substitute, Paris exceeded something I might have imagined. It was the proper location for my first journey overseas. Each road was attractive, the meals was scrumptious, and your entire environment was electrical.
If you happen to ever have the prospect, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go to Paris. And sometime perhaps I’ll be capable of go to extra of the gorgeous nation. Till then, I suppose we’ll simply must fulfill our wanderlust with a few of the finest books about France.
From heartbreaking World Battle II books set in France to fashionable thriller books set in Paris, discover France via literature in what’s my first in a brand new Learn Across the World collection of ebook lists.
Well-known Basic Books About France
Les Misérables
Victor Hugo
Probably the most well-known of all of the books about France, Les Misérables is among the most beloved tales ever advised. Victor Hugo’s story of Jean Valjean – the peasant convicted for stealing a loaf of bread – will depart you breathless. From the instance of forgiveness of the priest to the unrelenting dedication of Inspector Javert, the story has so many excellent themes to be taught from. Sure, the musical is implausible, however when you’ve got an opportunity, make sure you decide up the unique ebook. Whereas it’d drag in some spots, total, the story is solely unforgettable.
The Rely of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas
If you happen to haven’t learn this wonderful traditional ebook set in France but, you’re really lacking out. Dumas’ epic story of revenge will preserve you entertained via all of its 1,000+ pages. Wrongfully imprisoned for years, Edmond Dantes efficiently escapes a brutal French jail and units out to get the final word revenge on all those that have wronged him.
The Three Musketeers
Alexandre Dumas
“All for one, one for all!” cried the Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The younger protagonist, Comte d’Artagnan, is decided to search out glory for himself and win the hand of his girl love. As he joins the musketeers and befriends the well-known three, journey, intrigue and an entire lot of swashbuckling swordplay await on this enjoyable traditional ebook about friendship.
A Story of Two Cities
Charles Dickens
“It was the perfect of occasions, it was the worst of occasions.” So begins Charles Dickens’ novel set amid the violence of the French Revolution. With great characters and a gripping story, this traditional story, one of many must-read books of the French Revolution, reminds you that violence solely begets violence and that it’s by no means too late to search out redemption.
The Phantom of the Opera
Gaston Leroux
Finest often called the inspiration for the well-known musical adaptation, Gaston Leroux’s Gothic novel transports you to the Paris Opera Home in 1880, the place a phantom is rumored to hang-out the opera. When the star soprano is ailing, her understudy Christine Daaé sings to lavish applause. Now the phantom is demanding Christine be forged because the lead, and mysterious accidents preserve occurring to pressure the brand new homeowners to bow to his calls for.
WWII Books Set in France
All of the Mild We Can not See
Anthony Doerr
If I needed to decide a winner for the perfect WWII ebook, Anthony Doer’s masterpiece could be my first selection. I’m in no way shocked it gained a Pulitzer Prize; the writing is fabulous. Anthony Doerr masterfully interweaves the tales of Marie-Laurie, a blind French woman who flees from Paris to the coastal metropolis of Saint-Malo together with her uncle, and Werner, a German radio operator charged with rooting out the French resistance. Whereas the plot is attention-grabbing in and of itself, the character improvement and storytelling will preserve you glued to the web page.
The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah
Set in a small village in occupied France, the story facilities round two sisters. Pressured to accommodate a German officer in her residence, the older sister Vianne Mauriac should determine, to guard her daughter, the place precisely she ought to draw the road of being complicit with German calls for. Then again, her youthful sister Isabelle Rossignol feels dedicated to doing something she will to withstand the German occupation.
Code Title Hélène
Ariel Lawhon
On the prime of my checklist of books about France is Ariel Lawhon’s wonderful World Battle II novel. Nancy Wake, a New Zealander dwelling in Paris, turns into a spy for the British and rises to one of many prime leaders of the French Resistance and probably the most adorned ladies of the struggle. The story is cut up into two narratives – the primary beginning with Nancy parachuting into France in 1944 and the second telling of her courtship together with her husband, Henri Fiocca, earlier than the struggle. You’ll fall in love with Henri and cheer on Nancy as she transforms right into a fierce fighter and revered commander. As the sooner timeline catches up with the later one, you’ll really feel all of the feelings of a lady caught up in a horrible struggle.
