If you’re longing for a literary escape, these must-read Paris novels will transport you straight to the heart of the City of Light. Have you ever dreamed of strolling along the Seine, sipping coffee at a charming café, or exploring the historic neighborhoods of Paris? While an actual trip might not always be possible, the right book can make you feel like you’re already there.
I’ve gathered recommendations from passionate readers and Paris lovers to create this comprehensive guide to the best set-in-Paris must-reads—stories that capture the charm, history, and romance of one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
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Historical Fiction Novels Set in Paris
Paris has witnessed centuries of dramatic history, and these novels bring different eras vividly to life:
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
The Paris Library is based on true events and people during World War II that occurred at The American Library in Paris.
Based on true events during World War II, this moving story follows the brave librarians who worked at The American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation. The novel beautifully captures both the horrors of war and the power of literature to unite people during the darkest times.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This heartbreaking and powerful novel follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France as they navigate danger, resistance, and survival. Hannah’s detailed descriptions of wartime Paris create an unforgettable backdrop for this story of courage and resilience.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
A dual-timeline novel connecting a modern-day journalist with the tragic story of a young Jewish girl during the 1942 Vel’ d’Hiv roundup in Paris. This haunting book explores a dark chapter in Paris’s history that was hidden for decades.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Step back into 1920s Paris with this fictional account of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage to Hadley Richardson. Experience the excitement of expatriate Paris through Hadley’s eyes as she navigates her relationship with the ambitious young writer amid the intoxicating community of artists and writers.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
The big great grandaddy of them all! If you haven’t read it already, this classic must-read novel brings medieval Paris to life with Victor Hugo’s rich descriptions of the city and its iconic cathedral.
Paris by Edward Rutherfurd
This sweeping historical epic follows several families through centuries of Parisian history. It’s a historical family saga. You learn lots about the history of Paris. If you’re looking for a deep dive into how Paris evolved through the ages, this novel is a perfect choice.
Must-Read Paris Novels for Mystery and Thriller Lovers
For readers who enjoy suspense with their scenery, these Paris-set mystery novels deliver intrigue along the boulevards:
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
This gripping psychological thriller centers on a woman who arrives in Paris to stay with her brother, only to find him missing from his upscale apartment building. As she investigates, she discovers each neighbor has something to hide. An EXCELLENT recently-written book that will keep you guessing until the end.
Cara Black’s Aimée Leduc Series
Multiple readers recommended Cara Black’s extensive mystery series, each book set in a different Paris neighborhood. All the Cara Black ‘murder in’ each book takes place in a special Paris area. The writer tells a lot about the history of those neighborhoods and their specificity.
I recommend to start with “Murder in the Marais,” the first book in this beloved series that combines Parisian atmosphere with page-turning suspense.
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
This historical thriller follows an architect who devises ingenious hiding places for Jews in Nazi-occupied Paris, risking his own life in the process. My husband and I enjoyed the book thoroughly…historical fiction.
Contemporary Must-Read Fiction Set in Paris
These modern stories capture the essence of present-day Paris:
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
This recent release by renowned food writer Ruth Reichl tells the story of a woman who unexpectedly inherits a Paris apartment filled with culinary treasures. I recommend this delightful novel that combines Paris, food, and self-discovery.
The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain
This charming, quirky novel follows a Parisian bookseller who finds a woman’s handbag and becomes determined to return it to its owner using only the clues inside, including a red notebook. It’s a delightful love letter to Paris and the unexpected connections we form.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
For young adult fiction fans, this sweet romance follows an American girl sent to boarding school in Paris, where she meets a charming British-French boy. It’s a delightful teenage read.
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi
This sensory novel explores the competitive world of French perfume making through the eyes of a talented Indian perfumer navigating life in 1970s Paris. Rich in descriptions of scents and scenes, it’s a transporting read.
Literary Paris: Classics and Modern Classics
These books have defined our literary understanding of Paris:
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
Though technically a memoir, Hemingway’s classic account of his time as a struggling young writer in 1920s Paris reads like a novel and has influenced countless readers’ perceptions of the city. It’s his memoir when he was living in the Latin Quarter.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
This philosophical novel set in an upscale Paris apartment building follows the secret intellectual life of a concierge and her connection with a precocious 12-year-old girl. Rich with observations about Parisian society and class divisions, it’s both profound and charming.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This classic novel divides its setting between London and Paris during the French Revolution, with some of literature’s most memorable scenes taking place in the turbulent streets of revolutionary Paris.
Au Bonheur des Dames (The Ladies’ Paradise) by Émile Zola
This 19th-century novel by French literary master Émile Zola depicts Paris during the rise of the modern department store, examining capitalism, changing social norms, and women’s roles in society.
Food and Culture in Paris, Must-Reads Inspired by the French Way of Life
For those who love Paris for its cuisine and cultural riches:
My Life in France by Julia Child
Though a memoir rather than a novel, this delightful book follows Julia Child’s transformative years in post-WWII Paris as she discovers French cuisine and begins her culinary journey. It’s a joyous celebration of French food, culture, and the pleasures of reinvention.
The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher
This historical novel tells the story of Sylvia Beach, the American who founded the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore and published James Joyce’s Ulysses.
Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard
Another memoir that reads like a novel, this delicious book follows an American woman who falls in love with a Frenchman and navigates the cultural differences, particularly around food. One of my all-time faves. ❤️
Sacré Bleu by Christopher Moore
For something completely different, this humorous novel blends art history, fantasy, and mystery in Belle Époque Paris, featuring real-life artists like Toulouse-Lautrec and a mysterious color called “Sacré Bleu.” It’s quirky, imaginative, and entertaining.
Finding More Must-Read Paris Novels and Podcasts
If you’ve worked your way through these recommendations and crave more Parisian adventures, go to your library’s website and get into the catalog. Check Search by Subject and type in Paris Fiction or whatever general category you want, and a whole list should pop up.
You might also enjoy podcasts dedicated to books set in specific locations, such as Strong Sense of Place (which has a dedicated Paris episode packed with additional recommendations), Join us in France, or The Earful Tower.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer historical drama, contemporary romance, literary classics, or thrilling mysteries, there’s no doubt a Paris novel waiting to transport you to the captivating streets, cafés, and hidden corners of the City of Light. As you read, you’ll discover that Paris isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, one that continues to inspire writers and readers alike.
