best books on paris travel

The Best Paris Guide Book for Every Kind of Traveler [2024 Update]

Lonely Planet Paris – The Overall Best Paris Guide Book

At press time, the most current edition of the Lonely Planet Paris guidebook was released in 2022 ( order on Amazon here ). This edition still uses the traditional Lonely Planet format (the good one) and is worth buying before the brand switches to their extremely unpopular new format. In fact, if you plan to travel to Paris in 2024 or even 2025, buy this book now.

This edition (with the gold cover, shown above) is great because every single entry in the guidebook was checked to make sure it’s still operating, and the information about opening hours and prices is accurate. A lot changed in Paris in 2020 and 2021, so it’s good to know that the businesses mentioned survived that two-year downturn in tourism.

I was relying on the older edition (published in 2018) when I was selecting a Paris guidebook. Still, it was my favorite Paris guidebook, and the one I’d recommend for anyone traveling to Paris. The Lonely Planet Paris clocks in at 416 pages, and includes absolutely everything you could possibly want: recommended day-by-day itineraries, guides to each arondissement (including attractions, restaurants, shopping and nightlife) and all the most popular day trips from Paris. It has colorful photos, easy-to-read maps and, in the new edition, a detachable card with all the information you need to get from the airport to your hotel.

Rick Steves Paris – The Best Paris Travel Guide for First-Time Travelers

I have such a soft spot for Rick Steves guidebooks, and his 2023 Rick Steves Paris guide book is no exception.  This is a huge book, with 720 pages, but because they use tissue-weight paper it’s hardly any thicker than the Lonely Planet.

Rick Steves’ books are written for novice and first-time travelers, who want a balance of authentic local experiences and can’t-miss attractions during their Europe trip.  This book includes itineraries for up to seven days, with neighbhorhood guides, transportation connections and bistro stops along the way.  A highlight of any Rick Steves book is the self-guided walking tours; the Rick Steves Paris guide book contains eighteen different routes in Paris, complete with detailed maps and information about the sights you’ll see en route.  If I were buying my parents a guidebook for their trip to Paris, this would definitely be my top choice.

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Lonely Planet France – The Best Paris Guidebook for Travelers Going Beyond Paris Too

Released in late 2021, the Lonely Planet France guidebook is the best Paris guide book for anyone whose trip includes Paris and other destinations in France.  Like the LP Paris guidebook, this book is still in the brand’s original format and is worth buying now before it gets updated.

Like their city-specific guide book, this  edition of the Lonely Planet France (shown above) has been thoroughly reviewed to ensure that information is up-to-date and accurate, and reflects any changes over the past two years.

This is a big book, with more than one thousand pages, so it’s not the best choice for people who are packing light.  But for someone like me, with a suitcase and an itinerary that crosses the country from north to south and from east to west, this is the best balance of information about Paris and information about the rest of France. The section on Paris is about 120 pages long, with full-color maps, illustrations and photos.  There’s a further twenty pages about day trips around Paris, including Versailles and Giverny.

National Geographic Traveler Paris – The Best Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Paris Travel Guide

First, I have to say that this book just feels nice in your hands.  I like the cover design, I like the paper, and the whole thing just feels good. The National Geographic Traveler Paris guidebook would be ideal for gift-giving, if someone if your life is planning a trip to Paris.

This book has about 250 pages, including a brief introduction that leads into eleven neighborhoods guides (starting with the islands in the River Seine, ending with the “ peripherique “, or the less-visited districts outside the city centre). Each section contains the top attractions, recommend restaurants and other useful tips, like walking routes and local history.  On the inside back cover there’s a handy map of the Paris metro, and tucked inside the back cover there is a full-sized pull-out map of Paris to help you get your bearings. The only warning that I have with this book is that the font is tiny, so I don’t recommend it for anyone who has vision difficulties.

Moon Paris Walks – The Best Paris Guide Book for Travelers Who Love to Walk

I like Moon Guides because they don’t try to be everything to everyone.  Instead, they focus on one thing and do it really well.  Here, in the Moon Paris Walks guide book , they highlight the very best of Paris through a collection of six self-guided walking tours.

The routes covered include Montmartre, the area around The Louvre, Le Marais, The Latin Quarter, the Eiffel Tower and Canal St. Martin (plus some of the adjacent districts).  The routes are illustrated on easy-to-read maps and described using turn-by-turn language like “Go back, and facing the direction you came from, take Rue Lepic, which veers to the right.” It doesn’t get much easier to follow than that!  There are about 120 pages of walking routes, plus another 30 pages of general information about the city. This book doesn’t have great information about hotels, transportation or day trips, but it’s ideal for active travelers.

National Geographic Walking Guide: Paris – The (Other!) Best Paris Travel Guide for Travelers Who Love to Walk

It was totally a tie between the Moon Guides and this Paris travel guide. This is a series that I love- in fact, I kept the Berlin edition from this series in my purse on my most recent trip to Germany. Because it’s designed to be used while you’re out walking, The National Geographic Walking Guide: Paris really does fit comfortably into your bag so you can carry it around Paris every day.

Updated in 2020, this guidebook consists of fourteen different walking routes around Paris.  There are “whirlwind” tours showcasing the highlights of the city in just one or two days, or there are more leisurely routes through distinctive neighborhoods and around famous attractions. Throughout the book there are colorful photos, illustrations and maps.  If there’s a downside to this book it’s that there is minimal information about accommodation and dining, but if you’ve already booked your hotel and enjoy finding restaurants en route , this is a great Paris guide book.

Fun fact: There’s a French term for someone who spends their days sauntering around town without a specific purpose. Fl â neur is the masculine form, while fl â neuse is the feminine.

Lonely Planet Discover Paris – The Best Basic Travel Guide Book to Buy Second-Hand

About half the length of the original Lonely Planet Paris guide book, the brand’s Discover Paris guide book focuses on the most essential experiences in the city.  This series used to be updated quite regularly (there are editions from 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 available on Amazon) but it no longer appears to be focus for the brand. So, the most recent edition I could find is the one shown above, which came out in fall 2018 (yes, I know it says 2019 on the cover, but trust me!).

Honestly, I don’t really recommend this Paris travel guide book, since it’s already four years old.  It would be easy to accidentally purchase this, thinking it was the Lonely Planet’s main guidebook for Paris, but you’d be paying almost the same price for half the information that they include in their regular Paris guidebook (scroll up to see that one!).  What you can expect from this book is a two-page spread for each of the city’s twenty or so top attractions, followed by short sections about dining, shopping, nightlife and entertainment. It’s not really organized geographically, and there’s a lot of stuff that’s not included.  That being said, if you can buy a used copy for a good price it might be a nice addition to your Paris trip planning bookshelf.

Eyewitness Top 10 Paris – The Best Paris Guidebook for Visual Travelers

This is one of the few Paris guidebooks to get a fresh update for 2024!  If you’re not much of a reader but love to look at pretty pictures, the Eyewitness Top 10 Paris guidebook is perfect.  Short on text but dense with full-color photos and illustrations, this is a feast for the eyes.  It’s also another purse-sized Paris guide book (it’s actually smaller than my wallet!) so it would be perfect for carrying around during a day of sightseeing.

Like all Eyewitness books, the Eyewitness Top 10 Paris puts as much emphasis on images as it does on text.  The book starts with a quick introduction (including suggested itineraries for two or four days) and then jumps into its distinctive collection of Top 10 lists: Top 10 Museums, Top 10 Historical Buildings, Top 10 Parks and Gardens, etc. The lists are followed by about 100 pages of neighborhood guides and general travel information. This would be an easy book to read on the plane to France, and as one of the more affordable Paris guide books on the list it’s also good for travelers on a budget.

Michelin Green Guide Paris – The Best European-Style Paris Travel Guidebook

Michelin guides are not common in North America, so many travelers coming from the USA and Canada are surprised to learn that oui, it’s the same company making the tires, awarding stars to restaurants and publishing guidebooks, including The Michelin Green Guide Paris .

As with the Lonely Planet Discover Paris, the first thing you need to know is that this book was last updated in 2018, so some of the information may be outdated. Still, it’s interesting to see how the book reflects the tastes of European travelers, who tend to purchase this series most often.  This one opens with about 40 pages of trip planning advice, then spends another 40 pages talking about the history, arts and culture of Paris, and finally it gets into the Paris-specific travel information, including neighborhoods guides, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and tips for partaking in les sports during your trip.

Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris – The Best Paris Guide Book for Luxury Travel

I have always disliked Frommers guide books, and the Frommers EasyGuide to Paris isn’t an improvement over their other titles. Plus, with this publication now being two years old, it may not be the best source of up-to-date information on traveling in Paris.  To get it out of the way, I don’t recommend you buy this book, but I’m including it on the list since Frommer’s such a well-known name.

The book opens with fifteen pages of color photos of Paris, and after that it’s mostly just a wall of text.  It covers the same attractions as any other guidebook, but with a more upscale perspective.  For example, in the “inexpensive” hotel listings they recommend a hotel where double rooms are €300 per night.  The restaurant recommendations are equally pricey, with a recommended lunch spot costing €90!  The expensive recommendations aren’t balanced out with more affordable options, so this is really only a useful Paris guide book for travelers who don’t look at the price tags.  (If that’s you, please marry and/or adopt me!)

Planning your own trip to Paris? I’ve got a guide to the best areas to stay in Paris , whether you’re backpacking on a budget or indulging in a luxury trip to France, as well as a guide to the best FIFTY things to see in Paris .  Yes, fifty!

You might also like my post about how to find delicious, healthy French food while you’re there!

Of course, I also recommend learning some French for travel before you depart!

Planning a trip to Paris? Pin this post to your trip planning board!

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22 Best Paris Guide Books To Help You Plan Your Trip Well

Want to plan a trip to the French capital with ease? These Paris guide books will give you all the details and tips you need to enjoy a trip to Paris.

Paris has so much to offer that it is physically impossible to see everything in just one trip unless that trip spans a couple of months.

But with a bit of planning, and with the right information, you can see a great deal of Paris and that’s where these best Paris guide books will come in handy; to help you plan your trip and maximize your sightseeing efforts.

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These guide books have insights on where to stay, what to do, what to see, and how to get the most out of your trip. Interspersed with maps, itineraries, and photographs, there is something for everybody.

Though you can easily find some of this information on blogs, in most cases, guide books go an extra mile to provide every little detail as they have more resources and time dedicated to research.

So, to help you choose the best Paris travel guide depending on the type of traveler you are, here are my favorite 22 Paris guide books which will help you plan and execute your perfect Paris adventure with ease.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5)  Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris : (4.7/10)

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church : A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10) Candlelight show : Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10) Cabaret at Moulin Rouge : A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Pro tip* : If you’re an avid reader, you probably have your kindle E-reader already, but if not, then you can  buy it from here  so that you don’t have to buy all the hard copies of these books especially if you plan to travel with them. With  this Kindle Paperwhite , you can download all these Paris books for a few bucks! But if you’re all about the freebies, you can actually download all these books for free by signing up for a  Kindle Unlimited subscription here ! The best part is that even if you haven’t made up your mind about the subscription, you can  sign-up for a free 30-day trial here  to see how it works! If it works for you, you can continue the subscription but if not, you can cancel it anytime!

Best Paris Guide Books To read Before You Go to Paris

In no particular order, here are some of the best Paris guidebooks which will give you all the information you need to navigate through the Parisian lanes and its top attractions.

They have all the useful tips and tricks that will help you on your trip to make it the most memorable one in the City of Light.

1. Rick Steves Paris by Rick Steves

Perfect for: People looking for all Paris travel tips in one place and first-time visitors !

Through his comprehensive guidebook, Rick Steves gives you all the tips, tricks, and hacks a first-time visitor to Paris would need.

In fact, it is one of the best Paris guide books BECAUSE it is so exhaustive! He even suggests things to do with kids, and the book includes a fold-out map which will help if you’re planning on going for a walking tour.

Apart from the top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the lesser-known haunts around the corners in Paris, this guidebook also includes other regions of France so it will be there for you whether you want to see it all in a day, a week, a month or even a year (Friends fans will get the sentence reference )!

2. Fodor’s Paris 2022 by Fodor’s Travel Guides

Perfect for: People looking for itineraries and an experiences guide !

Fodor’s Travel Guide on Paris is an illustrated experiences guide showing you the things you must see, do and experience in the City of Light.

It also includes recommendations by locals and cultural insights into Parisian life.

The multiple itineraries and a list of useful French words and phrases will help you plan out your days, and like the earlier guide book, this one too has a pull-out map to help you navigate the streets of Paris .

3. DK Eyewitness Paris by DK Eyewitness

Perfect for: People looking for pictorial references and detailed Paris maps for walking tours !

The DK Eyewitness Paris guide book includes useful tips, must-sees, and hidden gems. It also gives detailed timelines to help you logistically. The various chapters are even color-coded.

But the part that’s most interesting in this guide to Paris book is the amazing photos and the elaborate maps which will help you visualize your trip even before you set foot in the city.

4. A Table in Paris: The Cafés, Bistros, and Brasseries of the World’s Most Romantic City by John Donohue

Perfect for: People looking for recommendations on where and what to eat !

This Paris travel book includes helpful tips that come very handy for first-timers or others when indulging in scrumptious meals at eateries in Paris, be it restaurants , cafés , or bistros. It will also tell you the difference between those 3.

John goes a step further to give a little history about the places he’s talking about, which are great anecdotes for when you actually visit them.

Apart from eateries, he also tells you what to eat, dishes Paris is famous for, and what locals have in terms of food and drinks.

5. Lonely Planet Paris Travel Guide by Catherine Le Nevez, Christopher Pitts

Perfect for: First-time visitors who want a comprehensive guide on popular tourist attractions !

I’m sure most of you have heard about Lonely Planet. If you haven’t, don’t worry; it’s a travel guide publication that is known for dishing out interesting travel information along with offbeat experiences. Their guidebook series is just as comprehensive and good.

This guidebook , in particular, covers Paris’ famous landmarks that any first-time visitor would love to read about and explore.

It also lists itineraries for various budgets, cultural tips to help you navigate the City of Love like a local, and other pointers to save money. All of this with colorful maps and photos to keep you engaged.

Psst… Don’t miss the “Don’t Miss” pages!

6. Insight Guides City Guide Paris by Insight Guides

Perfect for: Walking tours !

The Insight City Guide of Paris is another comprehensive guide that includes detailed information on places to see, colorful maps, and many photographs.

I’m sure you’ll like the quirky topics and sections like “Paris After Dark” and “Disney Paris” that it has to offer. The pocket edition comes pretty handily too!

One of the salient features of this city guide to Paris book is that if you want to prioritize top attractions and famous places to see, it has “Best of Paris” and “Editor’s Choice” sections, which list out recommendations on what to do, see and where to eat.

7. Kids’ Travel Guide – Paris: The fun way to discover Paris by Shira Halperin & FlyingKids

Perfect for: Parents traveling with kids !

This is one of the best travel books on Paris if you’re traveling with kids! This Kids’ Travel Guide is not only educative, but it also makes it fun for children to learn about Paris, its history, its culture, and the language.

It also includes illustrations and photographs for them to recognize monuments while learning about them.

As a bonus, it is also engaging when you want your kids to be occupied with something while you explore, eat or just relax as it includes fun quizzes and coloring pages.

8. National Geographic Walking Guide: Paris by Pas Paschali & Brian Robinson

This National Geographic Walking Guide is a great book to plan a walking tour around the neighborhoods of Paris or join the numerous readily available walking tours.

The maps and itineraries in this walking guide book on Paris will help you plan your schedule well.

It includes iconic Paris landmarks and locally known hotspots while giving you insights and useful tips about the various attractions.

It also has sections on travel essentials which include common French phrases to learn, items to pack for Paris, and hotel recommendations.

9. Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide by Jessie Kanelos Weiner

Perfect for: People who want to walk around Paris to discover new things !

If Nancy Sinatra’s song, “These boots are made for walkin,” is your jam, then this is the best Paris travel guide to match it.

This guidebook lists out walking routes across various Parisian streets. You will not only get to see popular tourist attractions and lesser-known areas, but the author also helps you with useful how-tos to enjoy on the stroll.

The guidebook makes your journey worthwhile by listing out pitstops; places you can stop and see or eat at along the way.

10. Stuff Parisians Like by Olivier Magny

Perfect for: People who want to learn and understand Parisian life and culture !

A book by a Parisian about Parisian idiosyncrasies must be the best guidebook for Paris, right? At least to help you understand the local culture, behavior, and why they do what they do.

Stuff Parisians Like was even liked by the Parisians SO much so that it became a national bestseller.

This book even lists out popular phrases and tricks so you can blend in a conversation at a restaurant or bar.

Psst… Young Parisians don’t hang out much at a bar but prefer spending time at their friends’ house –this is something you’ll learn when you read this book.

11. Michelin Green Guide Paris by Michelin

Perfect for: People who want a detailed and extensive guide on Paris and its sights !

The Green Guide by Michelin is a thorough guidebook that extensively covers Paris and its attractions.

It has maps with walking routes that will help you visit historic places, museums, and other unmissable sights.

It assigns stars to these places, just like they do with their restaurants, so if you like their rating system, you can follow it and cover the top ones first.

Speaking of restaurants, there’s also a section with recommendations on where to eat. Although they do have another detailed guidebook for that too.

12. Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City’s Creative Heart By Janelle McCulloch

Perfect for: People who want to read about the creative spots of Paris !

This guidebook is all about Paris’ artistic, creative, and cultural side. You will find curated lists of gorgeous ateliers, trendy boutiques, restaurants, popular nightspots, local bakeries, bistros, tea rooms, gourmet food markets, and much more.

It is a great read if you want to browse antique and vintage shops where you can pick up souvenirs or take a workshop at.

The pretty photos will leave you dreaming about life in Paris dressed in haute couture with trendy jewelry eating a croissant at a bistro.

13. Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure By Catherine Aragon

Perfect for: People traveling with kids !

It’s tough to keep children occupied, and that’s where this guidebook comes in super handy!

The book, like the title suggests, is designed like a scavenger hunt with hidden clues in popular tourist attractions like the Notre Dame and Louvre.

When they find the mysteries, they earn points that will keep them entertained, allowing you to enjoy the places.

Mission Paris is not only fun and games, but it also provides informative content about museums, French art, culture, and history so your kids can learn while having fun which is a great combo!

14. Paris Travel Guide for Women by Erica Stewart

Perfect for: Female travelers !

Among the travel books about Paris dedicated to women, the Paris Travel Guide for Women is the ultimate guidebook that female travelers will enjoy.

Erica lists out all the sights and attractions that you need to see while also highlighting useful tips and things to keep in mind while doing so. She even tells you the overrated sights you should skip.

There are dedicated chapters and sections on the best spots for shopping, dining, beauty, and spas so you can plan an all-girls trip with your girlfriends with this handy travel guide .

15. Blue Guide Paris by Delia Gray-Durant

Perfect for: People looking for detailed information on attractions in Paris !

Blue Guide Paris is an extensive Paris guide book with detailed and in-depth information on popular and lesser-known attractions of Paris .

Each attraction has multiple pages dedicated to it; for example, almost 60 pages focus on the important pieces of art in the Louvre. So, you will know what to look for when you are in front of these attractions.

This guidebook also has maps for each neighborhood in Paris with suggested walking tours. It also provides a list of hotels in different price ranges across the various neighborhoods of Paris.

16. Let’s Eat France! by François-Régis Gaudry

Perfect for: People who want to read and know about French cuisine !

Heads up… This book is HUUGE! And I mean the humongous kind, like an encyclopedia because frankly it can be renamed the French Food Encyclopedia. The word exhaustive also seems small compared to the detailing in this book.