The Ebook of Misplaced Names
Kristin Harmel
As a graduate pupil in 1942, Eva fled Paris after her father, a Polish Jew, was arrested. Settling in a mountain city within the Free Zone, she begins forging identities for Jewish youngsters with the assistance of a Catholic priest and a good-looking forger named Rémy. Falling in love with Rémy, she finds a technique to document the kids’s actual names, and a long time later, should come to phrases with the betrayal of her resistance cell.
Sarah’s Key
Tatiana de Rosnay
A call made immediately can change the course of so many lives. Simply earlier than Sarah and her household are arrested by the Germans in Paris in 1942, Sarah locks her little brother in a cabinet, assuming she will likely be again quickly. Now 60 years later, as journalist Julia Jarmond investigates the previous, she learns volumes not solely about that deadly day in historical past but in addition about herself. A traditional amongst WWII books set in France which is a wonderfully heartbreaking story in regards to the Holocaust.
WWI Novels Set in France
Birdsong
Sebastian Faulks
In probably the most traditional WW1 books set in France, Sebastian Faulks highlights the trauma of WWI veterans. Younger English soldier Stephen Wraysford finds himself on the entrance strains in France, caught in a wild love affair with Isabelle Azaire. But, it’s the world of the trenches within the Battle of Amiens that in the end ends the struggle but in addition without end adjustments Stephen. Later, in 1970, Stephen’s granddaughter Elizabeth tries to grasp his struggle experiences.
The Alice Community
Kate Quinn
In 1915, Eve Gardiner is overjoyed to affix the Alice Community of the French Resistance throughout WWI, solely to see it betrayed. Then, in 1947, Eve agrees to assist Charlie St. Clair, an American socialite determined to search out her cousin, Rose. Rose disappeared in France in the course of the Second World Battle, and Eve sees the shadows of her previous on this new case. Combining each the main world wars, The Alice Community is kind of a discover for historic fiction readers.
Band of Sisters
Lauren Willig
In April 1917, a charismatic alumna provides an impassioned speech at Smith School urging the ladies to go to France to assist with reduction efforts. Kate Moran has no plans to go, however when a lady drops out, Kate’s finest buddy Emmeline begs her to fill the slot. Primarily based on a real story, Band of Sisters tells of those courageous ladies dealing with the hardships of the struggle whereas navigating previous rivalries and betrayals.
The Porcelain Moon
Janie Chang
On the finish of the First World Battle, Pauline Deng runs away from her Chinese language household in Paris to flee an organized marriage again in Shanghai. Within the French countryside, Pauline finds shelter with Camille, a French lady planning to flee her personal abusive marriage. Till Pauline finds out a horrible secret about Camille, forcing them to decide that can bind them collectively without end.
Thriller Books in France
The Day of the Jackal
Frederick Forsyth
On August 22, 1962, a French paramilitary group angered by the liberation of Algeria tried to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. Forsyth takes this extraordinary true occasion and runs with it, making a British murderer solely often called The Jackal. Employed to kill the French President, the Jackal makes intensive preparations. However his failed try sparks an intense manhunt on this thrilling spy novel.
One by One
Ruth Ware
At an unique French ski resort, the shareholders for the up-and-coming social media firm Snoop should determine on a suggestion of a billion-dollar sale. One particular person doesn’t make it again to the lodge after snowboarding, and issues go from dangerous to worse when an avalanche hits threatening all of them. Would somebody be keen to resort to homicide to get their means? Among the many finest thriller books set in France, Ruth Ware’s newest is the proper thriller to learn proper now.
