Books Set in Paris
Paris Is Always a Good Idea For Book-Lovers
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
For centuries, writers have flocked to Paris for its glittering and dazzling display of decadence. Ernest Hemingway was just one writer who contributed to its reputation as the literary centre of the universe, even though he only lived there for a relatively short period. The city of lights has notoriously topped most travellers' lists of places to go, and Instagrammers flock to its photo-friendly sights. With the pandemic still grounding us all and international travel off the table, we will have to take the next best thing: books. There has recently been an explosion of novels exploring the romance and intrigue of Paris and with Netflix's highly anticipated show Emily in Paris about to debut, so now is the best time to escape into these enchanting tales.
1 Paris Is Always a Good Idea
A woman retraces her gap year through Ireland, France, and Italy to find love — and herself — in Jenn McKinlay's irresistible novel Paris Is Always a Good Idea. Lots of travel and love in this charming tale!
2 The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor
Elizabeth E. Wein's Code Name Verity meets Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution in Jordyn Taylor's debut novel,The Paper Girl of Paris. When 16-year-old Alice is left her grandmother's Paris apartment, the secrets she uncovers will change the trajectory of her life. This beautifully rendered dual-narrative story bounces between present day Paris and WWII Paris.
3 The Paris Hours by Alex George
Told over the course of a single day in 1927 Paris, The Paris Hours is a story about four ordinary people, the extraordinary lives they live and the common thread that unites us all. Fans of All the Light We Cannot See will delight in this evocative tale.
4 The Lost Girls of Paris
New York Times bestseller The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff is the untold story of the brave women who helped win WWII and survive unthinkable challenges. This book will inspire readers to live courageously and make a difference in their world.
5 The Black Swan of Paris by Karen Robards
An exquisite WWII novel illuminating the strength of three women in occupied Paris. Fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network will devour The Black Swan of Paris, an absorbing read by a talented writer.
6 The Paris Secret by Natasha Lester
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan comes The Paris Secret an unforgettable historical novel about a secret collection of Dior gowns that ties back to the first female pilots of WWII and a heartbreaking story of love and sacrifice.
7 The Paris Children by Gloria Goldreich
The Paris Children is a story of love and courage set against the darkness of WWII.
8 The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen
The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen tells the complicated story behind one of the most iconic women in fashion history, legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel.
9 The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux by Samantha Verant
In The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux, a disgraced chef rediscovers her passion for food and her roots in this stunning novel rich in culture and full of delectable recipes.
10 A Paris Secret by Caroline Montague
A Paris Secret by Caroline Montague is a sweeping tale of ambition and passion in the shattered world of post-war Paris.
11 The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin
The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin is a love letter to Paris. When bookshop owner Sarah Smith is offered the opportunity for a job exchange with her Parisian friend Sophie, saying yes is a no-brainer—after all, what kind of romantic would turn down six months in Paris? But life in Paris isn't all cupcakes and croissants. As Christmas approaches, Sarah is determined to get the shop — and her life — back in order . . . and make her dreams of a Parisian happily-ever-after come true.
12 One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan
Sarah Morgan returns with One Summer in Paris, a heartwarming novel about the power of friendship, love and what happens when an ending is just the beginning. When Grace's husband of 25 years shocks her with his request for a divorce, she embarks on their wedding anniversary trip to Paris alone. When she meets carefree and daring Audrey, the new friends learn from each other and see the city of lights, and their lives, with new eyes.
13 A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable
A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable is a vivid debut novel that beautifully explores the Paris of the Belle Epoque along with the allure of present day. Based on historical events, Michelle Gable's A Paris Apartment will entertain and inspire, as readers embrace the struggles and successes of two very unforgettable women.
14 All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio
All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio is the story of two women connected across time by the city of Paris, a mysterious stack of love letters, and shocking secrets sweeping from World War II to the present. This romantic story set amidst the beautiful landscape of Paris will enchant and delight readers everywhere.
15 The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is the perfect read for lovers of literature. Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. But can he heal his own soul through words on a page? After finding a letter from his last great love he goes on a journey with a group of unexpected travellers hoping to find peace and closure.
16 The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain is perhaps the most famous Parisian-themed novel because it explores the romance between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson, a shy twenty-eight-year-old who was swept off her feet by the charming and dashing literary lion. This novel eloquently explores a Jazz Age Paris fuelled by alcohol, glamour, and dreams of literary fame.