François-Régis Gaudry and his friends who contributed left no stone unturned to educate people about the history and art of French food and where to eat the best kind.

If all this isn’t enough, there are recipes included in the book too, in case you want to be adventurous and try making French dishes in the comfort of your home.

17. Paris: A Curious Traveler’s Guide by Eleanor Aldridge

Perfect for: Young travelers !

A Curious Traveler’s Guide to Paris is dedicated to young travelers who want to know the hip joints and happening places.

This informative guide lists cool spots to check out, the best neo-bistros to eat at, and happening nightlife places to experience.

This is one of the best travel books on Paris for millennials with tips and tricks on how to beat the queues and where to find secret spots.

18. Easy French Phrase Book by Lingo Master

Perfect for: People who want to learn the French language and common phrases !

Learning a language is difficult for a lot of people, and if you are someone who struggles with French or you just want to learn a few French phrases before your trip, then this Easy French Phrase Book will be very helpful.

This is a great book to read, especially if you want to converse with the locals or need to know French for daily use.

It lists over 1500 common phrases and everyday lingo that you can master just before you head to the French capital.

19. Markets of Paris by Dixon Long & Marjorie R. Williams

Perfect for: People who want to explore the markets of Paris !

As the title suggests, this guidebook is all about the Markets of Paris. It is ideal for someone who wants to know the ins and outs and general workings of Parisian markets.

When I say markets, I do not mean only food, there are flea markets, antique markets, art and craft markets, and book markets too.

The photos might leave you drooling with a desire to explore them right away!

20.  Nomadic Matt’s Guide to Paris by Matthew Kepnes

Perfect for: Budget travelers !

Nomadic Matt’s Guide to Paris is the best Paris travel guide for budget travelers. Matt made a complete guide to take care of all your budget travel needs.

There are itineraries, money-saving tips, budget accommodations , and the best local places to see, eat or drink at.

He also included maps and transportation tips to help you out. You will love the non-touristy and unique sights included in this book .

Being a budget travel expert himself, you can be assured of great budget tips so be sure to check out his personal favorites section!

21. The Little(r) Museums of Paris: An Illustrated Guide to the City’s Hidden Gems by Emma Jacobs

Perfect for: People who want to explore the museums of Paris !

If you are someone who loves museums or is an art aficionado, then this is the best travel guide for Paris for you!

The Little(r) Museums of Paris is an illustrative guidebook that will take you through the offbeat and lesser-known museums. It details their history, their treasures, and describes their collections too.

The mini-map and watercolor illustrations have my heart, and I’m sure you will love them too.

22. Curiosities of Paris by Dominique Lesbros and Simon Beaver

Perfect for: People who love history and timeless tales !

This is a unique guide that offers photos of locations and transports you back in time with historic tales related to those places.

Imagine walking down a lane in Paris and looking at it through a medieval window or learning about the old signages you see above the century-old establishments.

That’s not all, this book also includes ancient ruins, unique tombs, relics, and vestiges of wars. The history buff in you will be fascinated and in awe after reading this Paris travel guide.

Final Thoughts on the Best Paris Guide Books

It may seem like a daunting task to plan a trip to Paris but with the help of these best travel books for Paris, you can be assured of an amazing trip!

And regardless of the kind of traveler you are, you can be assured of finding the perfect Paris book that suits your need!

Have you read any of the Paris guide books listed above? Did they make your trip planning process easier? Let me know in the comments below.

And if there is a guide to Paris book that blew your mind but you can’t see it on the list, still let me know and I’ll give it a read too!

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Bes Paris Instagram captions
• Funny Paris puns
• Best French songs to add to your playlist
• Romantic French songs that will make you fall in love
• Interesting quotes about Paris
• Songs about Paris that will transport you to the city

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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The 18 Best Paris Guide Books: Explore the Real Paris

There’s so much to see in Paris. Even if you get your travel inspiration from magazines and blogs, it’s also helpful to have a Paris guide book. This curated list includes the best general Paris guide books, pretty neighborhood guides, inspiration for historical and cultural walking tours and insights into the quirky corners of Paris.

I’m a recovering bookseller and an unrepentant book nerd, so you can trust me to give you solid recommendations for the best Paris travel books. Even though I write guides for Wayfaring Views, I still sometimes use physical guide books myself for helping me figure out logistics and find cool things to do.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

The Best Paris Guide Books for Trip Planning

All of the major publishers issue general Paris city guide books, including Fodors , Frommers , Michelin and DK Eyewitness . However, my go-to guides are always Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Paris Guide 2019 , Rick Steves

The Rick Steves travel guides are thorough, practical and budget-friendly. He covers all of the basics and has good advice for how to avoid tourist trap restaurants, where to do your laundry and a prioritized (if somewhat predictable) list of top sights.

Paris Travel Guide , Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet guides began by targeting the budget traveler and they have remained pretty true to their original mission. I appreciate their tips for saving money, suggestions for varied itineraries and their willingness to recommend offbeat attractions (like the Sewer Museum in Paris, which is very interesting and not as smelly as you might imagine.)

53 Paris Travel Tips , Rory Moulton

This goofly little guide book is full of practical tips including advice for how to avoid long lines, ideas for “Sunday Funday” and where to find ninjas. “Several hints were unique to this book and not found in any of the other Paris travel books I’ve read .” It’s only $4.99 on Kindle and worth checking out.

The Little Black Book of Paris: The Essential Guide to the City of Light , Vesna Neskow and Kerren Barbas Steckler

This little black book is like your little black dress; small and versatile. It includes insider tips and top pics in a package small enough to fit into your purse.

Read More : Use my insanely practical guide for maximizing four days in Paris . It includes a rich mix of top sights and offbeat corners.

Paris Travel Books for Kids

Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure , Catherine Aragon

Sightseeing can be tiring for kids but Mission Paris brings art and history to life with this life action scavenger hunt. Your kids will hunt for clues on the front of the Notre Dame, find mysteries in the Louvre and earn points as they find treasures all over Paris.

Kids’ Travel Guide: France & Paris , Shira Halperin

Your kid’s adventure can start at the airport with this workbook. It has quizzes, coloring book pages, a diary and fun facts about France. Great for kids up to ten years old.

These kid’s books are also available as Spain travel guides in case your itinerary includes that region as well.

Walking Guides to Flaneuring in Paris

A Flaneur is an urban stroller. S/he’s someone who tackles a city by walking its full length and breadth. The concept of flaneuring was born in Paris and popularized by Baudelaire. Paris is the ultimate walkable city and I believe that its major attraction is simply wandering a cool neighborhood like the Marais or the Left Bank. The following books celebrate that spirit.

Flaneur: The Art of Wandering the Streets of Paris , Federico Castigliano

This book offers lessons on how to get lost in Paris and wander the streets with an open mind. It’s descriptive, languid and a very anti-touristy travel guide for Paris.

Forever Paris: 25 Walks in the Footsteps of Chanel, Hemingway, Picasso, and More , Christina Henry de Tessan

This book features walks designed around cultural figures who were heavily influenced by their time in Paris. You get some background on the artist/author and then a short tour of a neighborhood where they lived, worked, danced and drank.

Tesson has also compiled a walking tour card deck called City Walks Paris: 50 Adventures on Foot .

“Without Paris, Picasso would not have been Picasso” John Russell

The Streets of Paris: A Guide to the City of Light Following in the Footsteps of Famous Parisians Throughout History , Susan Cahill

Unlike the above, this book is more like an homage to specific neighborhoods in Paris. The book features stories of historical figures who found love, life and tragedies in the arrondissements of Paris. It brings Paris down to a very human scale.

Cahill has also written Hidden Gardens of Paris: A Guide to the Parks, Squares, and Woodlands of the City of Light , which features serene spots tucked deep into the corners of Paris.

The Most Beautiful Walk in the World , John Baxter

Baxter has turned his experience giving literary walking tours into a memoir that offers a history of Paris through the lives of literary geniuses like Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Earnest Hemmingway. In addition to Baxter’s musings, the book includes a map with a list of cafes and literary haunts.

Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide , Jessie Kanelos Weiner and Sarah Moroz

These two expats have developed a guide to walking in Paris that goes beyond the typical travel guide. It’s beautifully illustrated with Weiner’s water colors and it offers practical advice for Paris visitors, and armchair inspiration for wanna be visitors.

Pretty Little Paris for Foodies, Creatives and Shoppers

The New Paris , by Lindsey Tramuta and Charissa Fay

In recent years, a new wave of creatives have energized Paris with an open minded energy. Tramuta de-fetishizes the classic view of Paris by celebrating modern creatives and craftspeople who are bringing a fresh sensibility to Paris. The book is also littered with some fantastic street photography.

Read More : Get a taste modern Paris creativity with this guide for finding the best street art there.

Markets of Paris , Dixon Long and Marjarie Williams

This updated edition features twenty markets, covering most of Paris’ arrondissements. These markets sell food, antiques, arts, crafts, flowers, postage stamps (?) and all manner of knick knackery. The book does a thorough rundown of each market with addresses and hours of operation.

Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City’s Creative Heart , Janelle McCulloh

Pretty photography provides the entree into a personality profile for each arrondissement. McCulloh features the best of each with listings of cool architecture, boutiques, haute couture, food, and cultural institutions.

The Food Lover’s Guide to Paris: The Best Restaurants, Bistros, Cafés, Markets, Bakeries, and More , Patricia Wells

Wells is an authority on French cuisine and she has assembled 427 entries which take the foodie from cheese shops to Michelin starred restaurants. “This book provides everything you need to know about eating in Paris with recommendations related to price, location, and taste.”

The Weird Little Paris Travel Book Full of Oddities and the Arcane

Hey, we are all about the alternative itineraries here at Wayfaring Views. On my most recent trip to Paris, I enjoyed visiting the creepy and meloncholy Pere Lachaise cemetery. David Sedaris wrote about his favorite Parisian taxidermy shop in Me Talk Pretty One Day (listen to it on audio, you will thank me.)

So, it should be no surprise that I’m recommending at least one Paris guide book full of weird relics.

Curiosities of Paris: An Idiosyncratic Guide to Overlooked Delights… Hidden in Plain Sight , Dominique Lesbros

If you aren’t into art, skip the Louvre and seek out some of Lesbros’ oddities. The book gives historical context to the architecture, signage, statuary in the offbeat passageways of Paris

Get books for free! Some of these books are free with a Kindle Unlimited account. If you don’t have a Kindle Unlimited account, you can get a  30-day free trial HERE .

More Travel Planning Resources for Paris

• Read more books about Paris . These aren’t guide books, but rather they are fiction and non-fiction titles that will inspire and inform your visit.
• Plan your trip using this four day itinerary .
• And then figure out where to stay in Paris with this neighborhood guide.
• Find some eye popping street art in Paris .
• Consider adding Luxembourg to your itinerary.

Of course, you aren’t going to buy and read all of these Paris travel books. But I do recommend that you check out a mix of traditional Paris guide books along with some of the more niche choices like the walking or shopping guides. Doing so will get you off the tourist trail and into the real Paris. Enjoy your trip and happy trails.

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Best Paris Travel Guide Books - 2024

Planning a trip to Paris?   Travel guide books give you a quick, easy way to find all the information you need about the top attractions, fun and historic neighborhoods to explore, best hotels to stay in, places to eat, and even interesting things to do with kids if you're traveling as a family. 

Some also include excellent Paris city maps, others provide insights into Paris culture and history, and still others may inspire you with their gorgeous color photos of everything Parisian from the Eiffel Tower to steak-frites. 

But with so many appealing choices available, what is the best guide book for planning your trip to Paris?

Well, that depends because everybody is different. 

Maybe you love details - or maybe you just want highlights. Maybe you want to find out about "hidden secret" spots as well as famous bucket list attractions - or maybe a quick list of the 10 best things to see and do, top hotels and restaurants in a few price ranges, and few travel tips is more your style. 

The good news:  there's something for everybody.   This article provides our top picks in a variety of categories:

• Best Paris Travel Guides for Planning your Trip
• Paris Guides to Walking Tours & Getting Around   
• Guides to Hidden Paris
• Guides to Paris Culture & Special Places
• Books about Paris Markets & Food

Guides to Paris History & Architecture

Paris travel & guide books to buy in paris.

Top photo:  Paris guide books in a local bookstore

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Best Comprehensive Guide Books for Planning Your Paris Trip

Looking for the best Paris guide book for planning all aspects of your trip? 

Here's where to start:

Rick Steves Paris

By Rick Steves, Steve Smith, & Gene Openshaw

Rick Steves'  love of travel and enthusiasm for making it accessible to everyone comes through loud and clear in the 700+ pages of this comprehensive guide.  The thin but surprisingly sturdy pages make it light enough to pack and bring with you without worrying about the weight.

If you're a first-time visitor, you'll appreciate his focus on top attractions such as the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Pere Lachaise Cemetery plus his recommendations about what to see at each site. 

If you're a return traveler, check out his recommendations for the best hidden gems.

In addition, Rick Steves' Paris provides a thorough "orientation" to Paris, including tips on getting around, shopping, and dining.  If you're planning a family trip, you'll find lots of good tips in his suggestions about things to do with kids in Paris.  A foldout map is a nice plus.

Recommended for:   First time and return travelers to Paris, especially if you want get the most out of your time and money without breaking the bank.

Buy Now at Amazon

Want an even more compact version?  Check out Rick Steves Pocket Paris - it's packed with trip-planning tips, itineraries, suggested walks and tours, a pull-out map, and lots more.

The Rough Guide to Paris

UK publisher Rough Guides honed its reputation by providing straightforward information to budget-minded travelers on the younger end of the demographic scale, and The Rough Guide to Paris reflects that. 

You'll find decent recommendations for bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues (just beware that Paris nightlife constantly evolves, so no doubt some of the information will be out of date).

Sections on Paris neighborhood attractions include areas that most other guides don't mention: La Villette (home to the newish Philharmonie de Paris concert hall, a huge science and technology museum focused on kids and teens, and a top exhibition hall), Passy (cool market street plus other attractions in the 16th), Belleville (awesome street art, which the guide book doesn't mention, and the spectacular Parc des Buttes-Chaumont), and Ménilmontant (Pere Lachaise Cemetery and the Edith Piaf Museum).  You'll also find a section of some of the interesting but often overlooked suburbs.

Otherwise, The Rough Guide to Paris covers all of the top attractions (sometimes with a "chilled out" twist on how to visit), favorite neighborhoods, and general travel advice that you'd expect and want in a comprehensive guide.   There are quite a few useful maps, plus nice photos.

And finally, if you're interested in lesser-known Paris locations (a.k.a. "hidden gems"), it's clear that the author has ventured fairly off the usual beaten tourist paths and discovered some cool spots that other publications generally miss.  (We felt rather sad to see a few of our favorite unknown-to-most-visitors spots revealed.)

Recommended for:   Budget-minded Paris visitors who want to do and see the city's top attractions but also explore the nightlife and wander a bit from the touristic center.  And if you're already a Rough Guide fan, you're sure to love this one.

DK Eyewitness Paris Travel Guide

If you're the type of traveler who draws inspiration from gorgeous photos paired with just enough text to let you know what you're looking at, DK Eyewitness Paris may be your top choice guide book planning your trips.

Details take a back seat to inspiration in the first sections of this book but don't be deceived:   DK Eyewitness Paris packs a hefty amount of interesting facts, useful tips, and logistical details into the guide's later chapters.  Beautifully detailed drawings, diagrams, and even timelines make the information interesting and accessible. 

Recommended for:   Anyone who wonders why Paris is worth visiting, wants ideas about what to see and do, or simply enjoys gazing at photos that capture the beauty and magic of this special city will find a lot to love in this book.  The fact that you'll also learn a lot about the City of Light is a bonus.

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Paris

If you love lists, you may find DK Eyewitness Top 10 Paris hard to put down once you start looking through it.  With "top 10" lists for everything from top attractions to museums to places to eat near the Eiffel Tower, this small almost pocket-sized guide book contains a huge amount of useful information as well as a laminated pull-out map. 

"Top 10 things to see" lists for each of the top 10 Paris attractions such as the Louvre Museum and Army Museum give you useful information to make sure you don't miss anything. 

Annual updates keep the recommendations on point, and plenty of small photos, drawings, and maps mean you still get the rich visual images that make DK Eyewitness guides stand out from the competition.  A small section with practical information about getting around the city, etc, and recommendations for around 80 hotels based on price range and style round out the guide.

Recommended for:   Anyone who loves lists and/or wants a small-format (4" x 7.5"; 10cm x 19cm) guide book filled with useful information.

Insight Guides Explore Paris 

If you're looking for the perfect combination of detailed Paris travel information, a large number of excellent photos, and a few maps and diagrams, Insight Guide's Paris City guidebooks may be the perfect fit for your needs.

As you might expect in a comprehensive guide book, topics such as "Chic Shopping" and "Paris After Dark" give you a good overview of things to do in the city.  But you'll find some of Paris City Guide's best information in the coverage of specific things to do and see in 10 neighborhoods including not only those with the best known tourist attractions (Ile de la Cité, the Latin Quarter, etc) but also interesting but less well known areas such as Bastille, East Paris, and Montparnasse.  Don't miss the useful section on Paris Disney and other day trip destinations.

There's also a smaller Pocket Edition of this guidebook.  It's not as comprehensive but if you're packing as little as possible, it's definitely worth considering.

Recommended for:   First time and return Paris visitors who want a comprehensive guide packed with useful details.

Please note:  As of early 2024, neither of these Insight guides has been updated since 2019, so some information may be out of date.  The books still contain lots of useful information and offer lots of value.  If you're considering buying one or both of them, consider buying a cheap used copy.

Lonely Planet Paris

Although Lonely Planet's guide books originally earned their reputation by highlighting off-the-beaten-trail attractions, the current Lonely Planet guide to Paris focuses primarily on popular attractions and experiences - but it does that very well by packing in a lot of information within a lively framework.

Starting with brief descriptions of top Paris highlights, itineraries, and top events each month, Lonely Planet Paris then provides detailed information for important attractions in eight central Paris neighborhoods before ending with brief sections on topics such as family travel, architecture, and food and wine.

What makes this guide book a standout, though, is the balance between the 50 or so maps (marked with walking routes), color photographs, diagrams, and "Don't Miss" pages that help you focus on the most important attractions. 

Another big plus:  The pull-out "Just Landed" card with wifi, ATM, and Paris transportation information provides everything you need to go to get from the airport to your hotel or apartment.

Recommended for:   First time and return visitors who like to get comprehensive travel information in a well-organized, lively, easy-to-digest format.

Blue Guide: Paris

By Delia Gray-Durant

When you want the most  in-depth information possible in a comprehensive Paris guide book, Blue Guide: Paris is where to turn.  For example, it devotes almost 60 pages to detailed descriptions of the most important pieces in the Louvre's collections, along with site plans.  As a bonus, the lively writing style brings the art to life with its vivid descriptions.

Also impressive is how Blue Guide: Paris provides detailed descriptions to small attractions as well.  The little-known but fascinating National Marine Museum (Musée National de la Marine), which many guide books don't even mention, gets almost 3 pages including a photo and by the time you finish reading them, you'll know exactly what to look for and expect in the museum's model ship collection.

For each neighborhood, Blue Guide: Paris also suggests walking tours (with maps) and places to eat nearby.  A small section at the end contains a nicely curated list of hotels in three price categories. 

Recommended for:   Anyone who wants detailed information about things to see in Paris museums, historic churches, concert halls, and other cultural and important institutions.

Please note:  This book hasn't been updated since 2015.  If you want detailed and comprehensive information about places that don't change much (such as the Louvre), this book is still totally worth getting.  But it's astonishing that the publisher (Blue Guides) hasn't produced a more recent editition about Paris, one of the world's most-visited cities.