The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
Whereas vacationing in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is introduced in to assist the investigation of the homicide of a curator on the Louvre. Moreover the physique is a hidden cipher which Langdon is shocked to find results in a collection of clues hidden in Da Vinci’s works. With the assistance of cryptologist Sophie Noveau, Langdon races around the globe to unravel one of many world’s oldest mysteries.
The Secure Place
Anna Downes
Broke and lately fired, Emily has hit all-time low. Till she lands the proper job as a housekeeper for a rich couple on a distant French property. However is that this provide too good to be true? Fortunately, the moderately flighty protagonist comes into her personal because the novel progresses or this novel would have been actually laborious to learn. Instantly, one thing is off about this household, however Downes does a great job retaining you guessing what the large reveal will likely be.
On line casino Royale
Ian Fleming
In 1953, Ian Fleming launched the world to his notorious British undercover agent, James Bond. Codenamed 007, Bond is distributed to France to play in a high-stakes baccarat sport towards Le Chiffre, a villainous financier. Partnered with the gorgeous and good Vesper Lynd, the stakes are excessive for Bond, for Vesper has her personal darkish secret.
Timeline
Michael Crichton
In France, an archaeology professor leads a gaggle of graduate college students researching two fourteenth-century cities. When Professor Johnston flies again to America to deal with their shady sponsors, the scholars start to unearth his modern-day possessions buried within the ruins on the dig web site. Shortly they’re whisked away to a secret web site and advised that they have to journey again to the time of knights if they’re to avoid wasting their professor.
The Good Nanny
Leila Slimani
French-Moroccan lawyer Miriam has lastly determined to return to work after having youngsters. Searching for assist, Miriam and her husband rent Louise to handle the kids of their upscale Parisian residence. Louise is the proper nanny: at all times keen to remain late and do something to assist the dad and mom. But, as Miriam turns into increasingly depending on Louise, cracks start to type within the household and the proper nanny might become their worst nightmare.
Historic Fiction Books on France
The Paris Spouse
Paula McLain
In 1920, Hadley Richardson had accepted her future life as a spinster when she meets Ernest Hemingway. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, the Hemingways transfer to Paris, the place they grow to be ensconced in a gaggle of ex-pat writers. The years of quick and laborious dwelling start to put on on the Hemingways resulting in a disaster of their marriage.
Jacqueline in Paris
Ann Mah
The approaching of age story of First Girl Jackie Kennedy, who spent a yr learning overseas in Paris in 1949. Understanding her household’s precarious funds, Jacqueline Bouvier is aware of she will likely be anticipated to marry nicely after graduating school. However for this one yr in Paris, Jacqueline can simply be herself as she falls in love with a author … and with the town itself.
The Paris Hours
Alex George
Over the course of a single day in 1927, 4 unusual folks in Paris have their lives intertwine in stunning methods. Between a former maid of Marcel Proust, a puppeteer, a journalist and an artist who meets Gertrude Stein, a wealthy story of affection emerges within the Metropolis of Lights. With cameos from well-known artists of the time, The Paris Hours goals to envelop you within the pre-war Paris artwork scene.
Paris
Edward Rutherford
If historic fiction books about French historical past intrigue you, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with Rutherford’s epic story. A multigenerational story, Paris takes you thru 4 households intimately related to the historical past of the Metropolis of Mild. Leaping from previous to current, Rutherford excels at exhibiting how historical past impacts present occasions, diving deep into the historical past of the town whereas showcasing the lives of on a regular basis residents dwelling there.
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
Natasha Lester
Natasha Lester takes on French vogue with a narrative about three generations of Bricard ladies hoping to make a reputation for themselves. Within the current day, Blythe Bricard has turned away from her household’s legacy as vogue muses solely to find there may be extra to her mom and grandmother than she realized. In 1970, designer Astrid Bricard struggles to be seen as greater than a muse for her lover. Many years earlier, in 1917, orphan Mizza Bricard places every part on the road to ascertain a couture design home of her personal.
