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.

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.