But a couple of caveats:  Information about any site that's undergone a recent renovation, such as the National Marine Museum mentioned above, may be out of date, and you should also (mostly) disregard the restaurant and hotel information.  For the best value, look for a cheap used copy.

Michelin's Paris: The Green Guide

Michelin guide books are known for their comprehensive coverage and numerous details, and their Paris: The Green Guide is no exception.  Color photos, site plans, maps (with walking routes), and diagrams help bring the text to life.

Starting with the first four Paris arrondissements, the guide includes descriptions of the top attractions in the arrondissements' major neighborhoods.  In the often overlooked 13th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements, for example, the section on the Javel-André-Citroen neighborhood includes brief descriptions of several themed gardens in Parc André-Citroen, the Beaugrenelle complex (although strangely, there is no mention of the shopping center), the huge Aquaboulevard water park.  Just like Michelin does with restaurants, this guide assigns 0-3 stars to each attraction.  You may or may not always agree with them.

Paris: The Green Guide also includes small sections on getting around, Paris history, contemporary Paris culture, shopping, where to stay, and where to eat - although for restaurants, you may prefer to get the latest edition (2021, in French) of their Paris restaurant guide if you can read French well enough to glean at least the basics. 

Please note:  This guide has not been updated since 2018.  However, as long as you disregard pricing and similar details, it delivers lots of useful still-timely information.

Michelin Green Guide Short Stays: Paris Travel Guide

This Michelin Guide "Short Stays" guidebook to Paris is packed with useful, mostly evergreen (luckily, since the last update was in 2020) information about Paris neighborhoods, things to do, and itineraries.  Like the regular Green Guides, this guidebook uses Michelin's star-rating system for most of the categories it reviews.

Travel tips, though brief, are to the point.  And restaurant and hotel recommendations are solid, because the guide sticks with the "classics" that don't change much over time.  You won't find the newest and trendiest places to eat or stay, but you'll find enough in this book to do 90% of your trip planning.

Small maps of specific location and appealing photographs add to the book's appeal.

How does Michelin's "Short Stay: Paris" book compare with the regular Green Guide for Paris?

If you're planning a first or return trip, you'll probably find this "Short Stays" version much easier (and more interesting, thanks to the photos, format, and writing style) to use.

If you want to do a deep-dive into the history and details about a particular site, then go for the regular Michelin Green Guide (or Blue Guide's Paris book, which includes even more details). 

What you should ignore this book are the pricing and cost details - although surprisingly, they haven't changed by a huge margin.

Buy Now 

Paris Guides to Walking Tours & Getting Around the City

Paris in Stride: An Insider's Walking Guide

By Jessie Kenelos Weiner & Sorah Moroz

Delightful watercolors and maps with walking routes illustrate each of Paris in Stride's 10 chapters devoted to showing you the best places to visit in a specific Paris neighborhood.  Of course you'll find areas popular with tourists such as the Marais, Montmartre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, but equally fascinating and perhaps even more interesting to explore are lesser-known areas such as Rue de Charonne/Place d'Aligre and the corner of the 16th arrondissement dubbed "Museum Hub" by the authors. 

In addition to all the places you'd expect to find profiled, you'll also discover (perhaps) new-to-you concept stores, chocolatiers, galleries, and places to eat and drink in Paris in Stride.   Each chapter also contains bonus how-to sections with useful information for you use during your walk:  how to navigate an open-air street market, how to "apero" (ie, the Parisian tradition of enjoy a glass or two of wine or an apéritif accompanied by snacks or small plates during the early evening hours, and incidentally, a short list of the best natural wine specialists in the city), and how to choose cheese in a fromagerie.

Recommended for:   Everyone who's planning to walk around Paris and explore, eat, and drink along the way.  (Warning: This book may make you hungry - so if you're reading this book at home while plotting your trip to Paris, be kind to yourself and have a glass of wine, some chocolates, and ideally a few macaroons close at hand.)

Great Trees of Paris Map: Guide to the Oldest, Rarest, and Historical Trees in Paris

By Amy Kupec Larue

This is actually just a 2-sided laminated fold-out map, not a book - but it's my current obsession at the moment.  It's packed with information, tree photos, and of course a map showing locations of 50 of Paris's most remarkable trees, such as the 400+ year old Black Locust brought over from North America in 1601 that you can see in Square Viviani across from Notre Dame.

Anytime you're planning to stroll around Paris with a few minutes to spare, check the map to find out what unusual tree might happen to be nearby for a quick detour.  Sometimes the best experiences while walking around Paris are the unexpected ones.

Moon MapGuide Paris

By Aurelia d'Andrea

Ten fold-out maps at the beginning of MapGuide Paris cover popular neighborhoods from the Latin Quarter to Grand Boulevards to Canal Saint-Martin, each with location markers for top choices in a half-dozen categories: sights, restaurants, nightlife, shops, arts and leisure, and hotels.

Following the maps, sections devoted to each of these categories provide descriptions, addresses, and other pertinent information for attractions marked in each map, from Map 1 to Map 10.  Although MapGuide Paris doesn't recommend specific walking routes, you can easily do this yourself after you pick out exactly what you want to see in each neighborhood.  Although almost every page of this handy guide features small photos, the maps are the real stars.

Recommended for:   Paris visitors who love a methodical approach to planning and like the idea of plotting your own walking route based on your own specific interests.

Moon Paris Walks: See the City Like a Local

If you like the detailed maps of Moon MapGuide Paris but would prefer pre-defined walks along with commentary about what you'll see and experience plus detailed fold-out maps, Moon Paris Walks: See the City Like a Local may be the guide book for you. 

Although Paris Walks includes only six routes, each one covers two or more distinct neighborhoods, such as Walk 1: Batignolles & Montmartre, or Walk 6: Belleville, Canal Saint-Martin & Ménilmontant.   And as you can see from these examples, several of the walking routes introduce you to interesting lesser-known neighborhoods where you can see more of the "real" Paris.  But don't worry, others such as Walk 5: Eiffel Tower, Invalides & Champs-Elysees cover all the famous attractions.

You could certainly cover any of these six walking routes in a day or perhaps less if you don't linger over lunch - but Paris Walks designs them so that you can pick the segments of most interest to you and do a leisurely exploration.

Recommended for:   Paris first time and return visitors who want to follow defined walking routes.

National Geographic's Walking Paris: The Best of the City

By Pas Paschali and Brian Robinson

National Geographic's Walking Paris: The Best of the City combines "whirlwind tour" walking guides designed for a day, a weekend, fun, and a weekend with kids with more detailed walking guides for nine different Paris neighborhoods. 

Each section has its own map marked with a walking route plus information about the attractions you'll see, interspersed with gorgeous color photos.   One of Walking Paris's strengths is its contextual information in each section about history, culture, architecture, cuisine, street markets, and more.

The final part of the book provides basic travel information and recommendations for about 60 hotels.

Recommended for:   Paris visitors and return visitors who want walking routes through the city's best-known neighborhoods. 

Guides to Secret Gardens & Special Places

Secret Paris

By Thomas Jonglez

Want to know about truly obscure secret places and sights in Paris? 

Esoteric and unusual suggestions pack this compact Secret Paris guide book, such as where to see a chunk of French King Philippe-Auguste's 12th century city wall in an underground parking garage, where to visit a hidden Zen garden, where to find a little-known church in the 7th arrondissement with a 14th century Italian Renaissance masterpiece by Tintoretto of the Last Supper.  

And you definitely should not miss the wine-making firefighters or the war-wounded palm trees.  (Yes, Paris really does have palm trees - more than you might expect!)

Secret Paris also includes numerous high-quality color photographs, maps, and suggestions about other secret places to visit near the major sites covered, plus a wealth of other details, tips, and information.  In the "hidden Paris" genre, this book stands out!

Recommended for:   You, if you like to explore and discover interesting things beyond the usual tourist attractions when you travel.

Hidden Gardens of Paris

By Susan Cahill

The 40 or so gardens covered in Hidden Gardens of Paris include well-known parks such as Luxembourg Garden and Champ de Mars as well as less obvious spots such as the garden at Musée Zadkine and Musée de la Vie Romantic, where Chopin and writer George Sand used to hang out in the 19th century. 

Hidden Gardens of Paris includes color photos along with the descriptions of what you might see and experience in these gardens, but as a bonus also includes "nearby" suggestions for each destination.  This is where you'll find truly hidden city Edens, such as the gorgeous rose-filled (and fairly hard to find) Jardin Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur and the lovely formal flower beds and orange trees in the garden behind Hotel Sully near Place des Vosges.

Recommended for:   Everyone who loves parks, gardens, and the thrill of discovering places off the well-worn tourist track in Paris.

Hidden Parks of Paris

By Gregory Ross with Julian Darius

Part memoir, part travel guide, and part ode to a lost love named Caroline, Hidden Parks of Paris contains short but evocative descriptions of over 100 of Paris's almost 500 parks, public gardens, and green spaces accompanied by black and white photos.

You'll find useful suggestions related to well-known places such as Jardin des Plantes and the magnificent Musée Rodin garden, but this book's strength comes from descriptions of what do see and do at obscure and hidden spaces such as Square de Santiago du Chili, Square Roger-Stephane, and Square Boucicaut, all in the 7th arrondissement.

Recommended for:   Anyone who likes travel memoirs and enjoys discovering less known and hidden places in the middle of Paris.

Where to Buy?   Unfortunately, this book is out of print, so you'll need to look for a used copy.  Goodreads provides some links for you to search.

Guides to Paris Culture, Special Places, & Hidden Treasures

Stuff Parisians Like

To get a taste of contemporary Parisian culture and perspectives, you can't find a better introduction than this fun book of very short essays by Parisian Olivier Magny (who, incidentally, also owns the popular Ô Chateau wine bar/bistro in the 1st arrondissement). 

Stuff Parisians Like covers everything - tongue in cheek, of course - from why Parisians like the sun to their love affair with "le burger."  In between, you'll find out why Parisians like to go to the movies on Sundays, why young Parisians are more likely to spend their time hanging out with friends at house parties instead of bars, and lots, lots more.  "Useful Tips" and "Sound like a Parisian" sections at the end of each chapter are priceless. 

Even better:  When you arrive in Paris, stop by Ô Chateau (68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau) for a drink and perhaps some charcouterie, and if Olivier happens to be behind the bar that day, you can tell him how much you like his book.  You can also sign up for one of their special wine-tasting experiences while you're there (or reserve a spot in advance before you travel).

Recommended for:   Paris visitors who want light-hearted (but serious) tips at understanding Parisians and their unique social culture.

Want more from Olivier Magny?  Get his latest book, WTF?! (which stands for What the French, vs what you may have thought), packed hilarious insights about modern France and its various idiosyncrasies.

Paris, paris:  Journey into the City of Light

By David Downie

Each of the short essays in Paris, paris:  Journey into the City of Light focus on places and people observed by writer and long-time Paris resident David Downie during his rambling walks around his adopted city.

A view of Rue Saint-Martin from Centre Pompidou's rooftop terrace starts his musings about how this road predates the Romans, which then leads more thoughts about historic sites along other ancient Paris roads (and a 3-month trek with his wife along Roman roads criss-crossing France, although that's another story).  A glass of white wine on a spring night turns into an exploration of the boat people of the Seine.  And so on.  Each essay in Paris, paris transports you to places, people, and information you might not discover on your own - information that will enrich your own experience of this ever-fascinating city.

Recommended for:   Anyone who loves to be transported beyond their own experiences - and of course anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the strands of history and people who make up Paris.

300 Reasons to Love Paris

By Judith Ritchie

Even if you plan to focus your first trip to Paris on visiting iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, it's still fun to squeeze in a hour or two each day to explore a hidden garden, indulge in a superb but out-of-the-way pastry shop, shop along a quintessentially Parisian market street, stop by the latest trendy juice bar or wine bar, shop at the below-the-radar outlet stores for famous Paris designers, gaze at the best historic jewelry collections by world-famous jewelers, make your own custom perfume, dine at at hip rooftop bar, and have a drink in the city's coolest underground bars.

That's what 300 Reasons to Love Paris is about - an insider's list of secret or little-known places as overlooked pleasures at better-known attractions that most tourists never discover on their own, especially on a first visit.  Need more inspiration?  Numerous color photos and detailed location maps make finding these places easy!

Recommended for:   First-time and return visitors who want to experience a bit of the "real" Paris.

Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City's Creative Heart

By Janelle McCulloch

The beautifully designed Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City's Creative Heart focuses on all things related to creativity in Paris - and yes, that covers a lot of ground.

Neighborhood strolls in a dozen arrondissements form the heart of Paris: An Inspiring Tour.  

In the Montorgueil neighborhood which crosses the 2nd and 9th, that means a look at the popular bars and bistros, bakeries and pastry shops, produce and cheese sellers along the famous market street as well as detours into 19th century covered passages and the design showrooms such as Pierre Frey on Rue Montmartre/Rue du Mail.

In Bastille (11th) and Canal Martin (10th), you'll learn about trendy boutiques, artisan workshops lining the labyrinth of passages and courtyards, the Viaduc des arts arcade, and bars and nightspots you shouldn't miss. 

And finally, toward the book's end, you'll find useful addresses: where to buy great lingerie, fabrics, Chanel's latest collection, ballet flats, and so forth - plus a curated list of tea rooms, bistros, bakeries, and gourmet food markets.

Recommended for:   Anyone who wants to learn about and explore Paris's hubs of creativity - or even just find the best bakeries, jewelry makers, antique and vintage shops, tea salons, and ice cream.  This is also a fabulous book for when you want to curl up in a comfy chair, look at lush photos, and dream about your future trip to Paris.

111 Places in Paris That You Shouldn't Miss

By Sybil Canac, René Grimaud, Katia Thomas

The three authors of the somewhat quirky, always fascinating 111 Places in Paris That You Shouldn't Miss have dug deep to come up with secret places and hidden treasures, and as a result, you'll learn about some very cool things here. 

For example, a Japanese-inspired cat cafe for when you crave feline company with you café au lait.  Or the oldest fountain in Paris, when you can find near Centre Pompidou (and stop by the wonderful Stravinsky Fountain while you're there.  Or in the hills of Montmartre, a secret staircase in Passage de la Sorcière ("The Witch's Passage) which is close to the public but, as the book reveals, there are two ways you might get in.

One or two photographs accompany each place described in 111 Places,  plus the authors recommend other things to do and see nearby.  One thing to be aware while a few of the cafes and bars have closed or moved on, other recommendations have evolved.   For example, Place #48, Halle Pajol, is still a great suggestion and nearby Marché de la Chapelle is still a wonderful market, but there's now more to see and do in the neighborhood:  the Rosa Luxembourg Garden and on the other side of the railroad tracks, the large modern Eole Garden (which is more like a park).  Watch for an updated edition!

Recommended for:   First time Paris visitors who want to visit a couple of "hidden treasures," and return visitors who want to see the "real" Paris, and everyone else who likes to seek out cool things.

Books about Paris Food & Markets

Sundays in Paris

By Yasmin Zeinab

Sundays in Paris grew out of a curated list of the best places to eat on Sundays started by the author years ago when she first arrived in Paris from Lyon and discovered that some places close on that day.  Although she includes her recommendations for places to enjoy coffee, brunch, and dinner and drinks in almost all 20 Paris arrondissements (strangely, she omits the 15th, a mostly upscale residential district with tons of good places open on Sundays), she also devotes almost the second half of the book to cultural attractions, gardens, shopping areas, and markets for you to visit on Sundays.

Dip into Sundays in Paris at any point in the book, and you're sure to find a mouth-watering description of food or cultural experiences.  Some are well-known, like Gregory Marchand's Frenchie bistro on Rue de Nil in the 2nd district, but others like the hidden terrace at Ralph's, the extension of the Ralph Lauren store on the Left Bank, may be a surprise.

Recommended for:   Everyone who wishes for a Parisian friend willing to share her favorite addresses for food, culture, and shopping on a leisurely Sunday.

The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs

By Elaine Sciolino

Rue des Martyrs runs for about half a mile from Montmartre through the heart of SoPi, the trendy family-friendly neighborhood south of Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement.  It's one of our favorite streets on the Right Bank for strolling, shopping, and eating, and while nothing beats doing this in person, reading this book before or after a Paris trip is a close second.

Lined with unassuming butchers, fruit shops, bakeries, wine sellers, cafes, and an assortment of other businesses, Rue des Martyrs harkens back to an older working-class Paris, even as cute clothing boutiques and modern bistros catering to newly arrived bobos ("bourgeois-​bohemians") threaten to erode its authenticity.

In The Only Street in Paris, former New York Times Paris bureau chief and Rue des Martyrs resident Elaine Sciolino, brings the street to life with stories about the neighborhood's history, merchants and residents, and most all all its food.  Read the book before you travel, and once you arrive, stroll down the rue and savor its pleasures for yourself.

Recommended for:   Anyone who enjoys mesmerizing travel writing that brings a place and its people to life.

The French Market Cookbook:  Vegetarian Recipes from My Parisian Kitchen

Written by Clotilde Dusoulier

You may already know Clotilde Dusoulier's fresh perspective of French cuisine from her popular Chocolate and Zucchini blog (chocolateandzucchine.com), where she writes about cooking and shares recipes for (mostly) simple dishes based on fresh ingredients straight from the markets of Paris. 

In The French Market Cookbook, Dusoulier shares 90 new vegetarian and vegan recipes such as an asparagus buckwheat tart and peach, almond, and cardamom clafoutis.  Best of all (unlike many recipes posted on the web by people who you suspect have never actually made the dishes because when you do, the results are, let's just say, not great), my personal experience as NOT the world's greatest cook is that these recipes are virtually foolproof and produce delicious results.

Why, you may be wondering, is a cookbook included in an article about Paris guide books?  Simple - if you rent an apartment for your stay in Paris, you'll have the opportunity to shop in Paris' wonderful markets for fresh produce, cheese, and other ingredients and then use them to prepare meals in your apartment's kitchen.  This cookbook and its mouth-watering photographs will give you lots of inspiration!

Recommended for:   Anyone who loves to cook and wants to make contemporary French vegetarian cuisine - either in your own home kitchen or in your apartment in Paris.

Markets of Paris

By Dixon Long & Marjorie R. Williams

Planning to visit any of Paris's wonderful markets?

If so, Markets of Paris will be an essential resource for you as you decide which markets to visit.  In 20 chapters, one for each of Paris's 20 arrondissements, the authors provide details about the district's open-air and covered food markets (the stars of this book), as well as other markets:  flea markets, a bird market, book markets, antiques markets and dealers, the booksellers (les bouquinistes) along the Seine, arts and crafts markets, and even the historic covered passages and arcades. 

Lush color photos will make you a) feel really hungry, and b) wish you were in Paris RIGHT NOW!  As a bonus, the authors include a list of their favorite restaurants in each district, which will make you feel a) even hungrier, and b) even more impatient to be there.

Recommended for:   Everyone who plans to shop in any of Paris's huge spectrum of traditional markets.

Join a Paris Food Tour

Some of these food tours typically involve trips to markets:

Paris, City of Dreams:  Napoleon III, Baron Haussmann, and the Creation of Paris

By Mary McAuliffe

If you're interested in learning (while also being entertained) about how Paris made the transition from a dank, congested, and smelly medieval center to the beautiful metropolis with broad boulevards and excellent sewer and transportation systems of today, you may be too fascinated by Paris, City of Dreams to put it down once you start reading. 