Josephine Baker’s Final Dance
Sherry Jones
All of the historical past books in regards to the Twenties in all probability embrace an image of Josephine Baker dancing in Paris in her well-known banana skirt. Sherry Jones’s novel chronicles the fascinating historical past of a lady who turned an icon of the Jazz Age. From her childhood poverty in America and her breakout profession in Paris to her work with the French Resistance in WWII and her efforts as a Civil Rights activist, Josephine Baker’s Final Dance is a good perception into the lifetime of the primary Black lady to star in a significant movement image.
Paris Books
The Little Paris Bookshop
Nina George
Together with his floating bookstore on the Seine, Monsieur Perdu prescribes books to heal readers via literature. But Perdu has by no means been in a position to recover from his one real love who left him with solely a letter, which he has by no means opened. Now prepared to find the reality and heal his damaged coronary heart, Perdu units off to the south of France. With an creator and an Italian chef in tow, the three journey the nation’s rivers and shelling out literature alongside the way in which on this charming novel set in France.
The Paris House
Lucy Foley
Searching for a contemporary begin, Jess strikes into her half-brother’s Paris residence solely to search out him lacking. The longer Ben stays gone, the extra Jess begins to query his dwelling state of affairs. Jess can inform the neighbors know greater than they’re telling, making every one a viable suspect.
The Paris Widow
Kimberly Belle
Stella doesn’t thoughts leaving her jetsetter life as a flight attendant behind when she marries Adam, a pleasant regular man. Whereas vacationing in Paris, Adam goes lacking after a bomb explodes in a public sq.. Now the police are telling Stella that Adam is a identified supplier of stolen antiquities. Refusing to depart Paris till she learns the reality, Stella should uncover if Adam was a random sufferer or a goal of the explosion.
Giovanni’s Room
James Baldwin
After proposing to his girlfriend, American expat David finds himself alone in Paris struggling between his wishes and standard morality. Befriending Guillaume, an older gentleman who owns a Parisian homosexual bar, David falls in love with the bar’s bartender, Giovanni. As David wrestles together with his sexual identification, his girlfriend returns to France forcing him to choose.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Paul Gallico
In Paul Gallico’s traditional, a humble London charlady cleansing the homes of the wealthy stumbles upon a sublime Dior costume. Captivated by its magnificence, Mrs. Harris scrimps and saves till she will afford a visit to Paris, not realizing the way it will remodel her life.
The Paris Library
Janet Skeslien Charles
Life is sweet for Odile Souchet, a younger lady with a good-looking beau working on the American Library in Paris. When the Germans invade Paris, Odile and her fellow librarians be a part of the Resistance to struggle the Nazis with what they’ve – books. Primarily based on a real story, The Paris Library is the proper selection for anybody on the lookout for scrumptious Paris books.
Younger Grownup Books About Paris
Anna and the French Kiss
Stephanie Perkins
Anna is happy for her senior yr till her mates ship her off from Georgia to attend a French boarding faculty. Quickly Anna falls head-over-heels with the attractive Étienne St. Clair. Sadly, Étienne already has a critical girlfriend. However after a yr of near-miss romantic encounters, will Anna lastly get her longed-for French kiss?
Simply One Day
Gayle Forman
Have you ever ever made a snap choice that modified your life? In typical Younger Grownup fiction method, Allyson, your common American teenager, meets a good-looking Dutch boy Willem De Ruiter whereas visiting England. Sparks fly and within the spur of the second, she is whisked away to Paris to spend one excellent day with him. But it’s Allyson’s journey after her excellent day that makes Simply One Day one of many excellent books to learn in France for any hopeless romantics on the market.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Brian Selznick
Orphaned Hugo lives in a Paris practice station, retaining the clocks and stealing meals to outlive. When the toymaker catches him stealing, Hugo turns into intertwined with the grumpy man and his energetic goddaughter and finds his deepest secret is in peril. A fast youngsters’s learn that’s fantastically illustrated, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is an ideal selection for a read-aloud.
