Ten Best Books About Paris
The Travel Pages brings you the ten best books about Paris, from Hemingway’s memoir through crime books, histories, cookery and travel tales.
The 10 Best Books About Paris: A Literary Guide for Travelers and Enthusiasts
Paris has long been a muse for writers, historians, and chefs, inspiring countless books that capture its magic. Whether you’re planning a trip or reminiscing about past visits, these ten books—spanning fiction, memoir, history, and cuisine—will deepen your appreciation for the City of Light.
1. A Moveable Feast – Ernest Hemingway (1964)
Hemingway’s classic memoir paints an intimate portrait of 1920s Paris, where he lived as a struggling young writer among luminaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. Filled with nostalgic vignettes of cafés, bookshops, and bohemian life, this book is essential for anyone who wants to experience the Paris of the Lost Generation. Hemingway’s sharp prose and vivid recollections make it feel as though you’re wandering Montparnasse with him. Buy it here:
2. The Paris Wife – Paula McLain (2011)
A fictionalized account of Hemingway’s first marriage, The Paris Wife is told from the perspective of Hadley Richardson. Set in the same glittering 1920s era as A Moveable Feast, this novel offers a deeper, more emotional look at love, ambition, and betrayal in expat Paris. McLain’s rich historical detail immerses readers in the jazz-filled nights and literary salons of the time. Buy it here:
3. Paris: The Biography of a City – Colin Jones (2004)
For history lovers, Colin Jones’s comprehensive biography of Paris traces its evolution from Roman settlement to modern metropolis. Covering politics, art, and revolution, Jones weaves together major events with lesser-known anecdotes, offering a dynamic narrative. This book is perfect for understanding how Paris became the cultural powerhouse it is today. Buy it here:
4. The Elegance of the Hedgehog – Muriel Barbery (2006)
Set in an upscale Parisian apartment building, this philosophical novel follows Renée, a concierge with a secret intellectual life, and Paloma, a precocious 12-year-old. Their stories intertwine with wit and melancholy, offering a poignant reflection on class, beauty, and hidden depths. Barbery’s Paris is one of quiet introspection, where even ordinary moments shimmer with meaning. Buy it here:
5. The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs – Elaine Sciolino (2015)
Former New York Times Paris correspondent Elaine Sciolino takes readers on a charming journey down Rue des Martyrs, a vibrant street in the 9th and 18th arrondissements. Through interviews with shopkeepers, neighbors, and artisans, she captures the soul of everyday Parisian life. Part memoir, part love letter, this book celebrates the city’s enduring village-like charm. Buy it here:
6. Murder in the Marais – Cara Black (1999)
The first in the Aimée Leduc mystery series, this thriller plunges readers into Paris’s shadowy underworld. Private investigator Aimée uncovers dark secrets in the historic Jewish quarter, the Marais, blending suspense with rich local color. Black’s novels are beloved for their authentic Parisian settings and gripping plots—ideal for crime fiction fans. Buy it here:
7. My Life in France – Julia Child (2006)
Julia Child’s joyful memoir recounts her transformative years in Paris, where she discovered her love of French cuisine. From her first meal at La Couronne to studying at Le Cordon Bleu, her infectious enthusiasm brings mid-century Paris to life. Food lovers will relish her vivid descriptions of markets, bistros, and the birth of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Buy it here:
8. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown (2003)
Though controversial, this blockbuster thriller is a fun way to explore Paris’s iconic landmarks. When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon deciphers clues hidden in the Louvre and Saint-Sulpice, readers get a whirlwind tour of the city’s art and history. While fictional, Brown’s fast-paced narrative makes Paris itself a central character.
9. The Sweet Life in Paris – David Lebovitz (2009)
Pastry chef and food writer David Lebovitz humorously recounts his move to Paris, blending memoir with delicious recipes. From quirky cultural observations (why Parisians hate line-cutting) to decadent desserts, his book is both practical and entertaining. A must-read for foodies navigating Parisian dining etiquette. Buy it here:
10. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame – Victor Hugo (1831)
No Paris reading list is complete without Hugo’s Gothic masterpiece. Set in 15th-century Paris, it weaves together the tragic tale of Quasimodo with breathtaking descriptions of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Though fictional, Hugo’s vivid portrayal of medieval Paris remains a timeless tribute to the city’s architectural soul. Buy it here:
Final Thoughts
From Hemingway’s romantic recollections to Lebovitz’s culinary adventures, these books offer diverse perspectives on Paris. Whether you seek history, mystery, or mouthwatering cuisine, each title provides a unique lens through which to see—and savor—the City of Light. Bon voyage and happy reading!
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