Paris, City of Dreams focuses on the years between 1848 and 1871 when Napoleon III and his right-hand person, Baron Haussmann, transformed the metropolis during the Second Empire.  But although this book provides plenty of interesting details about their efforts and successes in remaking the city, the descriptions of the upheavals taking place in Paris society, art, theater, and even banking that will keep you riveted.

Why read this book?   You'll not only get an appreciation for Napoleon III and Haussmann's profound contributions to the Paris of today, but you'll also get a much deeper understanding for the foundations of modern Parisian society.

The Architecture of Paris

By Andrew Ayers

Paris is unquestionably one of the world's most beautiful cities, packed with breathtaking medieval jewels, modern masterpieces, and everything in between.  The overall effect is harmonious, but once you start looking at specific buildings, you'll become aware of the incredible variety and richness of detail.  Every building has a story - and The Architecture of Paris is the book to turn to when you want to find out what it is.

In the 400+ pages of The Architecture of Paris,  you'll find detailed descriptions of the history and architectural details of the most important and interesting buildings (and sometimes fountains and other structures) in each of the city's 20 arrondissements, nearby suburbs including Versailles and Fontainebleau.  There are even short sections on 19th century covered arcades, Seine River bridges, and "street furniture" - lamps, trash bins, and other city street furnishings. 

Occasional black and white photos break up the tightly packed text but the value of this book is the information conveyed by the written content.  Fortunately, Ayers' writing is succinct but never dull or boring.

Who will get the most enjoyment from this book?   You, if you want to know the history and architectural details behind Paris's most important buildings, either while you're there or before you visit.

The Making of Paris

By Russell Kelley

History and architecture share center stage in The Making of Paris, a fascinating look at how Paris has evolved during the past 2,000+ years from a tiny fishing village on the banks of the Seine River to the beautiful, exciting, and people-friendly city of today.  

Numerous black and white drawings and vintage photos as well as timelines bring the book's factual content to life.  The special strength of The Making of Paris, aside from Kelley's lively writing style, is focusing on places such Notre Dame, the Vendôme Column, and the city's famous open air markets and covered arcades that you'll see as you walk around the city today.  Thanks to this book, you'll also know and appreciate their backstory.

Why you should read this book:   It's a fun read while you're planning your visit to Paris, and you'll absorb lots of interesting details that will add to your appreciation and enjoyment when you see the city's famous monuments, buildings, bridges, and other features.

Why wait to buy these guides when you're in Paris instead of before you travel?

Simple - they are published in France and may not be available in your home country, at least not at a reasonable price.

The two books in the middle, Paris Pratique and Paris Districts (this is an English-language version; the French version is called Paris Arrondissements ), contain detailed maps of each arrondissement, an index which lists every street, park, and other places and tells you the page and coordinates where you can find it in the book, and metro, train, RER, and bus maps.  They are invaluable for when you need better views than you can get on your phone - and also for when you don't want to use up your data supply or can't get a connection.

Of the two, Paris Districts is thinner, smaller, and lighter weight, so it is the best one to carry with you.  It costs about 10€, which is a bargain considering how useful it is.  Almost every news kiosk in the city used to carry them before mobile phones and cheap data became so ubiquitous.  Now they're harder to find - but worth the search.  The one in the photo above came from the news kiosk on Champs-Elysees.

If you can't find the Paris Districts arrondissements map book, Paris Pratique is an excellent second choice, although slightly larger and 2-3 euros pricier. 

You can find it (or other similar arrondissement map books) in most bookstores and also in many Paris Fnacs. - try the one at 74 Champs Elysees.  (Fnac is a popular French chain known for its electronics, books, toys, and household appliances.)

Some cheese shops (fromageries) sell Les 54 Fromages, which will tell you everything you need and want to know about the most important French cheeses.  It's a fun souvenir, plus a great gift.

Look for Paris Visite Guidée in Pavillon de l'Arsenal (21 Boulevard Morland, 4th arr).  It's a wonderful book that details the history of Paris from an urban planning and architectural perspective, starting with the "enclosed" city of 1190, continuing through Baron Haussmann's modernization of Paris in the 1850s, and ending with the continued renovations, re-imaginings, and planned developments of today.  Despite the title, the book is in English. 

Pavillon de l'Arsenal, by the way, combines a center for urban planning and architecture, a related museum, and a fabulous bookstore (free admission to all).  Most books are in French, but you'll find a small but interesting selection of titles in English, German, Spanish, and Italian.  It's close to the Seine (and the Sully-Morland metro station) and always well worth a visit.

Fun Ways to Tour Paris

More articles about planning your trip to paris.

• Why Visit Paris?
• Top 10 Paris Attractions
• Get acquainted with Paris arrondissements 
• Should you get travel insurance?  (Hint: the answer is yes!)
• What to expect in Paris hotels 

Need a Paris Hotel or Apartment? 

Planning to visit Paris soon?  Use this Paris hotel and apartment booking map to find accommodations and make your reservations:

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Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

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June in Paris

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July in Paris

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August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

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October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

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• Menorah lightings 

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• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

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Paris Top Ten

Best of Paris

10 Best Travel Books About Paris: Must-Read Guides

Paris, the City of Lights, has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Its charm, beauty, and culture have inspired countless literary works that transport readers into this iconic city’s bustling streets and romantic corners. Whether you’re an armchair traveler or planning a trip to Paris, travel books about this enchanting destination are a must-have.

These books offer unique perspectives, uncovering hidden gems and delving into the Parisian history and the lives of its inhabitants. They go beyond the typical guidebook, providing inspirational stories, personal accounts, and captivating narratives about this revered city. Exploring Paris through the pages of a book can be a satisfying experience, giving you a sense of the city even if you’ve never set foot on its cobblestone streets.

When selecting Paris guidebooks to learn more about the city, it’s crucial to consider the author’s credibility, writing style, and content that resonates with your interests. This might include in-depth historical accounts, personal anecdotes, or a focus on particular aspects of the city, such as its neighborhoods, museums , or food scene. Furthermore, please pay attention to the book’s target audience and ensure it caters to your specific needs and preferences.

We’ve curated a list of the finest travel books about Paris that cater to diverse interests and showcase the city’s exceptional allure. We invite you to join us on this literary journey as we explore these captivating books and uncover the magic of Paris.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Books About Paris

1. rick steves paris (2023 travel guide), 2. fodor’s paris 2023 (full-color travel guide), 3. fodor’s paris 2022 (full-color travel guide), 4. easy french phrase book: over 1500 common phrases for everyday use and travel, 5. an american in paris: a guide to the city of light, 6. paris: the best of paris for short stay travel (city guides book 3), 7. rick steves pocket london, 8. frommer’s easyguide to paris, 9. rick steves london (2023 travel guide), 10. rick steves french phrase book & dictionary (rick steves travel guide), buying guide, accuracy and up-to-date information, author’s expertise and perspective, depth and scope, format and ease of use, visual elements and aesthetics, find things to do in paris, find accommodation, explore paris with our guides & reviews.

We have curated a list of the best Paris guidebooks to help you explore and fall in love with the City of Lights.

This comprehensive guide is perfect for travelers seeking must-visit spots and hidden gems in Paris .

• Well-researched and informative
• Includes many practical tips
• Comes with a useful map
• Map could be more detailed
• Top attractions not prioritized
• Lacks some lesser-known attractions

With “ Rick Steves Paris (2023 Travel Guide) ” in hand, we appreciate the wealth of information this book provides on Paris’s landmarks, museums, and architecture. From fascinating historical backgrounds to practical tips for getting around the city, this guide lets us plan our trip easily.

While the included map is helpful, we find the detail level somewhat lacking. Nevertheless, the book’s focus on essential Parisian experiences compensates for this shortcoming. The suggested walking tours are particularly intriguing, allowing us to explore Paris leisurely.

Finally, the language and etiquette tips offered in this guide are invaluable. A basic understanding of French and how to approach local interactions will significantly enhance our travel experience. Overall, “Rick Steves Paris (2023 Travel Guide)” is a valuable resource for anyone visiting the City of Light.

See Related : Things To in Paris on Bastille Day: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning a trip to the City of Lights, Fodor’s Paris 2023 is a must-have guide to make your travel experience unforgettable.

• Easy-to-read format and thorough coverage of top sights
• Full-color photos and helpful maps
• 400 pages of insider tips and recommendations
• Lacks detailed information about some smaller attractions
• Visiting hours are not mentioned for most places
• Some reviews mention information gaps

We appreciate the comprehensive content in this Fodor’s guide , which provides essential information about famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum. Their insider tips make your visit more enjoyable by pointing out lesser-known sights and gems, which is excellent for those looking to stray from the popular tourist trail.

The included full-color photographs and clear maps will help you visualize the attractions you’ll be visiting and ensure you find your way quickly. In addition, this 400-page guide also includes recommendations for accommodations, dining options, and shopping, enabling you to make informed choices during your stay.

However, some users have mentioned that certain attractions like the Musée d’Orsay and Petit Palais receive limited coverage. Likewise, visiting hours were not noted for most sites, which could inconvenience travelers. Despite these drawbacks, Fodor’s Paris 2023 remains a valuable resource for anyone planning to explore this beautiful city.

See Related: Best Paris Food Tours in Paris

We find Fodor’s Paris 2022 a helpful guide for exploring the City of Lights, though it has some minor drawbacks regarding readability and a variety of suggestions.

• Comprehensive coverage of attractions
• Organized by neighborhoods
• Included removable map
• Small font size
• Limited restaurant recommendations
• No walking tours included

Fodor’s Paris 2022 (Full-color Travel Guide) offers a comprehensive look at the charms and excitement of Paris, making it an invaluable companion for any traveler. Its neighborhood-based organization makes it easy for users to plan their adventures and find their way around the city.

Moreover, including a removable map is an excellent bonus, providing a quick and convenient reference for visitors as they navigate through Paris. The guide also offers beautiful visuals, with full-color photographs that capture the essence of this iconic destination.

However, it’s worth noting that some users may find the font size relatively small and challenging to read, and the variety of restaurant suggestions might fall short. Additionally, the lack of walking tours may be disappointing for some. Nevertheless, we believe that Fodor’s Paris 2022 remains a beneficial resource for anyone planning a trip to this captivating city.

See Related: Paris Tips: Essential Guide for a Perfect Trip

This Easy French Phrase Book is a fantastic choice for those wishing to learn essential phrases for travel and daily use in Paris.

• Comprehensive pronunciation guide
• Over 1500 useful phrases
• It fits the needs of tourists
• Some phraterms not be relevant to all
• Lacks section dedicated to food items
• Not focused on basiessentialds

The Easy French Phrase Book , published by Lingo Mastery, contains an impressive collection of 1500 common phrases, making it a valuable companion for travelers and language learners. Covering a broad range of topics, from primary conversational language to more specific travel necessities, this Paris guidebook provides a solid foundation for those interested in Parisian culture and language.

One of the standout features is its comprehensive pronunciation guide, which helps learners pronounce each phrase correctly, ensuring effective communication. Though the Paris guidebook covers many terms, some readers may find certain expressions less relevant, depending on their needs and situations. A minor drawback is that the book lacks a dedicated section for food items, which can be essential for travel.

Overall, the Easy French Phrase Book is a valuable resource for individuals planning to visit Paris or looking to dive into French language learning. Its extensive collection of common phrases, pronunciation guide, and focus on practical communication make it a helpful companion for tourists and language enthusiasts alike.

See Related: Best Bike Tours in Paris, France

If you’re planning a trip to Paris , this insightful guide is worth considering as it covers essential information for an unforgettable experience in the City of Light.

• Up-to-date publication (November 2020)
• Covers unique Parisian experiences
• Appropriate for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers
• Specific to Paris (not usefvalid other French destinations)
• Limited to 190 pages
• Part of a single book series (Book 1 of 1)

An American in Paris: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Time of Your Life in the City of Light provides valuable insights and tips on navigating Paris, offering readers a comprehensive guide to making the most of their visit. This Paris guidebook could quickly become your go-to resource as you plan your Parisian adventure.

Complete with detailed sections on culture, food, and attractions; you won’t miss out on any delightful experiences that await you. The book’s language and presentation also cater to English-speaking tourists and anyone eager to learn more about what Paris has to offer.

Despite its limitations in scope and length, An American in Paris serves as an essential starting point for any traveler venturing into the City of Light. The information-packed guide will leave you eager to explore the many wonders awaiting you in the enchanting city of Paris.

See Related:   Paris in July: Top Events and Attractions Guide

This book is worth considering if you’re seeking a compact guide focused on the essentials for a brief Paris trip.

• Efficiently covers key Paris locations
• Includes useful transport information
• Compatible with Kindle devices
• Published in 2014, it might be outdated
• Lacks depth and detail
• Some user-reported writing quality issues

In “ Paris: The Best Of Paris For Short Stay Travel ,” we find a guide specifically designed for those who wish to squeeze the most out of their limited time in the City of Lights. The book identifies must-see locations and helpful tips for navigating the city’s transportation system. This guide is formatted for Kindle devices, making it a convenient choice for travelers who prefer digital access.

However, there are a few drawbacks that might discourage potential buyers. First, the publication date in 2014 raises concerns about outdated information. This is particularly important regarding details on accommodations, restaurants, and local businesses. Furthermore, the Paris guidebook may lack the depth and detail desired by some readers, especially those looking for a more comprehensive exploration of Paris.

Finally, some readers have reported issues with the writing quality, such as awkward translations that make the content difficult to understand. Despite these shortcomings, “Paris: The Best Of Paris For Short Stay Travel” offers valuable insights into critical sites and logistics. It may be just what you need for a short and sweet visit to the enchanting city of Paris.

See Related: Best Walking Tours in Paris

We highly recommend Rick Steves Pocket London for travelers looking to explore London with a handy and informative guide.

• Compact and easy to carry
• Includes helpful tips and shortcuts
• Provides detailed maps for navigation
• Small print that may be hard to read for some
• It may cause headaches for those who struggle with small text
• Not as comprehensive as full-size Paris guidebooks

Rick Steves Pocket London is a convenient travel companion designed to make exploring London a breeze. The guide’s small size makes it ideal for carrying around during your trip without needing a backpack or large purse.

One of the guide’s key features is its detailed maps and navigation tips, which will help travelers efficiently explore London’s neighborhoods and attractions. Rick Steves is known for providing valuable information, shortcuts, and insider tips, making this pocket guide a must-have for your London travels.

However, the small print may be an issue for some readers, potentially causing headaches or difficulty reading the information. Though it doesn’t offer the depth of information that a full-sized guidebook might, Rick Steves Pocket London is still an excellent choice for travelers seeking a compact and informative resource for their London adventure.

See Related: Best Farmers Markets in Paris: A Comprehensive Guide

We highly recommend Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris for its highly informative and up-to-date content, especially for first-time visitors.

• Up-to-date information and recommendations
• The engaging and informative writing style
• UsefValuableights on culture and history
• Not suitable for those who prefer simpler guidebooks
• Requires knowledge of English
• It may not cover every single attraction

Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris is an excellent choice for travelers searching for the best travel books about Paris. As a well-written and comprehensive guide, it provides valuable insights into the city’s attractions, culture, and history. Its engaging and informative style keeps readers interested and eager to discover more about the City of Lights.

The guide’s up-to-date information and recommendations set it apart from other travel books. As a result, travelers can rely on the advice given and discover hidden gems they might not have found otherwise. Furthermore, the author’s intimate knowledge of the city adds a personal touch to the guide, making it feel like a friend shares their favorite spots and recommendations.

As with any travel guide, there are a few potential downsides. Some readers might prefer a more basic or easy-to-follow guide, and the detailed information provided in Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris might overwhelm them.

Additionally, the focus is written in English, making it unsuitable for those who do not have a good command of the language. Finally, while the Paris guidebook covers a wide range of attractions, it may not feature every site travelers might want to visit to discover Paris in full.

See Related: Best Private Tours of Paris, France

Embarking on a memorable journey to London is made easy with this comprehensive travel guide by Rick Steves.

• Ideal for first-time and returning travelers
• In-depth information without being overwhelming
• Includes money-saving tips and travel hacks
• Limited hotel listings in certspecificas
• Large volume with thin pages
• Not all popular attractions included

This 2023 edition of Rick Steves London Travel Guide helps readers plan their ideal sightseeing experience, offering invaluable insights into the city’s culture, history, and attractions. The guide’s 632 pages, packed with authentic recommendations and local knowledge, make it a reliable companion for any London vacation.

Despite its large volume and thin pages, the guide is easy to follow, and organized in a reader-friendly manner – enabling travelers to create the perfect itinerary. This guide covers everything from exploring historical landmarks to discovering hidden gems.

However, those seeking more extensive hotel listings in central London might find the options in this guide somewhat limited. Additionally, not every popular attraction in the city might be included. Despite these points, Rick Steves London (2023 Travel Guide) remains a trusted and valuable companion for exploring the charm and wonders of London.

See Related: Paris in 3 Days Itinerary: Your Guide to the City of Lights

This handy phrasebook dictionary is perfect for travelers looking to navigate Paris with ease and confidence.

• Well-organized content
• Cultural insights
• Compact size
• Informal language use
• Specific to French language
• Limited advanced phrases

The Rick Steves French Phrase Book & Dictionary provides a well-organized resource for those traveling to Paris. The color-coded chapters ensure you can quickly find the phrases you need during your travels. The guide also offers valuable insight into the importance of politeness in French culture, setting you up for positive interactions with locals.

One thing to note is that the book occasionally uses informal language, which may not be suitable for every situation or audience. Additionally, while the guide is adequate for basic phrases, advanced or specialized vocabulary may be limited. Despite these caveats, the compact size makes it an excellent travel companion, fitting easily into bags or pockets.

In conclusion, the Rick Steves French Phrase Book & Dictionary is a practical and insightful resource for Paris travelers. The guide’s organization, cultural tips, and compact size make it a great choice for those looking to enhance their trip and connect with locals on a deeper level.

See Related: When Does the Eiffel Tower Sparkle? A Guide to its Stunning Light Display

When selecting the best Paris guidebooks, you should consider a few key factors to ensure you make the most of your reading experience before your trip to Paris. This guide will provide some insights and advice to help you make an informed choice.

The first and most important aspect to look for is the accuracy and currency of the information in the book. A book that offers outdated advice, such as closed attractions, can be frustrating and lead to disappointment. Check the publication date, and opt for the most recent edition to ensure the content is up-to-date.

A travel book is only as valuable as the author’s experience and perspective. Look for authors who have immersed themselves in Parisian culture and have an in-depth understanding of the city. Authors who have lived in or visited Paris extensively will be able to provide insider tips and recommendations that can significantly enhance your trip.

Consider the depth and scope of the information provided in the book. Some readers may prefer a comprehensive guide, covering everything from the city’s history to detailed neighborhood breakdowns such as the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain. In contrast, others may be interested in one aspect, such as art or food. Choose a book that aligns with your personal interests and travel preferences.

The format and design of the book can greatly impact your experience. Look for Paris travel guidebooks with clear layouts, legible fonts, and easy navigation, such as a table of contents or an index. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a physical or digital version, depending on your travel style and accessibility preferences.

Visual elements, such as photographs, illustrations, and maps, can significantly enhance your understanding of Paris and its attractions. Seek out books with high-quality visuals that complement the text and provide additional context. The book’s overall aesthetic should also appeal to your taste, making it enjoyable.

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• Learn French and Sip wine
• Paris Private Bistrot Crawl: Wine, Beer and Aperitif
• Paris Gourmet Food Tour
• The Local Paris Experience: an off-the-beaten-track adventure!
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• Explore Le Marais like a local – Private walking tour
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• The Peninsula Paris
• Musée du 11 Conti – Monnaie de Paris
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40+ Books About Paris You MUST Read Before Visiting France

Last Updated on 5th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

I can safely say that this list has been a  loooooooong  time coming! As a self-confessed Francophile, and someone who has spent time living in the French capital, I read books about Paris pretty much all the time!

