13 Must-Read Books to Transport You to Paris Before Your Trip -

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Planning a trip to Paris? Lucky you! Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, Paris has a way of making every visit feel magical. But before you jet off to sip café crème at a sidewalk bistro or wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, why not set the mood with a little literary escapism? Books have the power to transport us, and these Paris-themed reads will have you dreaming in French before you even board your flight.

From classic literature to historical fiction and even some contemporary romance, here are 13 books that will bring the magic of Paris to life before you land at Charles de Gaulle.

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1. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

If you want to experience the bohemian side of Paris in the 1920s, this is the book to read. Hemingway’s memoir-like collection of stories recounts his time in the city when he was a struggling writer, hanging out with literary greats like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. It’s atmospheric, witty, and packed with descriptions of cozy cafés, cheap but delicious meals, and the intoxicating charm of Parisian life. You’ll feel like you’re sipping wine along the Seine with Hemingway himself.

2. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

For a different perspective on Hemingway’s Paris, check out this novel told from the point of view of his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Their whirlwind romance, their life in Paris, and the struggles that come with being married to a rising literary star make this book a gripping and emotional read. It’s a beautifully written glimpse into the glamour and heartbreak of expat life in 1920s Paris.

3. Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Baldwin’s novel is a haunting, beautifully written story about love, identity, and self-discovery. Set in 1950s Paris, it follows an American man torn between his fiancée and a passionate romance with an Italian bartender named Giovanni. This book captures the city’s nightlife, its melancholy charm, and the inner turmoil of those searching for their true selves.

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4. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

This book is a gem! Set in a fancy Parisian apartment building, it follows a concierge named Renée and a precocious 12-year-old girl named Paloma. Both are hiding their brilliance from the world in different ways. Full of philosophy, wit, and insight into Parisian life, this book is both heartwarming and deeply moving. Plus, it’ll have you daydreaming about living in an elegant Parisian apartment yourself.

5. My Life in France by Julia Child

This book is so delightful and so full of Parisian charm that I couldn’t resist putting it on the list! Julia Child’s memoir about moving to Paris in the 1940s and discovering her passion for French cooking is utterly joyful. If you love food (and let’s be honest, Paris is a foodie paradise), this book will have you craving buttery croissants and coq au vin long before you touch down in France.

6. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set partly in occupied Paris during World War II. It follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German soldier, whose paths eventually cross in unexpected ways. The writing is stunning, and the descriptions of war-torn France are hauntingly beautiful. It’s historical fiction at its finest.

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7. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Another WWII novel, The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France. One joins the Resistance, while the other struggles to keep her family safe. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s a gripping read that brings wartime Paris to life in vivid detail.

8. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

If you love books (which, I assume you do if you’re reading this), this novel about the American Library in Paris during WWII is a must-read. It’s based on real events and follows a young librarian who risks everything to help protect books and their readers from Nazi censorship.

9. The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

Inspired by real-life female spies in WWII, this book follows a young woman who stumbles upon abandoned photographs of female secret agents. As she digs deeper into their story, she uncovers a tale of bravery, betrayal, and the incredible women who risked their lives for the war effort. It’s historical fiction with a dose of mystery and suspense.

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10. Paris for One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and romantic, this collection of stories by Jojo Moyes is perfect. The title story follows a woman who plans a romantic getaway to Paris—only to be stood up by her boyfriend. What follows is an unexpected adventure filled with self-discovery and, of course, a little romance.

11. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Imagine a floating bookshop on the Seine where the bookseller prescribes novels to heal people’s souls. That’s the premise of this enchanting novel. It’s a love letter to literature, Paris, and the idea that the right book can change your life.

12. French Exit by Patrick deWitt

A darkly comedic novel about a wealthy widow and her son fleeing scandal in New York for a new life in Paris. If you enjoy witty, offbeat stories with a dose of satire, this one’s for you.

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13. One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan

This feel-good novel follows two women—one older, one younger—who cross paths in Paris as they try to rebuild their lives. It’s about friendship, second chances, and the magic of Paris in the summertime.

Let the Journey Begin!

So there you have it—13 books that will transport you straight to Paris before your plane even leaves the ground. Whether you’re looking for romance, history, or just a bit of Parisian atmosphere, there’s something on this list for every kind of reader.

Now, all that’s left to do is grab a croissant, settle into a cozy reading nook, and start your literary trip to Paris. Bon voyage (and happy reading)!