Nonfiction Books About France
My Life in France
Julia Little one
Earlier than she turned well-known for her cookbook Mastering the Artwork of French Cooking and her cooking present The French Chef, Julia Little one was an unknown diplomat’s spouse. Transferring to France in 1948 together with her husband Paul, Little one didn’t even converse English. Taking cooking lessons on the Cordon Bleu, Little one discovered a newfound ardour that may, after many rejections, lead her to grow to be a family title.
A Lady of No Significance
Sonia Purnell
Sonia Purnell supplies a robust have a look at one of many biggest spies of World Battle II. Rejected from overseas service as a result of she was a lady with a prosthetic leg, Virginia Corridor went over to England and have become the primary lady deployed to occupied France. Generally known as the “Madonna of the Resistance,” Corridor coordinated main resistance actions in France and have become the most-wanted spy in Europe.
When the Sea Got here Alive
Garrett M. Graff
Garrett M. Graff, creator of The Solely Aircraft within the Sky, presents an oral historical past of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, Allied troops landed on the seashores of France in a month-long marketing campaign that modified the tide of World Battle II. Graff explores the complete story of D-Day, from the key creation of plans to the moments the doorways opened on the seashores.
Story of a Soul
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Generally known as The Little Flower of Jesus, Thérèse of Lisieux joined a cloistered Carmelite neighborhood as a nun on the age of fifteen and served faithfully till her loss of life at age 24. One of the well-liked saints within the Catholic church, St. Thérèse’s memoir has introduced religious consolation to hundreds of thousands of Catholics. In a collection of two memoirs and a letter, St. Thérèse describes her religious life and ponders how somebody can ascend to Heaven, not via grand heroic acts however via little methods and small acts of affection.
The Final Duel
Eric Jager
In 1386, an enormous crowd gathers to observe “the duel to finish all duels” – a no-holds-barred struggle between two Medieval knights. The true story focuses on Jean de Carrouges, a Norman knight who returns from battle to his spouse’s accusation that his finest buddy Jacques LeGris has raped her. King Charles VI’s courtroom requires a “trial by fight” the place innocence will likely be decided by a duel between the 2 knights.
Extra Basic Books Set in France
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Victor Hugo
In a unprecedented French gothic novel, Victor Hugo turned Notre Dame Cathedral right into a beloved landmark and sparked heightened curiosity in its preservation. The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, a disabled bell-ringer at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Quasimodo, his merciless guardian Archdeacon Frollo, and plenty of different males all fall obsessively in love with Esmeralda, a younger Romani dancer, triggering a struggle to own her.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Baroness Orczy
At the beginning of the French Revolution, one man, identified solely as The Scarlet Pimpernel, dangers all of it to avoid wasting harmless males, ladies, and youngsters from the Guillotine. Caught in an estranged marriage to a uninteresting British aristocrat, Marguerite is entranced by the Pimpernel’s daring deeds. But, when her brother is threatened, she agrees to assist a ruthless French agent uncover the Pimpernel’s true identification.
Germinal
Émile Zola
The thirteenth novel in his Rougon-Macquart collection, Germinal is French novelist Émile Zola’s most well-known work. Unemployed railway employee Etienne Lantier is pressured to take a back-breaking job at Le Voreux mine. Underneath the merciless situations, Etienne rapidly realizes that that is no means for his fellow mine employees to stay. Thus, Etienne leads a harmful strike that can both save the employees or utterly destroy them.
Tender is the Night time
F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s final novel, Tender is the Night time highlights the tip of the Jazz Age. Within the French Riveria, 17-year-old actress Rosemary Hoty turns into infatuated with the glamorous couple, Dick and Nicole Diver. Each husband and psychiatrist to Nicole, Dick’s world utterly transforms underneath Nicole’s astounding wealth. But, the couple ultimately falls into alcoholism and psychological sickness, mirroring Fitzgerald’s personal life.
What Are Your Favourite Books Set in France?
What do you suppose? Does this checklist of Books About France make you wish to go to sometime? As at all times, let me know within the feedback!
Extra Basic Books Studying Lists:
World Battle II Historic Fiction