So after a little uhm-ing and ah-ing, here are the creme de la creme books about Paris you absolutely have to read before making your trip to France. The 40+ book-long list includes memoirs, historical-themed novels, and some of the best Paris-focused biographies out there!

My Paris Dream by Kate Betts

• Paris Letters by Janice Macleod

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

French phrasebook & dictionary.

• How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style & Bad Habits

Little Black Book of Paris

• Paris, My Sweet by Amy Thomas

The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Scolio 

• The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
• Lunch in Paris: A Delicious Love Story, with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard

Paris for One & Other Short Stories by Jojo Moyes

Paris in bloom by georgianna lane, delicious days in paris by jane paech, a moveable feast by ernest hemingway, the elegance of the hedgehog by muriel barbery , paris dreaming by katrina lawrence, sundays in paris by yasmin zeinab, the sweet life in paris by david lebovitz, all the light we cannot see by antony doerr, notre dame de paris (hunchback of notre dame) by victor hugo, we’ll always have paris by jennifer coburn, down and out in paris and london by george orwell, bel ami by guy de maupassant, the ladies’ paradise by émile zola, paris still life, foreign tongue, the paris wife, paris by the book, murder on the eiffel tower, the lollipop shoes, da vinci code by dan brown, recommend any books about paris let me know in the comments below.

Kate Betts made up her mind that she would live in Paris and did everything to make that goal a reality. Already, I felt like I had a lot in common with her, and I hadn’t even picked up the book yet! As a recent university graduate, Betts packed up her belongings and moved to Paris.

Not only that, but she had a job lined up with the holy grail of magazines-  Vogue.  #goals. Although the storyline is lacking in some places, the overall images of Paris Betts conjured up in the book and the fact that it’s set in the 80s, make this a winning memoir for any fan of Paris.

“The best teachers impart knowledge through sleight of hand, like a magician.”

Buy My Paris Dream here

Paris Letters  by Janice Macleod

Who doesn’t love a good romance novel set in Paris? Janice Macleod was tired of her boring job, growing relentlessly exhausted by her dating life and so she did what most women dream of. She saved up, packed up her belongings and traveled to Europe for what was meant to be a two-year stint.

Only, that didn’t happen… Within a couple of days, she had met a Polish man in Paris and was quickly falling in love. The book details her discoveries around Paris. Oh, and the story has a pretty happily ever after too! Macleod married said handsome butcher, started her own shop on Etsy and lives in Paris to this very day!

“…the only way to happiness is to find people with whom you can eat, drink and laugh. That is everything”

Buy Paris Letters here

Part of a new generation of teen fiction, Anna and the French Kiss is the perfect way to indulge your inner teenage Parisian and buff up on your books about Paris knowledge! It’s pure teen fan fiction and feel-good, so don’t expect any heavy topics from Stephanie Perkins.

I have to admit, when my sister first introduced the book to me, I was more than a little sceptical- I mean, Twilight-esque books don’t particularly appeal to me on a regular basis. However, the main character, Anna quickly grows on you and you’ll quickly be giggling along with her. If you’ve not been to Paris before, then you can start exploring the city’s history from the first chapter.

“Girl scouts didn’t teach me what to do with emotionally unstable drunk boys.”

But Anna and the French Kiss here

Of all the books about Paris on this list, this is probably the most important of the lot! I’ve said this before and no doubt I’ll say it again: Parisians aren’t rude! But, like everyone, they can get frustrated if you just assume that they can speak your language. After all, their native tongue is French.

It goes without saying that you can’t visit France without at least learning a few simple phrases and learning how to order an expresso! For more tips and insider advice to help you plan your Paris trip, check out my guide of things to know before visiting Paris for the first time.

Buy a French phrasebook here

How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are : Love, Style & Bad Habits

Wow, where do I start with this one!This is  the  inspiration book and one I totally recommend reading before any visit to the city of love. It’s full of tips, quotes and is just a lot of fun. Filled with sarcasm and sass, it’s the ultimate in Parisian clichés meet the 21st Century!

“TAKE THE TIME to talk to the elderly lady next door, to read a book, to walk to work instead of riding the subway when it’s a beautiful day. Take the time to escape for a weekend with friends. Take the time to listen and to get to know yourself”.

Buy How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are here

The Little Black Book is the kind of book that fits snugly in your handbook, ready to guide you around the city of lights from the get-go. If you buy the hard copy, then there are fold-out travel maps and handy tips for when your smartphone inevitably runs out of battery!

Buy the Little Black Book of Paris here

Paris, My Sweet  by Amy Thomas

This book isn’t just for Paris lovers, but  patisserie  lovers everywhere! A celebration of all things sweet, the book is  all  about chocolates, macarons, and croissants. It also happens to be ‘part love letter to New York’, making it a celebration of two of my favourite cities. Like Kate Betts, Amy Thomas fell in love with Paris and did everything she could to move back there. She secured an advertising role and never looked back…

“I guess it goes to show that you just never know where life will take you. You search for answers. You wonder what it all means. You stumble, and you soar. And, if you’re lucky, you make it to Paris for a while.”

Buy Paris, My Sweet here

Funny story, we were wandering around Montmartre the other day and crossed Rue des Martyrs. I started mentioning this book to my boyfriend when he mentioned, quite abruptly,  that he was born on Rue des Martyrs.  Er, what? Anyway, The Only Street in Paris documents Elaine Scolio’s life growing up in Montmartre. If you’re interested in delving deeper into Parisian life and learning more of its secrets, then this book is for you!

“The rue, proud and modest, wears its history stealthily.”

Buy The Only Street in Paris here

The Little Paris Bookshop  by Nina George

For all the factual books about Paris, there are plenty of fiction ones too. This fiction book will have you laughing and crying and laughing again. The store run by Monsieur Perdu (literal translation: Mr. Lost) contains every kind of book you could ever want- but didn’t know you needed. And, well, the book itself may well be one of the most quotable things I have Paris and love become entangled in a story revolving around a bookstore floating on the Seine. I mean, is this real life?!

“There are books that are suitable for a million people, others for only hundred. There even remedies –I mean books –that were written for only one person…A book is both medic and medicine at once. It makes a diagnosis as well as offering therapy”.

Buy The Little Paris Bookshop here

Lunch in Paris: A Delicious Love Story, with Recipes  by Elizabeth Bard

Elizabeth Bard weaves a story of love and Paris, in a memoir that is reminiscent of Letters to Paris. She visits Paris on a whim, falls in love with a Frenchman and, well, never moves home! But if there’s one thing that sells the book, it’s the food images that Bard is so actively able to conjure up. Oh, and there are recipes too, so I was basically sold on this book twice!

“No better way to avoid making a decision than burying yourself in a big fat book.”

Buy Lunch in Paris here

From the best-selling author of ‘Me Before You’ comes a series of heartwarming short stories based on women finding their voices. The first (and focus) story of the collection focuses on Nell, a young woman who finds herself alone in Paris after her boyfriend doesn’t show up for their romantic weekend getaway. However, Nell soon finds herself falling in love with the city and will bring you along on the ride…

“You don’t ever do something just because it makes you feel good?” The assistant shrugs. “Mademoiselle, you need to spend more time in Paris.”

Buy Paris for One & Other Short Stories here

If you’re looking for a beautiful coffee table book, then Georgianna Lane’s beautiful photography and words will fill you with wanderlust. Focusing on beautiful flowers throughout the French capital, for even more incredible photography and Paris perfect snaps, make sure to check Lane out on Instagram @georgiannalane and @aparisianmoment . I promise you, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Buy Paris in Bloom here

For foodie and Paris lovers, there is no better way to discover an offbeat address or quirky eatery than by picking up Jane Paech’s book, Delicious Days in Paris. Filled with incredible recommendations for little-known bistros and complete with several self-guided walking tours, think of this book as your best friend while in the City of Love!

Buy Delicious Days in Paris here

Set in Paris during the roaring 1920s, A Moveable Feast is a memoir about Hemingway’s life struggling as a young journalist and writer. Reading this book is a surefire way to feel as though you’re stepping back in time and plenty of the cafés, bars, and bistros mentioned within the novel can still be frequented to this day!

 “I learned one thing. Never to go on trips with anyone you do not love.”

Buy A Moveable Feast here

If this book is good enough to be called ‘the publishing phenomenon of the decade’, then it’s probably worth a read. Written by philosophy teacher Barbery, the book has sold well over a million copies in France. And while the book is philosophical, it’s also incredibly accessible and centres on the story of a 50 something woman who’s a concierge, and a 12-year-old girl from an incredibly wealthy family…

Buy The Elegance of the Hedgehog here

One of the newer Paris memoirs to join the list of books about Paris, Paris Dreaming is penned by an Australian beauty journalist who first fell in love with Paris age just five years old. Now, having taken plenty more trips to the city, she imparts the lessons Paris has taught her to us readers.

The book itself is filled with personal anecdotes, funny lines, and plenty of insider recommendations on visiting iconic Parisian attractions, as well as more off the beaten path places. So whether you’re dreaming of Paris, or want to get some insider tips before your visit, be sure to pick up this Paris-themed book!

Buy Paris Dreaming here

If you know anything about French culture, then you’ll no doubt know that Sundays in France, and even Sundays in Paris, are days of rest when many businesses- and even supermarkets- are closed. However, thanks to Zeinab’s book, Sundays in Paris, you’ll have insider knowledge of the best haunts to go come weekends in the city. Filled with great recommendations, this will quickly become your go-to guide for Sundays in the city.

Buy Sundays in Paris here

For fans of all things French dessert related, David Lebovitz likely needs no introduction. Following a career as a pastry chef and cookbook author spanning two decades, he packed up his life and followed his dreams to move to Paris. Within the book, you’ll find dozens of original recipes, funny anecdotes, and an all ’round great read.

Buy The Sweet Life in Paris here

Though not strictly set  just  in Paris, I’m not sure I can adequately describe the beauty of the prose in ‘All The Light We Cannot See’. After all, this is the kind of novel which will intrigue and surprise you in equal measure. Set between the walled city of Saint-Malo in Brittany and the City of Light at the height of WWII, the book one a Pulitzer Prize in 2015. So if you choose to read just one book about Paris, make it this one!

“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.”

Buy All the Light We Cannot See here

The world-famous book that transformed Notre Dame into a crumbling wreck of its former self into a much-loved and world-famous iconic landmark is almost as famous as the cathedral itself. Notre Dame de Paris was written by Hugo in the 19th-century, inspired by his wish to save the cathedral from demolition by inspiring a love for it by the public. Known as the ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ in English, the novel contains long and detailed descriptions of the now beautifully restored ecclesiastical building.

“Love is like a tree: it grows by itself, roots itself deeply in our being and continues to flourish over a heart in ruin. The inexplicable fact is that the blinder it is, the more tenacious it is. It is never stronger than when it is completely unreasonable.”

Buy Notre Dame de Paris here

This heart-warming memoir of time spent in Paris is a must-read for any Francophiles who wish to delve deeper into the secrets of the City of Love. A memoir from Jennifer about adventures she had around Europe together with her daughter,

Buy We’ll Always Have Paris here

When you create a book about two of the most popular cities in the world, you’re sure to create a bestseller. Part of the book is set in Paris, while part of it is

Buy Down and Out in Paris here

If you’re in search of a book by a French author (that you can read either in the original French or in translation), then I might suggest Bel Ami.

Buy Bel Ami here

Set against the backdrop of

Buy The Ladies’ Paradise

A Week in Paris by Rachel Hore

The Red Notebook

PS From Paris

Time Was Soft There

Paris Adrift

One Evening in Paris

One Paris Summer

Paris Nocturne

If you’re

Though not quite as well-reviewed as some of the other Paris-themed books on this list,

Almost French

Waking Up in Paris

Though not 100% set in Paris, such is the popularity of the Dan Brown’s novels, that several of them have been turned into films starring Tom Hank. The Da Vinci Code features

Buy the Da Vinci Code here.

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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13 Comments

The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher

• Pingback: Bring Paris to your home for a day - Culture tourist

I read Ina Caro’s brazilian version “Paris to the Past.Traveling through French History by Trains.” Beautiful ! My suggestion before go and after coming back,

I’d recommend adding A Paris Apartment. It’s based on a real story and the writing is absolutely beautiful.

Thx for the list!

I loved A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable; this novel is based on a true story of an apartment in the 9ieme that was found full of treasures, untouched for 70 years.

Also, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barberry.

I found How to Be Parisian pretentious and off-putting.

Kate Betts’ book was good for about the first half, IMO.

I just found your blog! Can’t wait to delve in!

I also follow Jay Swanson’s vlog about living as an American ex-pat in Paris.

Paris, Paris City of Light by David Downie is a wonderful book of essays about Paris. Everything from the people who live and work on barges to Mitterrand and Pompidou. Highly recommend it.

Oo I’m adding some of these to my list! Have you read Paris for one by Jojo Moyes? It’s about a girl who’s about to go on a weekend trip to Paris with her boyfriend but he doesn’t show up so she does the trip alone. I’ve not read it yet but it sounds good!

Ooh no I haven’t Me Before You made me cry so much that I’ve kind of avoided her books ever since (aha). However, I’ll definitely be checking this out- thanks for the recommendation!

My favourite memoir set in Paris in Sarah Turnball’s Almost French. I also love the photos in Vicki Archer’s My French Life. (Both are Australian books and rather old, but I assume are also available overseas.)

Ooh I haven’t heard of either but memoirs are always great so I’m pretty sure I’ll be downloading Almost French on my Kindle tomorrow 😛

Read Paris revealed by Stephen Clarke! it’s excellent!

Okay am definitely going to check this one out now; thanks for the recommendation!

Wonderful list. I would read them all!

The 20 Best Books About Paris to Read Before Your Trip

By: Author Leah Shoup

Posted on Published: January 11, 2024

Ah, Paris–a city that has long captivated the hearts and minds of those enchanted by its timeless allure. Having traversed its cobbled streets and nestled into the corners of its charming cafés, I can attest to this city’s profound impact on the soul.

In my literary journey through the “city of love,” I discovered that the pages of a well-crafted book can transport you to the very essence of Paris, even if you’re miles away. With this in mind, I’ve curated the 20 best books about Paris for every type of reader: non-fiction and fiction alike.

Discover classic books about Paris, historical fiction set in Paris, and more! No matter your preferred genre, I hope you’re able to find something here that catches your eye. If you think this list is missing any important book about Paris, please let me know in the comments.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.

Books to read before visiting Paris

The Nightingale unfolds the gripping story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, during World War II. As the Nazis invade France, Vianne faces impossible choices to protect her family, while Isabelle, a rebellious young woman, joins the Resistance, risking her life to save others.

The novel captures their divergent paths and sacrifices against the backdrop of wartime challenges in both a fictional village and the Nazi-occupied Paris.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities , renowned for its iconic opening line, unfolds in Paris and London just before and during the French Revolution (starting in 1775). The narrative revolves around Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, strikingly similar men who love the same woman.

Key themes in this classic include self-sacrifice, revolutionary violence, and the oppression revolutionaries faced.

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Apart from its fame as a major musical, the original novel of Les Misérables is a renowned masterpiece in Western literature. If you enjoyed the movie, consider reading the book and follow the journey of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict striving for respectability.

The narrative introduces various characters in and outside Paris, spanning from 1815 to the June 1832 Rebellion.

If you’re looking for a laugh, you’ll enjoy this collection of comedic essays. The book’s second section focuses on Sedaris’ move from New York to Normandy and amusing stories of trying to learn French in Paris.

His quips about the French language are both insightful and hilarious.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly 

Lilac Girls is a powerful debut novel inspired by a real World War II heroine. Meet New York socialite Caroline Ferriday, Polish teenager Kasia Kuzmerick, and ambitious German doctor Herta Oberheuser as their lives intersect, particularly at the Ravensbrück concentration camp.

The novel explores themes of love, redemption, and the quest for justice across continents, highlighting the indomitable spirit of its unsung women.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain 

In The Paris Wife , the quiet Hadley Richardson’s life takes a transformative turn when she meets and marries the charismatic Ernest Hemingway. As the golden couple of the “Lost Generation” in Jazz Age Paris, we explore their love, fast-paced lifestyle, and the eventual unraveling of their marriage.

McLain skillfully captures the complex dynamics of love, torn loyalty, and Hadley’s profound impact on Hemingway’s life and work.

Read More: Famous Streets in Paris

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Sarah’s Key is set in Paris during the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup in 1942 and its 2002 anniversary. The novel interweaves the story of ten-year-old Sarah, who locks her brother away during the tragic event, with that of American journalist Julia Jarmond.

De Rosnay’s work skillfully explores France under occupation, uncovering taboos and denials surrounding a dark episode in its history.

All The Light We Cannot See   by Antony Doerr 

All The Light We Cannot See is a beautifully crafted novel set during World War II. The story revolves around Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner Pfennig, an orphan from Germany, whose lives intersect against the backdrop of the war.

Doerr skillfully weaves their narratives, exploring their struggles and efforts to be good to each other amidst the devastation, creating a stunning and award-winning portrayal of resilience and humanity during wartime.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

This French Gothic novel takes place in 1482 in Paris and centers around the Notre Dame Cathedral and its bellringer, Quasimodo. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was such a big hit in its time that it spurred a historic preservation movement and led to renovations at Notre Dame. 

The novel, deemed a key text in French literature, has seen numerous adaptations across various media.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog  by Muriel Barbery 

In the heart of Paris, The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a poignant and humorous novel. The story follows Renée, a cultured concierge hiding her intellect, and Paloma, a twelve-year-old genius concealing her talents.

Their lives take a turn when a perceptive Japanese man named Ozu arrives, unveiling their hidden qualities and creating a touching narrative that exalts the triumphs of the unassuming.

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Topping the list of classic novels set in Paris is this memoir by Ernest Hemingway. In A Moveable Feast , Hemingway recounts his experience living in Paris as a young writer in the 1920s.

You may recognize other famous writers he encounters, such as James Joyce, Gertrude Stein, Wyndham Lewis, or F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald.

The Paris Library   by Janet Skeslien Charles

The Paris Library is a compelling historical novel set in 1939 Paris and 1983 Montana, weaving the lives of Odile Souchet and teenager Lily. Amidst the challenges of World War II and betrayal, the story explores the enduring power of literature, friendship, and family.

The narrative reveals a connection between Odile’s past and Lily’s present, highlighting the extraordinary heroism found in unexpected places.

This book is an entertaining and witty read about Julia Child and her years spent studying French cooking and high cuisine. While Child would come to fame as a chef later in life, she didn’t find her passion for cooking and teaching until she moved to France with her husband.

This charming autobiography was also the basis for the 2009 film Julie & Julia .

Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky

Set in Paris under Nazi occupation in 1940, Suite Française captures the challenges faced by city residents in the aftermath of the invasion. The author, Irène Némirovsky, a successful writer in Paris during WWII, was arrested and sent to Auschwitz, where she perished.

The surviving manuscript was hidden in a suitcase carried by her daughters into hiding. 

Read More: Photo Spots in Paris, France

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Monsieur Perdu, a floating bookstore owner on the Seine, has the unique ability to recommend the perfect book for someone based on their life situation. Despite this gift, he struggles with his own broken heart from the disappearance of the love of his life.

Years later, he is tempted to open a letter she left behind, setting him on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Paris: The Novel   takes readers back and forth through time to uncover the dazzling city of Paris. Rutherford does a fantastic job of tying essential moments in French history together through the 4-5 French families that we follow throughout the book.

Due to the time hops, it can be challenging to follow sometimes; however, this novel is sincerely worth the read.

The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz 

David Lebovitz makes his dream move to Paris only to discover that life in France differs from what he expected. This guide is both hilarious and an enjoyable read. Plus, it includes fifty original Parisian recipes!

Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik 

In 1995, Adam Gopnik and his family moved from New York to Paris in an attempt to experience life as a Parisian. Paris to the Moon covers just how comedic life can be as both a parent and a resident in a new and foreign city.

With sharp insight, Gopnik explains the differences between living in the United States and France and how these lead to such contrasting cultures.

In The Only Street in Paris , Elaine Sciolino, former Paris Bureau Chief of the New York Times, offers a captivating tour of her favorite Parisian street, the Rue des Martyrs.

Celebrating its rich history and vibrant lives, Sciolino paints a vivid portrait of the neighborhood’s charm, revealing its historical significance and introducing readers to diverse residents, making the book an homage to the pleasures of Parisian living.

How Paris Became Paris by Joan DeJean

How Paris Became Paris explores the transformation of Paris from the seventeenth century, establishing the model for its urban space and shaping it into the modern and iconic city we know today.

DeJean argues that this century of planned development, including removing fortifications and creating boulevards and public parks, made Paris the first great walking city in Europe, revolutionizing the concept of urban life and establishing its modern identity.

Read More: Facts About Paris

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You're most welcome, Leah. Glad to help! I know, it's easy to turn numbers around, isn't it? Have a lovely evening!

The Best Books to Read Before you Go To Paris

Today I fly to Paris for the umpteenth time and suffice it to say that this is one city I will never tire of. Not only do I adore being in Paris, but I’m also so much of a Francophile that I will take every opportunity to speak about Paris; read about Paris; research Paris… the list is endless. I’ve compiled a list of the very best books you should read before visiting the city, both old and new. They’re in order of preference, so if you only have time for one or two, know that you can start with the first recommendation!

Books to Read Before you go to Paris

1. paris dreaming by katrina lawrence.

I picked up this book in the Perth airport recently and knew in an instant that it would be a bookshelf favourite of mine. Katrina, I am convinced, is my spirit person an approximate 20 years my senior and with even more trips to Paris under her belt than me (I’m sitting on somewhere around 8 by now). With her own personal anecdotes and a running commentary on Paris’ best eateries, boutiques, etc. to match, there really is no better book to read before your first visit to Paris or if you’re Parisian in another life like me… ;)

2. Paris Letters by Janice Macleod

This book traces the adventure of Janice, an American lady who sold all her things and packed her bags for Paris. I partly love this book because I wish I had have done this at some stage in life (26 is still not too late, right!?) and partly because it brings back so many fond memories from my own trips to Paris. If you love champagne, macarons, and postcard-pretty-Paris, you will love this book. It certainly deserves a place as one of the best books to read before you go to Paris and will inspire a new trip!

3 . Sundays in Paris by Yasmin Zeinab

If you’re less of a hopeless romantic and more of a realist, pick up this newbie by Yasmin Zeinab. Sundays in Paris is jam-packed full of the best places to spend a Sunday in Paris: from coffee shops to concept stores and all of the beautiful brunch spots!

4. The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

My love for French pastries is about on par with my love for Paris, so it is no surprise that I have this book on my bookshelf. David Lebovitz is a chef and Parisian (originally from the States) who has carved a name for himself in the pastry capital. David knows all of the ins and outs to the pastry world – from where to truly find Paris’ best croissant, to which flavours you should choose by way of macaron a la Pierre Herme.

5. Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

I fond this book when I was researching similar books to “Paris Letters” because I loved it so much that I didn’t want the journey through Paris to end. The pro for this book is that it is full of recipes at the end of each chapter, so if you’re more of a foodie (the recipes are mostly savoury, just a heads up) then this book is for you.

6. The Only Street in Paris by Elaine Sciolino

I had never heard of Rue des Martyrs before reading this book, however immediately made it my priority to visit on my very next trip to the French capital. This book follows the journey of Elaine to Paris and her undying love for her neighbourhood street, which has since become a new favourite of mine (and soon will be one of yours, too, I’m sure!)

Read more: How to find the perfect Paris apartment to rent

7. Delicious Days in Paris by Jane Peach

If you enjoy walking around cities to earn your carbs (ahem, the story of my life!) then you have the perfect book in Delicious Days in Paris. The best books to read before you go to Paris need to transport the reader and this one certainly does! This book is full of one-day walking itineraries that will take you around the sweetest stores in Paris, through the most gorgeous parks, streets, and even stop at some local boutiques you may not have found otherwise.

8. Parisian Chic City Guide by Ines de la Fressange

Another great city guide that will fit in your handbag: Parisian Chic City Guide is about as chic as a city guide gets (note: I purchased this at renowned concept store Colette before they closed down. Très chic.)

9. Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane

If you’re not much of a reader and prefer to whimsically flick through the pages of a book, then you should already have  Paris in Bloom  on your coffee table. This book is an inspiring walk through Paris in Spring (my favourite season to visit), with pinks and purples bursting to life in the pages.

Read more: How to do Paris like a local

10. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemmingway

An oldie but a goodie: if you haven’t already succumbed to the powers of a Hemmingway memoir, this book is the perfect place to start. As far as books to read before you go to Paris, this one is an essential read!

11. Paris for One by Jojo Moyes

I picked up this book on a trip to Paris and I’ve got to say, it is a really beautiful read. The story is simple but compelling, a perfect read for any girl visiting Paris solo.

12. Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard

As the follow up to her “Lunch in Paris” book, Elizabeth moves to Provence and shares her adventures there. Whilst not about Paris specifically, I feel I must include this book because I enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to visit Provence on this trip!

Read more: A complete packing guide to Paris

13. Paris: Through a Fashion Eye by Megan Hess

If you’re in the fashion industry or follow it, you’ll already know the work of the incredibly talented Megan Hess. Travellers to Paris can learn a lot about the city in this book, but for me, I just love the beautiful illustrations that whimsically take me to Paris in the pages.

14. The Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George

If you prefer a novel, pick up this book by Nina George that is set in Paris and gives a great context to the city for your first or next visit.

15. Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah

I found this book quite funny and educational in a way that I could better understand the way French men and women act, how to win over a waiter, and a few key French phrases along the way.

Read more: The best pastry classes in Paris

16. The Holiday Goddess by Jessica Adams

This is one of the first travel books I ever owned and picked up at a $10 discount book store. The book is a travel guide to some of my favourite cities: Paris, London, New York and Rome. This is a great book to read before you go to Paris as it will help you plan the best concept stores, boutiques and patisseries to visit!

PLANNING A TRIP TO PARIS? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE:

The WOW Guide to Paris

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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21 Books Perfect to Read in 2022 before a Luxurious Paris Vacation

Dreaming of a visit to the City of Light? Maybe for the first time. Maybe for the hundredth time. Either way, you can get into a Paris state of mind by reading some iconic works before you go. So, what are the best books to read before visiting Paris? Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenberg has compiled a list of the best books set in or written about Paris – novels, poems, histories, essays, memoirs and shopping guides – to read before visiting for your next business trip or luxurious vacation. Or for your next armchair holiday in the City of Lights.

What to Read Before Visiting Paris?

With all due respect to New York and London , Paris has to be the most mythologized city in the world . No other place has earned the titles “City of Light” or “ City of Love. ” And no other place is home to the same array of unforgettable art, cuisine, and style .

It’s a city that has infinite stories to tell , so saturated in legend it can be hard to pull apart the threads of fact from the folklore and fiction.

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If you find yourself missing Paris, or if your wanderlust is pushing you toward this sparkling city, we’ve got you. Here are our recommended reads of books about Paris. We’ve included a wide range of works, including histories, essays, memoirs, novels and poems – everything you need to prepare for a journey there. Even if it’s only from your armchair.

The best books set in or written about Paris, including novels, poems, histories, essays, memoirs and shopping guides.

The Best Novels and Non-Fiction Books to Read Before Visiting Paris

1. the only street in paris: life on the rue des martyrs by elaine sciolino..

Reading The Only Street in Paris is a wonderful way to begin getting into a Parisian frame of mind. The author, the former Paris Bureau Chief of the New York Times , invites us on a tour of her favorite Parisian street, offering an homage to street life and the pleasures of Parisian living. “I can never be sad on the rue des Martyrs,” Sciolino explains, as she celebrates the neighborhood’s rich history and vibrant lives.

BUY NOW : $16.95.

2. A Place in the World Called Paris, edited by Steven Barclay.

So many of the most notable works of literature are set in Paris. The city’s very essence seems to lend itself to superb writing. But if you don’t have time to reread every single book you ever read in high school English class, the wonderful anthology A Place in the World Called Paris is here to fill in the gaps. Read excerpts from Maya Angelou, Franz Kafka, Truman Capote, E.B. White, and so many others, all of them set in the City of Light. If you only have time to read one book before your visit, make it this one. Even if you only open it on the plane as you take off for your Parisian adventure.

BUY NOW : $20.66.

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The luxury insider’s guide to the best cafes in paris, 3. giovanni’s room by james baldwin..

If you want to read a novel before your next trip to Paris, and you only have time for one, make it this one. Giovanni’s Room is set in the 1950’s, when an American in Paris finds himself falling for a bartender, Giovanni, in spite of his engagement to a woman. Baldwin’s incredible prose infuses this story about love and identity with a kind of desperation unmatched by other writers. This quintessential classic is always worth a reread, but there’s no better time than before your next trip to Paris.

BUY NOW : $11.71.

4. My Life in France by Julia Child.

When we think of France, many of us think of fine gourmet cuisine. And when we think of gourmet French cuisine, many of us think of Julia Child. Although she was American, much of her love of food came from her time in Paris. If you have seen the film Julie & Julia, Julia Child’s portion is based on this memoir, My Life in France . Read her book to hear it in her own words.

BUY NOW : $10.29.

5. The Paris Style Guide: Shop, Eat, Sleep by Elodie Rambaud.

Besides food, the other thing we all think of when we think of Paris is, of course, fashion. While many guidebooks will give you the obvious tourist destinations, The Paris Style Guide supplies you with insider tips on all the chic places that are actually worth a visit. She includes the coolest boutiques, recommendations for cafes and for hotels, and even provides “shopping maps” that show you the best routes to hit all the best stores at once. If you want a book that guides you through the fashion haute monde of Paris, stow this one in your suitcase.

BUY NOW : $23.15.

The Most Romantic and Chic Restaurants in Paris

6. walk through lost paris: a journey into the heart of historic paris by leonard pitt ..

Walk Through Lost Paris is a fantastic, unconventional history book that would make an equally excellent read whether you’re doing it from the comfort of your home or from a café in Paris. Full of visual guides, maps and photographs, the author takes the reader on four different walking tours through Paris , detailing the ways in which the city was rebuilt during the mid-1800’s. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the city’s architectural history, this is a fantastic book to get you up to speed.

BUY NOW : $25.24.

7. The French Way: Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes and Customs of the French by Ross Steele.

If you’re thinking about a trip to Paris, you might want to learn a few things about the people who live there and how they may perceive you and your behavior. In the second edition of The French Way , we get an etiquette lesson in French manners and French social norms. It is interesting in its own right, and certainly makes a great preparatory course before a visit.

BUY NOW : $

8. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.

Of course, Paris is also the setting of so many of the most delightful contemporary novels, like The Little Paris Bookshop . In this lovely book set in a floating bookstore on the Seine, Monsieur Perdu gives books to his customers based on what he thinks they are missing in their lives. And yet, he must leave his charming life behind when a letter from a lost love sends him in search of finding his own happiness once and for all. This book reads with the sweetness of a scrumptious French pastry, and is the perfect afternoon snack if you’re missing Paris.

BUY NOW : $9.84.

The best luxury shopping streets to visit in Paris

9. the elegance of the hedgehog by muriel barbery, translated by alison anderson..

The Elegance of the Hedgehog  is set in an elegant hôtel particulier in Paris, where Renée, the concierge, is all but invisible―short, plump, and middle-aged. But Renée has a secret: she furtively, ferociously devours art, philosophy, music, and Japanese culture. Paloma is a twelve-year-old who lives on the fifth floor – she’s also a wildly talented and unappreciated person. After a wealthy Japanese man named Ozu arrives in their building, the two begin to recognize each other as kindred souls. And magic begins to unfold in this quiet corner of Paris.

BUY NOW : $10.90.

10. Rendezvous Eighteenth by Jake Lamar.

Paris lends itself as a beautiful backdrop not only to romance, but also to a delicious mystery. Rendezvous Eighteenth is the first in a series of excellent whodunits called American Mysteries in Paris. This one centers on an African-American expat piano player in Montmartre, whose life begins to unravel when he finds a woman dead in his apartment. This is an excellent thriller, and having the electric energy of the City of Lights crackling on every page makes it all the more fun.

BUY NOW : $22.99.

11. The Paris Diversion by Chris Pavonne.

The Paris Diversion is another smart thriller set in Paris – this one an epic struggle between two strong women. It’s a continuation of an ongoing series featuring the CIA operative

All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Karen White and Lauren Willig . This epic saga spans more than fifty years, telling the story of three women whose fates all lead them to the legendary Ritz hotel in Paris. This is a family story, but woven together with three significant periods of French history. It will sweep you away, and teach you a little bit about Paris across the twentieth century.

Inside Tips on the Best Luxury Autumn Vacation in Paris

Poems of Paris edited by Emily Fragos . Paris already feels like a poem. Something about walking the light-filled streets feels like an inherent match for the DNA of poetry as an art form. And so of course, many of literature’s most unforgettable poems feature the city as their main idea. This collection from Emily Fragos compiles the best of them, from over four centuries, including the words of so many familiar voices. The book is small enough to fit in your pocket, making it the best travel companion of all-time .

14. Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnick.

The author of Paris to the Moon is a longtime New Yorker writer, took an assignment for the magazine’s Paris bureau just after he and his wife had their first child. So while he pursues the pleasures of walks in the Tuileries, philosophical discussions at the bistro, he is also discovering life as new father. The dual processes of navigating a foreign city and becoming a parent are not completely dissimilar journeys—this is a delightful mediation on both.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo . This is the iconic and powerfully melodramatic story of Quasimodo, the deformed hunchback who lives in the bell tower of medieval Paris’s most famous cathedral. He is tormented by almost everyone – but then someone steps forward to help. The beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, whose single act of kindness fills Quasimodo with love. Can the hunchback save the lovely gypsy from Frollo’s evil plan, or will they all perish in the shadows of Notre Dame? After you read it, the poignant views of the damaged Cathedral may have even deeper resonance. And you must go to the Place de Vosges and tour Hugo’s house. It’s wonderful.

When Paris Sizzled: The 1920s Paris of Hemingway, Chanel, Cocteau, Cole Porter, Josephine Baker, and Their Friends by Mary McAuliffe. This fascinating history portrays the City of Light post-war and filled with the giant creative personalities that are now household names. During the fabulous 1920’s, les Années folles , Parisians emerged from the horrors of war to find a new world—one that reverberated with the hard metallic clang of the assembly line, the roar of automobiles, and the beat of jazz.

Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities by Vahram Muratyan is the perfect French confection upon which to end this list. It’s a comic and lovely pocket-sized book featuring visually striking graphics paired with witty, thought-provoking taglines that celebrate the special details of each city. Paris versus New York is a wonderful homage and a Valentine for everyone who dreams of big-city romance.

18. Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley.

Perestroika in Paris is a delightful novel from a brilliant writer. In it, the lives of three animals and a young boy intersect in Paris.

BUY NOW : $12.79.

19. The Margot Affair.

20. the parisian., 21. au revoir, tristesse: lessons in happiness from french literature by viv groskop..

Au Revoir, Tristesse is “a blend of literary history, memoir, and self-help that shows how French literature can bring humor, happiness, and romance to our lives.” The author is a comedian who spent most of her childhood summers in Paris and kept hoping that some of it would rub off on her and make her at least a little bit French. It includes chapters on some of the greatest writers of French history, including Marcel Proust, Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Stendhal, Honoré de Balzac, Albert Camus, and Françoise Sagan. And of course, there’s a section dedicated to the scandalous Colette.

BUY NOW : $6.20.

Best Novels and Non-Fiction Books to Read Before Visiting Paris

That’s our take on the best books set in or written about Paris – novels, poems, histories, essays, memoirs and shopping guides – to read before visiting the City of Lights. What’s at the top of your list, dear reader?

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Abbie Martin Greenbaum

Abbie Martin Greenbaum is a writer, reader, and pop culture connoisseur, who loves storytelling, coffee, and dessert. Her work has also appeared in Playbill.

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13 Must-Read Books About Paris to Read Before Your Trip

After living in Paris and visiting the city for years, I’ve read many, many books set in Paris. And since starting this blog, I’ve had writing about my favorite books about Paris on my to-do-list.

So here it finally is: the best books about Paris I’ve ever read. It’s taken me many years and Amazon orders to curate this list, so I do hope you enjoy it.

Note – I have read every book on this list and highly recommend them all – this is not a generic listicle, I promise!

Table of Contents

Best novels set in Paris:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Set in occupied France during World War II, this novel interweaves the story of two unlikely friends: a blind French girl and a brilliant German soldier.

Though not strictly set in Paris (much of the book takes place in Brittany), the beautiful prose really makes France come alive. If you’re looking for historical fiction about Paris, this is an excellent choice.

Buy the book on Amazon here.

The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola

The Belly of Paris is a classic novel by   Émile Zola. It follows the story of Florent, an escaped revolutionary who finds both solace and community in Paris. What I love about the book is how richly it depicts life in the 1870s Les Halles, a working-class market that stood for nearly a thousand years.

If you’re looking for a book that takes place in Paris written by a French author, I highly recommend this one.

Best memoirs about Paris:

The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

In this laugh-out-loud memoir , American pastry chef David Lebovitz moves to Paris to start a new life. As a pastry chef, Lebovitz is committed to finding the best sweets in Paris, and in telling his story, shares many hilarious observations about his adopted hometown.

What I love most about this book is that he depicts Paris in such an honest light, sidewalk dog shit and all.

View the book on Amazon here.

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman

As I’m not a mom, I wasn’t sure I’d like this book. But honestly, I LOVED it. Druckerman, an American journalist, marries an Englishman and they move to Paris. Shortly after arriving, she has her first child and learns first-hand how the French raise their children.

This book was not only witty and well-written, it also offers many fascinating insights into French culture. Highly recommended.

My Paris Dream by Kate Betts

My Paris Dream is the story of an American woman who lived in France in the 1980s. After college, she moves to France, completely unsure of what she wants to do with her life. Over the years, she finds work as a fashion journalist in Paris, rubbing shoulders with fashion greats like Helmut Lang and Karl Lagerfeld.

If you love fashion, this is a book you’ll really enjoy.

Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah

Mastering the Art of French Eating follows the story of Ann Mah, an American food and travel writer living in Paris. When Mah’s husband is called away to Iraq, Mah mitigates her loneliness by tracking down all of France’s best dishes in their regions of origin.

Her writing is absolutely gorgeous:

It still sailed next to me, that parallel life- it would always sail next to me- as full of joy and challenge as the one I was living. I thought of it sometimes, pale and chilled- lit by a satellite moon, not the sun of reality- a ghostly ship charting a route to what might have been, while I remained on the course of what was.”

Read my full review of the book here.

The Only Street in Paris by Elaine Sciolino

American Elaine Sciolino is a long-time resident of Paris who lives on the Rue des Martyrs, a left-bank street in Paris that Sciolino calls, ‘a half-mile of magic’. Sciolino paints a rich picture of the rue des Martyrs, a historic street in Paris where Degas once painted and François Truffaut filmed scenes from The 400 Blows .

I loved reading about her personal experience living in Paris as well as the fascinating, centuries-old history of the rue des Martyrs.

Best non-fiction books about Paris:

Stuff Parisians Like by Olivier Magny

Did you guys ever read Stuff White People Like? This book is the Parisian version.

So often Paris is overly romanticized, but this book calls Parisians out on all their quirks. Stuff Parisians Like is especially funny if you have French friends and recognize the obsession with sushi, Pellegrino and all things Brooklyn. Read this if you want a good laugh and a real understanding of how Parisians really live.

Paris versus New York by Vahram Muratyan

Paris versus New York is a clever graphic novel that compares Paris to New York, i.e. bagels vs. baguettes. This book is perfect for New York or Paris lovers.

It’s also great for design enthusiasts. The design of the book is gorgeous – I’m obsessed with all of the fonts and graphics!

Best coffee table books about Paris:

Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson

Paris in Color is a coffee table book about Paris that showcases the city by different colors – from baby pink to saffron yellow.

This is another book I love to give francophile friends – it’s the perfect coffee table book! In fact, I’ve already given it to three friends, ha.

The New Paris by Lindsay Tramuta

The most recent addition to my Paris book collection, The New Paris is a fascinating take on modern Paris. American journalist Lindsay Tramuta celebrates modern creatives and entrepreneurs who are bringing a fresh perspective to a city often mired in the past.

It’s also worth noting that the book’s photography is gorgeous . This would make a fantastic gift for a francophile.

Best Paris guide books:

Knopf Mapguides: Paris

In my opinion, this is the best Paris travel book out there. A truly pocket-sized book, this book folds out into districts, which makes it excellent to explore Paris. It features maps, tips, and addresses, and notes lots of local favorites and forgive me, but, hidden gems. I carried it around the whole time I lived in Paris.

Buy the guide on Amazon here.

The Paris Style Guide by Elodie Rambaud

The Paris Style Guide is the perfect book for not just dreaming of Paris, but actually exploring it. This book is a shopping guide on where to find the best boutiques, flea markets and cafés in Paris.

If you’re planning a shopping trip to Paris, this would be the perfect companion- it’s like having a fashionable Parisienne friend in your pocket.

What are your favorite books about Paris? Are there any memoirs or novels that take place in Paris I need to add?

You may also like:

• The 5 French Expressions That Will Have You Navigating Paris Like a Pro
• The 10 Most Crazy Delicious Foods You Must Eat in Paris
• How to Order a Baguette like a Parisian

HarperCollins Publishers provided me with a copy of The Paris Style Guide in exchange for a review. They in no way requested I give a favorable review. I purchased all the other books and all opinions are my own, as always.

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About Ashley Fleckenstein

Ashley is a travel and lifestyle blogger who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since college she has au paired in Paris, backpacked the world solo, and lived in Uganda. Her work has been featured by Buzzfeed, Forbes, TripAdvisor, and Glamour Magazine.

28 thoughts on “13 Must-Read Books About Paris to Read Before Your Trip”

Total francophile here! Moving to France in two months – thanks for the blog links!

Oh my god have the best time! SO jealous!

Dear Ashley, How fabulous your list is for books to read before going to Paris, Or just dreaming about it. I have read almost all of them, and like you would Certainly recommend them! Also don’t forget you have a grandfather who Cooks French food for you!

Love you and missing you,

That’s so true, I’m very lucky! And I do think you gave me many of these books. Love, Ashley

I adored Julia Child’s My Life in France. What an incredibly fascinating woman! Just thinking about her book is making me crave Paris (and by Paris I mean French food.. and wine!) I also really liked The Sweet Life in Paris! Lebovitz’s instagram is pretty awesome to follow :)

I loved The Sweet Life in Paris- I really wish he would write a sequel!

Dear Ashley, I love your list! I have been to Paris so many times now and there always is a je-ne-sais-pas-quoi that I adore. Reading about the city when you are far away is a very good way to live that feeling once again!

https://pandaonavespa.wordpress.com/

So true! Though it does make me miss France something awful :)

Thanks for the shout out! I really dig Ann’s blog as well, and she’s lovely in person (I believe she recently wrote about having David over, as they’re friends IRL). I usually find I can’t read any books about Paris, as much as I try — it makes me miss the city too much!

I’m so jealous, I definitely attempted to befriend David but he just thought I was a weirdo. And I actually read most of these books while in France- it makes me miss France too much as well.

This is perfect! I was looking for a new book and I fell in love with Paris when I studied abroad there in college. I live in Turkey now, which is VERY different than Paris and am always looking for a little taste of my favorite French city.

http://www.anotheryearanothercity.blogspot.com

That’s so cool though! I visited my cousin in Istanbul back when I lived in Paris and had the BEST time. The food is unreal!

I’ve only read three of the books you featured so clearly I need to step up my Parisian game as the others sound terrific! I did get The Paris Style Guide earlier this year and just loved it. Such a fresh and different take from your standard travel guidebook. I keep saying that whenever I make it back to Paris (I’ve been 3x but my last visit was over 5 years ago-boo), it’s going to be nothing but a food/culture/shopping trip :)

I’m glad to hear you liked the book! I did as well. And yes, every trip to Paris is a food/culture/shopping trip in my book :)

I love you so much for this post! Incorporating travel and books? You the real MVP :)

Haha thanks! I read and travel a lot I suppose so it’s only natural :)

Starting my second year of living in France! I love… 1. A Year in the Merde: Stephen Clarke A hilarious story about a British man who tries to hack it in Paris, but usually is met with dog poop, strong French accents and women-troubles 2. Almost French: Sarah Turnbull An Australian woman falls in love with a French man while traveling in Asia and makes the leap to join him to Paris. Follow along as she learns the subtleties of the French language, French culture and French bureaucracy. 3. How to be a Parisian Wherever You are: Multiple authors Written by a group of girlfriends, this tongue-in-cheek “guidebook” teaches how to walk, talk, dress and act like a Parisian.

I’ve read Almost French and found it a bit stiff, but really want to read A Year in the Merde. That sounds sooo funny!

I really enjoyed Almost French and A Year in the Merde too!

I really need to read A Year in the Merde – I’ve heard it’s super funny!

I’m definitely going to have to check those books out!

Definitely do! I loved them all :)

This is a great list, Ashley. I’ve read almost all of these and loved them, especially Stuff Parisians Like and The Sweet Life in Paris. I’ve not yet read Blood, Bones & Butter, so thanks for the recommendation!

It’s a really good one! I’m obsessed with chef memoirs and this was one of the better ones I’ve read.

Cool list Ashley! I’ll have to track down some of these. Might i also suggest “The Road to Burgundy” by Ray Walker in which the author recounts his story about moving to France and starting a winery in one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. It doesn’t exactly take place in Paris, but it’s a great story on how a man follows his dream. Any Francophile would enjoy this book. :)

Ooh that sounds like something I would like! Thanks for the suggestion :)

I love this list and am so glad I found it! I would also like to add: 1. “Joie de Vivre” by Robert Arbor & Katherine Whiteside (The book that changed my life) 2. “Paris, My Sweet” by Amy Thomas (Who doesn’t love a book about French pastries?) 3. “The Greater Journey” by David Mccullough (It gives insight into the personalities of famous French people) 4. “Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris” by Graham Robb

Sorry, I just got so excited in seeing your post that I couldn’t help but share some of my favorites too.

I just read Paris, My Sweet and loved it! Such a fun take on the city. Thanks for the recommendations :)

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8 Must-Read Paris Travel Books For First Time Visitors

Prepare for a memorable journey to the captivating City of Love with the best Paris travel books. This Paris travel guidebook from Amazon offers a wealth of information to help you navigate the charming streets and unravel the city’s hidden gems. So are you ready to find out more about the city where love blossoms and love stories made?

For the heart that desires a romantic escape, a culinary adventure, or a family-friendly exploration, this guide will help everyone as it has something for every traveler.

Find yourself engrossed in the pages of these informative travel books that reveal the finest attractions, historic neighborhoods, exquisite hotels, and delightful dining options. Before we jump into the article, here’s everything you will find in this article; detailed city maps, cultural insights, and stunning photographs, showcasing everything from the majestic Eiffel Tower to mouthwatering steak fries.

With a wide array of appealing choices available, selecting the perfect Paris travel book need not be overwhelming.

Each guidebook caters to different tastes, offering either an in-depth exploration and a list of must-see highlights, luxurious accommodations, or budget-friendly options.

Table of Contents

8 best books on paris travel for every first-time visitor, 1. rick steves paris travel book.

Rick Steves Paris 2022 guarantees an unforgettable experience as you explore the city. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious catacombs, Rick Steves takes you on a journey through every part of the city. 

Along with must-see attractions like Notre Dame and the Louvre, this detailed guide offers practical advice on maximizing your time and saving your money.

Be one with the city’s culture by strolling down Rue Cler for fresh, local goods or savoring café au lait at a charming streetside café. With relatable humor, Rick Steves’s calendar for 2022 helps you beat the crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps, which is one of the growing concerns for people traveling to Paris.

Tour around the city like a local, thanks to self-guided walking tours that lead you through lively neighborhoods and captivating museums. Over 700 pages of valuable information, including detailed maps and essential COVID-related travel resources, ensure nothing is left to chance.

Explore the best arrondissements of Paris, from Champs-Elysées to Montmartre, and go on memorable day trips to Versailles and Giverny.

Rick Steves Paris travel books are the best companions to making every moment and euro count during your vacation. If you’re planning a tropical trip next, here’s a list of the 7 Best Hawaii Travel Books of all time .

2. Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris Travel

The city of art, cuisine, and history awaits exploration with Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris. This is one of the best Paris travel books. Easy to read, and easy to understand with everything important given right in the beginning, this book will become your companion!

Navigate the Champs-Elysée’s panorama, savor the vibrant street life around Bastille, and uncover the secrets of iconic landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. 

Frommer’s also offers insider tips on the best places to eat and how to avoid tourist traps. Featuring 16 pages of color photos and detailed maps, this guidebook provides exact pricing for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tours, simplifying your planning. 

Enjoy self-guided walking tours, including fascinating side trips to Giverny and Versailles. Learn useful phrases, delve into the city’s culture, and discover hidden gems. Whether you splurge or stay frugal, Frommer’s star rating system ensures the perfect experience whether you want to spend less, or more. This is especially great for people who are picky shoppers, looking to buy the best things in Paris.

This portable guide, complete with an indexed map of the city, promises the most hassle-free trip among most other travel books in Paris.

3. Paris in Stride: A Book on Paris Guide

Paris in Stride is an artistic treasure map that leads you to the authentic essence of the city. Beautifully and accurately illustrated, such practical Paris travel books unveil the delightful sites and discoveries known to locals. It is one of the best-selling travel books for the city of love.  

From architectural marvels to charming markets, this travel guidebook captures the magic of the city with vibrant watercolors and accessible histories.

Join seven daylong walking tours guided by watercolor maps that wind through romantic Parisian streets, revealing cafés, galleries, and historical landmarks. Get rich details about the local life, and the history of the places you visit, and see Paris in a completely new and accurate way.

Paris in Stride is your passport to experience the genuine and timeless allure that defines this magical city. Utilize these invaluable Paris travel books as your trusted companions, revealing the city’s lesser-known markets and charming boutiques, and providing you with expert guidance on selecting the most meaningful and authentic souvenirs to bring back from Paris .

4. DK Eyewitness Paris guidebook

DK Eyewitness Paris enters our list of the best travel books in Paris with unparalleled art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture that make this city such a hit amongst travelers, pulling in millions every year.

This annually updated e-guide immerses you in the city with expert-led insights, stunning photographs, and trademark illustrations. Explore everything from the Champs-Élysées to Montmartre, with DK Eyewitness Paris Travel books. 

This guide provides pricing and advice for reservations, ensuring a seamless trip. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, DK Eyewitness books on travel in Paris are the key to a fulfilling and immersive experience in the City of Light.

5. Paris Travel Guide 2023: The Most Complete Guide to the City of Love

Paris Travel Guide 2023 is a carefully crafted guide by a seasoned travel designer with 20 years of experience. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or an adventurous exploration of hidden gems, this France travel guidebook comes in handy.

Navigate the stunning architecture, art, and history like a local with carefully curated lists of the best attractions and lesser-known places. With over 8 smart itineraries, accompanied by beautiful photographs and maps, you can efficiently plan your days and maximize your time with these Paris travel books.

There are so many things about this book that make it a great choice. Afraid of the communication gap? This book will help you learn essential French phrases and currency exchange tips to enhance your experience. The bonus list of packing essentials ensures you’re well-prepared for a memorable trip.

6. Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Are you traveling to Paris with the kids? Mission Paris books are among the top travel guidebooks for kids. This spy-themed scavenger hunt guide takes your kids on an exciting adventure through famous sights, making sightseeing enjoyable. Who says Paris is only for lovers looking for their perfect getaway?

As art sleuths, culture detectives, and monument investigators, your kids will discover the treasures of the Louvre, the stories behind landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and the charming bakeries offering sweet treats. Not just kids, but even adults who want something more exciting and fun than a simple travel guidebook would love this one.

Turn your family trip into a memorable and educational experience with this captivating guide. With entertaining activities and captivating adventures, your young jet-setters will cherish their journey through Paris.

7. Fodor’s Paris 2023 (Full-color Travel Guide)

For comprehensive and beautifully illustrated Paris travel books, Fodor’s Paris 2023 is the ultimate choice. The easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and stunning color photos make planning your trip a breeze. This guidebook offers an illustrated guide, multiple itineraries, and more than 15 detailed maps making it the top pick among the best travel books for Paris.

Special features on “The Louvre” and “Versailles” provide deeper insights into these iconic attractions. With a French language primer, cultural insights, and insider tips, you’ll navigate Paris like a pro.

Plan your trip effectively, beat the crowds, and explore the city at your own pace. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or culinary aficionado, Fodor’s travel books about Paris take you on a rewarding experience in the City of Love.

8. Lonely Planet Paris 13 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet’s Paris is your ultimate travel companion for a memorable and up-to-date journey through the city. With essential information checked post-COVID-19 outbreak, this guidebook provides new pull-out, passport-size ‘Just Landed’ cards for a smooth journey from airport to hotel.

Explore the land of love with the best books on Paris travel and history, highlights and itineraries, and insider tips to save time and money. Engage in cultural insights that add depth to your travel experience, from history and landscapes to cuisine and politics. 

Over 49 maps help you navigate every corner, from the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to the Latin Quarter and Montmartre.

Our Final Words

Paris travel books are invaluable companions for anyone seeking to embark on a captivating journey through the City of Light. These well-crafted guides unlock the splendor of love, offering insights, itineraries, and tips that cater to diverse interests and travel styles.

From Rick Steves’ comprehensive coverage to Edward Rutherfurd’s mesmerizing historical novel, each book brings a unique perspective on the enchanting city.

So, whether you dream of strolling along the Seine, discovering iconic landmarks, or indulging in delicious French cuisine, Paris travel books help you easily navigate the streets, capture the essence of the city, and create cherished memories.

12 Best Books About Paris

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on November 1, 2023

Do you love Paris and want to find the Best Books about this beautiful City? We’ve got you covered! The following are the best novels in Paris, whether you favor history, fiction, drama, or mystery.

This handpicked collection of Parisian-inspired books is guaranteed to take you to the heart of Paris, whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a dreamer planning your next vacation, or simply a fan of great writing.

With its rich history, gorgeous architecture, and active culture, it’s no surprise that Paris has inspired authors, poets, and novelists such as Victor Hugo , Ernest Hemingway, Edward Rutherfurd, and many more!

If you’re planning a vacation to Paris or simply want to immerse yourself in the city’s beauty from the comfort of your own home, here’s a collection of the greatest books about Paris that will transport you to the French capital’s charming streets and boulevards.

Things you'll find in this article

1. A Moveable Feast

2. the hunchback of notre dame, 3. a tale of two cities, 4. paris to the moon, 5. the da vinci code, 6. the queen of paris: a novel of coco chanel, 7. someday in paris: the magical new love story for hopeless romantics, 8. waking up in paris, 9. paris for one, 10. the nightingale, 11. les misérables, 12. paris by the book.

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Genre: Biography, Memoir, Autobiography

Date Published: December 1964

Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast depicts what it felt like to be a writer who lived in Paris in the early 1920s. He discusses his interactions with other writers, his experiences with hunger and poverty, and what it would have been like to be a member of the “Lost Generation.”

Ernest Hemingway is a recognized twentieth-century American novelist. Some of his works, especially For Whom the Bell Tolls as well as The Old Man and the Sea, for the publication of which he received the Pulitzer Prize in 1953, are today regarded as classics. He also proved to be a travel enthusiast, with trips to the United States, Africa, France, and Spain.

His straightforward and seemingly simple writing style generated decades of imitators but no peers. Following the release of The Old Man and the Sea, he was given the Nobel Prize in writing in 1954, recognizing his standing in current writing.

Author: Victor Hugo

Genre: Romanticism, Gothic fiction

Date Published: March 16, 1831

If you want to learn more regarding the history of Paris but don’t like reading dull non-fiction, you should read The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. It relates the narrative of Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy who is convicted as a witch by the troubled archdeacon Claude Frollo, who has a crush on her.

After falling in love with the kindhearted Esmeralda, Quasimodo, the disfigured bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, seeks to save her by concealing her in the cathedral’s tower.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a people’s epic, featuring a variety of characters ranging from the King of France all the way to the peasants who live in the Parisian sewers, and the gigantic figure at its core.

It is a powerful and meaningful piece that readers will remember long after finishing it. It is a must-read for anyone with a passion for classic literature and comprehending both the splendor of human nature and the harsh truths of society.

Author: Charles Dickens

Genre: Novel, Historical Fiction, Historical Novel

Date Published: November 26, 1859

A Tale of Two Cities is an iconic example of historical fiction, a genre in which fictitious characters and storylines are set within actual events to better comprehend the time period. It takes place both prior to and during the French Revolution in London and Paris.

One of the teachings from this work is that there are always parallels to the past in any life scenario, and we may use them to overcome our difficulties. This work focuses on drama more than accuracy. It has large-scale mob violent sequences with a rich historical backdrop.

The greatness of this novel, like all great stories, is its capacity to not only draw us intimately into the convoluted lives of these individuals, ravaged by the historical tyrannies of the era they lived in but to utilize their story as a metaphor to grasp the human narrative as a whole.

Author: Adam Gopnik

Genre: Biography, Autobiography

Date Published: Year 2000

If you want to learn more about Paris travel , Paris to the Moon is the book for you. In this delicate story, Gopnik realizes that the simultaneous processes of navigating a strange city and becoming a parent are not entirely unlike.

Both offer new routines, new languages, and a new set of norms by which each day is to be lived. The first section of the novel, “The Winter Circus,” begins with Gopnik landing in Paris alongside his wife Martha along with their small son, Luke.

Their arrival in the city coincides with a period of significant sociopolitical shifts, with Parisians in largely public sector positions going to the streets to protest salary cuts and the elimination of benefits and social assistance programs.

Author: Dan Brown

Genre: Novel, Mystery, Thriller, Detective fiction, Crime Fiction, Conspiracy fiction

Date Published: March 18, 2003

Do you want to learn about religious fictions? You should read The Da Vinci Code! The Da Vinci Code features symbologist Robert Langdon as well as cryptologist Sophie Neveu after they become entangled in a dispute between the Priory of Sion along with Opus Dei over the prospect of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene conceiving a child together following a murder at Paris’s Louvre Museum.

The Da Vinci Code addresses the issue of whether history texts must always be accurate. The story is filled with reinterpretations of well-known stories, such as Jesus’ life and the Da Vinci artwork The Last Supper. Brown explains how the Bible was constructed and what happened to the lost gospels.

Many individuals read The Da Vinci Code in pursuit of the path to Christ. The fascination stems from the unearthing of secrets surrounding Jesus, the Templars, as well as the entire historical age.

It touches on so many topics that people consider: Jesus, art, crime, and so on. All of the publicity has sparked curiosity.

Author: Pamela Binnings Ewen

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Political fiction

Date Published: April 7, 2020

The Queen of Paris, the latest novel from award-winning novelist Pamela Binnings Ewen, brilliantly imagines Chanel’s clandestine existence throughout the four years of Nazi rule in Paris during World War II, as uncovered in recently recovered wartime papers.

The book is extremely well-researched, and it vividly depicts German-occupied Paris. Despite Chanel’s Nazi ties throughout WWII, the reader has a better grasp of her goals, power, and attraction.

Author: Olivia Lara

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

Date Published: May 14, 2020

Are you a hopeless romantic who enjoys reading novels about it? This book is made for you! This sort of love endures the passage of time, huge distances, and even death. The epic romance narrative will leave an imprint on your heart as it is a memorable love story.

This is the tale of Zara and Leon, who encountered one day after the power went out at a French museum. They never saw one other’s faces, but they’ve been looking for each other ever since.

It’s lovely, even heartbreaking at moments, but the two star-crossed lovers finally find each other as fate intended. It’s not your normal love tale, but it’s unique.

Author: Sonia Choquette

Genre: Biography, Autobiography, Travel literature

Date Published: Year 2018

Curious about how a lady ends up in Paris after a decades-long marriage? This is an absolute must-read! Sonia Choquette and the city she loves embarked on a healing path that included profound soul-searching and embrace of a new, often painful, reality.

A one-of-a-kind Parisian excursion. Sonia is led to Paris, where she meets craziness and miracles on her path back to wholeness.

Life is, at its core, a spiritual journey. Sonia Choquette invites you to join her and her daughter on their spiritual journey in Paris in this wonderfully moving book.

Sonia enthralls readers with colorful tales of her unpleasant brushes with French stylists and beauticians, the challenges she faced in French fashion, and her hunt for the ideal neighborhood cafe.

Author: Jojo Moyes

Genre: Fiction, Romance novel

Date Published: Year 2015

Paris for One will captivate your heart, as it has thousands if not millions of readers worldwide; it is one of the best books in Paris!

It’s the story of a girl who’s never gone to Paris or even on a romantic weekend. Paris For One was a fantastic start to the novel and the ideal amount of chick fiction. There is romance, humor, and a great deal of emotion.

This combination of heartfelt emotion and dazzling wit distinguishes Paris for One as vintage Jojo Moyes and makes it mandatory reading for both new and old readers. Moyes will take you on a beautiful tour across the city, complete with endearing personalities.

Author: Kristin Hannah

Genre: Novel, Historical Fiction, Romance novel, War story

Date Published: February 3, 2015

Do you wish to experience the feelings of two sisters with opposing personalities and circumstances? Read this book! It pays tribute to the tremendous bravery and perseverance of French women throughout WWII.

Kristin Hannah depicts the challenges and sacrifices made by ordinary people during this awful time of history in a wonderful way. The story provides a look into the lives of women who battled valiantly to keep their communities and familiestogether in the face of wartime upheaval.

Women typically return home after returning from the battlefield, say nothing, and carry on with their lives. The novel The Nightingale is about those mothers and the risky decisions they made to rescue their children and their way of life.

Genre: Novel, Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Epic

Date Published: Year 1862

Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables is an epic saga of valor and villainy, as well as all the shades of despair and misery in between.

The plot of Les Miserables revolves around the life of a guy named Jean Valjean. Valjean was condemned to 19 years in jail and hard labor after he was arrested as a young man snatching a loaf of bread to feed his sister and her impoverished children.

Les Misérables is about people who struggle, achieve, fail, love, and seek, and the revolutionary fervor that surrounds them is the thread that unites them all. Because Les Miserables is so vast and well-written, it allows you to imagine yourself living a life, Jean Valjean’s full adult existence.

Musically, it has it all: catchy melodies and magical lyrics, and unlike many other musicals, Les Mis has a narrative. In fact, the narrative is what sets it apart from other series.

Author: Liam Callanan

Genre: Mystery, Domestic Fiction

The story begins when eccentric author Robert Eady mysteriously flees, leaving behind his wife, Leah, his girls, and airline tickets to Paris stashed in an unexpected location.

Leah travels to France with her daughters in the hopes of uncovering answers and her husband. Leah discovers an incomplete novel upon their arrival, one that Robert had been composing without her consent and that he had planned to publish in Paris.

Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan is a great deal more than an elegiac depiction of a lost artist. We see the sacrifices and longings of those left behind as they keep doing what they love, live, and thrive.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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The Best Paris Books

SD › Paris Books Updated: March 30, 2022 By Santorini Dave

• Best Hotels in Paris
• Best Hotels for Families in Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris

A few of my favorite books about or set-in Paris.

Note : My favorite movies about Paris are Midnight in Paris and Before Sunset . Both are wonderful. The best general history about modern Europe is the fantastic Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 by Tony Judt.

Best Books about Life in Paris

• My Life in France by Julia Child Magical memoir of Julia Child’s years in France. My favorite book about life in France as a foreigner.
• Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik Gopnik spent 5 years in Paris as a writer for the New Yorker. An inside look at life in France with his wife and young child. If you’re looking for the definitive Paris travel book then this is it.
• A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway Paris in the 1920s through Hemingway’s eyes. A classic.
• The Flaneur: A Stroll through the Paradoxes of Paris by Edmund White A walk through the streets of Paris in search of beauty, culture, and knowledge.
• Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris A humorous take on life in modern Paris.
• I’ll Always Have Paris by Art Buchwald Buchwald’s love letter to Paris based on his time there as a writer for the New York Herald Tribune.
• The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart A wonderful little book about Paris, pianos, and a few very special people.
• Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide by Jessie Kanelos Weiner & Sarah Moroz Part travel guide, part inspiration. Wonderfully done.
• Finding Fontainebleau by Thad Carhart An American author looks back at his childhood in Fontainebleau and his family’s weekend trips to Paris.
• L’Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making My Paris Home by David Lebovitz Life in Paris through the eyes of a pastry chef (as he attempts to update his Paris apartment).

Best Books about Paris History and Culture

• Rimbaud: A Biography by Robb Graham The focus is the writer, not the city – but this book is so great it’s a must-read for Paris fans.
• Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne The most readable, exciting, and informative history of Paris.
• The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough The story of the artists, writers, doctors, and adventurers that settled in Paris between 1830 and 1900. An exhilarating read.
• How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City by Joan DeJean A history of Paris development from chaotic alleyways to grand boulevards.
• Paris: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd 800 pages of easily digestible Paris history.
• The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino The former Paris Bureau Chief of the New York Times’ evocative exploration of the history and inhabitants of one street in Paris.
• The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow A funny (but affectionate) and engaging look at modern French culture and quirks.
• The Discovery of France by Robb Graham A lively and informative read on the origins of France – its language and political geography. Quirky, but still my favorite history of the country.

Best Books about Paris Food

• The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz The story of an American chef in Paris, the ins and outs of French food, and over 50 recipes. See also his excellent first cookbook, My Paris Kitchen .
• Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child The widely-celebrated landmark cookbook, considered by many as the Bible of French cuisine.
• Around My French Table: More than 300 Recipes from My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan Great for first-timers to French cuisine, with approachable recipes written in a down-to-earth style.
• Paris for Foodies: Your Ultimate Guide to Eating in Paris by Frederic Bibard The single best guide to restaurants and eating in Paris.
• Between Meals: An Appetite for Paris by A. J. Liebling The writer for the New Yorker recounts his eating adventures in Paris.

Best Paris Fiction

• A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel The best historical novel set in Paris, featuring the major players of the French Revolution. Simply fantastic.
• The Paris Wife by Paula McLain 1920’s Paris through the eyes of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson. Historical fiction of the highest order.
• Le Divorce by Diane Johnson A light-hearted but enjoyable novel about two sisters re-acquainting in Paris.
• The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery The highly-acclaimed story of a Paris apartment building and its denizens.
• The Ladies’ Paradise by Emile Zola This chronicle of the rise of the world’s first department store is based on the story of the Bon Marche is and now a well-loved TV series.
• Les Miserables by Victor Hugo This classic novel set in the French Revolution is a beast, but it’s worth the effort – especially for fans of the award-winning musical.
• Paris for One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes Sweet and simple romantic short story collection; the two most prominent ones are set in Paris.

Best Childrens Books about Paris

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Brilliant. My favorite kids book ever.
• This is Paris by Miroslav Sasek Classic children’s book filled with charming illustrations of iconic scenery and explanations of Parisian history and culture.
• 13 Paintings Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel A good introduction to art and artists.
• Katie Meets The Impressionists by James Mayhew A great series on the master artists. Fun and informative.
• Adèle & Simon by Barbara McClintock A young brother and sister’s adventures through the streets and squares of Paris. Gorgeous pen-and-ink drawings.
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick Stunning graphic novel (500 pages) about an orphan who lives in a Paris train station and has a mystery to solve. In 2011 it was made into the equally wonderful movie, Hugo .
• Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles by Rupert Kingfisher “In the city of Paris, on the banks of the river, tucked away from the main street down a narrow, winding alley, there is a shop.” – and from there the magic untwirls.

About Santorini Dave

25 Captivating Books Set in Paris

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Dreaming of Paris? Here are the best books set in Paris that will take you there!

Even if you can’t physically travel to Paris right now, these captivating and atmospheric books will transport you to the City of Light right from your own living room.

Paris has always been a special place for me. It was the first international trip I ever took when I was five years old, and I later went back several times in high school. Then in college, I spent a semester abroad in Paris living in the heart of the Left Bank in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

No matter how much time I spent in Paris, it never gets old. There’s always something new and wonderful to discover around every cobblestoned corner. I never get tired of catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, or strolling along the Seine.

If you are looking for the best books set in Paris that will satisfy your wanderlust, look no further! Below you’ll find a list of the best books set in Paris, spanning various genres.

For books that take place outside of Paris, I have a separate list of the best books set in France .

Here are the best books set in Paris that will have you falling in love with the City of Love:

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Best Books Set in Paris

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Monsieur Perdu can prescribe the perfect book for a broken heart. But can he fix his own? This charming novel follows the owner of a floating bookshop on the Seine.

He says “A book is both medic and medicine at once. It makes a diagnosis as well as offering therapy. Putting the right novels to the appropriate ailments: that’s how I sell books”.

Enjoy even more books set in bookshops .

Buy on Amazon | View in Goodreads

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

Inspired by true events, this historical fiction novel follows the lives of brave women who worked as couriers and radio operators for the Resistance in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Translated by Alison Anderson

In an elegant hotel Particulier in Paris, Renée is the building’s shrewd concierge who hides her true self from the world. Similarly, a suicidal twelve-year-old girl living in the building masks her own genius and secretly schemes to end her life on her thirteenth birthday.

The two characters are pulled together and develop an unlikely friendship in this engaging novel.

P.S. From Paris by Marc Levy

Translated by Sam Taylor

In this novel by an acclaimed French author, a famous actress hiding out in Paris encounters a struggling writer and the two of them fall in love in the City of Light.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

If you are looking for a historical fiction novel set in 1920s Paris, The Paris Wife is one you should pick up next.

Told from the perspective of Ernest Hemingway’s wife Hadley, this story deals with ambition, betrayal, and the volatility of Paris during the Jazz Age.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Young adult readers will love this romance novel about an American teenager who is sent to boarding school in Paris. Reluctant about her new surroundings at first, she soon finds herself making new friends and falling for one of her classmates in the City of Love.

This book has quickly become a classic young adult romance that’s popular with teens  and  adults alike.

Buy on Amazon  |  View in Goodreads

Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod

In this memoir set in Paris, the author shares her story of saving up, quitting her exhausting job, and moving to Paris for two years. There, she unexpectedly falls in love and has to find a way to make her life in Paris work so she can pursue true love and happiness.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

This fast-paced thriller is partially set in Paris. World-renowned Harvard researcher Robert Langdon is sent to Paris to investigate a strange killing at the Louvre where a number of mysterious symbols were left behind.

This sets him off on a whirlwind journey through France and England with a young Parisian cryptographer in search of answers.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This gripping historical fiction novel based on true events centers on the heroic women of the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis invade during World War II, the women make a daring choice to join the Resistance and risk their lives for what they believe in.

A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

When April Vogt, a furniture specialist at Sotheby’s, is sent to Paris for a job, she’s thrilled. An old apartment that was shuttered away for seventy years has been discovered, and soon April realizes that the apartment contains more secrets and treasures than anyone imagined.

Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black

This historical fiction set during World War II is about a young American markswoman who is sent on a high-stakes mission to Paris, where Nazis have just occupied the city.

An American in Paris by Siobhan Curham

Another World War II-era historical fiction novel, An American in Paris follows an American journalist who is determined to save her adopted city and the man she loves.

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

If you are looking for a classic novel to read about Paris, this is one of the most famous ones. Published posthumously in 1964, this is Hemingway’s memoir of Paris in the 1920s. It gives an insider look at the people and places of the storied Lost Generation in Paris.

Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

This is a novella and a collection of short stories set in Paris. The main novella follows a young woman who is stood up by her boyfriend for a weekend getaway to Paris.

She ends up exploring the City of Love solo and learning more about herself as she explores Paris.

The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel

There are quite a few historical fiction books set in Paris during World War II and this is another! This story is about an American woman, a British RAF pilot, and a young Jewish teenager whose lives intersect in occupied Paris during the tumultuous days of World War II.

The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

This memoir from pastry chef and cookbook author David Lebovitz offers a deliciously funny and irreverent look at life in Paris. Part memoir and part cookbook (containing more than fifty original recipes) this is a must-read for any food-loving Francophile.

Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

This delightful novel follows a thirty-year-old woman retracing the steps of her post-college gap year through Ireland, France, and Italy. Nothing goes as planned, but through the journey, she reconnects with herself and finds love in the very last place she expected.

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

Set between Paris and New York, this historical fiction novel spans from World War II to the present day. It follows the stories of two women, a seamstress forced to flee Paris during the Nazi occupation, and her granddaughter trying to learn more about her many years later.

The Seine by Elaine Sciolino

Blending memoir, travelogue, and history, this book is a love letter to Paris and the river that determined its destiny. The author explores the Seine through lively characters like a bargewoman, a riverbank bookseller, a houseboat dweller, and a famous cinematographer.

Paris by Edward Rutherford

This historical fiction novel is like an engrossing textbook of the history of Paris, spanning from ancient Roman times to the post-World War II era. It follows characters from fascinating time periods in the city’s history, like the French Revolution and the Belle Epoque.

Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley

In this feel-good novel from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a prize racehorse escapes from the stables of a racetrack in Paris and embarks on a journey throughout the City of Light. Meeting other animals along the way, Perestroika the horse goes on a delightful exploration of Paris.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

Translated by Walter J. Cobb

Adapted many times over the years, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a resounding classic. Set in Paris at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, this sweeping melodrama has been translated from French and continues to resonate with readers centuries after it was originally published.

The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain

Translated by Jane Aitken and Emily Boyce

When a Parisian bookseller finds an abandoned handbag containing an intriguing little red notebook, he embarks on a quest to find the notebook’s owner.

Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne

This is a nonfiction history book about Paris. Dividing the city’s history into seven key ages, this book provides a comprehensive look at the City of Light.

Murder in the Marais by Cara Black

If you are looking for a fast-paced crime novel set in Paris, pick this up. It follows Aimée Leduc, a smart, stylish Parisian private investigator as she tries to track down a murderer.

What Are Some Of Your Favorite Books In Paris?

Have you read any of these books set in Paris? Do you have any favorite books set in Paris that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

More Great Books

Start with our list of the very best  travel adventure books . It includes great reads that will fuel your wanderlust and have you staying up late to finish them. Or check out these books set in other parts of Europe:

France |  Italy |  Spain | Greece

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Plan, Ready, Go®

Great Books About Paris: Read Before You Go

Doing a little reading (or even movie viewing) can be so inspiring before a trip. You might come up with ideas for sites to add to your itinerary, and it will generally build your excitement (Like you need to build your excitement. You are going to Paris after all!)

Here are my recommendations for books about Paris to read before you travel there.  

Key takeaways

• Reading about Paris before visiting can provide valuable cultural and historical context.
• Guidebooks like Rick Steves’ Paris help with planning and discovering great Paris places to explore.
• The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz mixes humor with practical info.
• The Only Street in Paris by Elaine Sciolino offers a deep dive into a single iconic street.

I have read each of these books and can recommend them without reservation. There are, of course, many more books available about Paris which I look forward to reading so that I can expand this list in the future. 

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.  

Books to read before your trip to Paris 

Rick steves’ paris.

The first thing you need to read before you create your Paris itinerary is a good-quality guidebook. And by that, I mean, of course, a Rick Steves Paris guidebook. If you’re planning to spend more than three days in Paris, I recommend getting the full guidebook. For a short trip or stopover in Paris, the Pocket Paris Guidebook is a good option. 

If you prefer a lower-key guidebook to provide ideas for sites, accommodations, and dining options then Rough Guides guidebooks might be more to your liking. If you want nitty-gritty details on everything for your itinerary, you definitely want to go with Rick Steves. 

• Steves, Rick (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 720 Pages – 09/20/2022 (Publication Date) – Rick Steves (Publisher)

• 248 Pages – 07/11/2023 (Publication Date) – Rick Steves (Publisher)

1 Day in Paris: Complete Itinerary  

The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

If you only read one book (outside of a guidebook) before traveling to Paris I recommend The Sweet Life in Paris . It’s a delightful read.

I found myself nodding and hmmm-ing as I read stories of Lebovitz’s experiences in Paris. At one point I even gasped aloud, laughed, and shouted out “That happened to me!” No one else was in the room at the time, but that’s not the point. 

Lebovitz doesn’t pull any punches about the things he dislikes about Paris…but don’t let that discourage you from going.

I think traveling to Paris with your eyes wide open will make you enjoy it more rather than find yourself unpleasantly surprised by any rudeness you might encounter. (Psst. He doesn’t pull any punches about Americans either.) 

The book includes some mouthwatering recipes, and he also offers his personal recommendations for Paris bakeries, chocolate shops, cheese shops, and more. *sigh* Now I really need to go back to Paris. 

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Lebovitz, David (Author)

Great Ideas for Free Things to Do on Your Trip to Paris

The Only Street in Paris by Elaine Sciolino

Elaine Sciolino’s  The Only Street in Paris is a great study of a single historic street in Paris, the Rue des Martyrs. Sciolino was the New York Times Paris bureau chief, so she can definitely write.

Though not as fun and light-hearted a read as The Sweet Life in Paris , this is a book I strongly wish that I had read before going to Paris …and it made me hunger to return to Paris far more than any of the other books on this list.  

• Sciolino, Elaine (Author)
• 320 Pages – 11/01/2016 (Publication Date) – W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)

My Life in France by Julia Child

When Julia Child arrived in Paris in 1948 with her husband Paul she didn’t know anything about the culture or language But she soon was engaging in the culture…and as a result, discovered her hidden talent for cooking. Child’s willingness to try new things and stretch herself led directly to her changing the face of cooking in America.

Child’s autobiography was used as part of the basis for the screenplay for the film Julie & Julia .   

• Great product!
• Child, Julia (Author)

Top Books About Travel and Self-Discovery

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Published posthumously,  A Moveable Feast  is the memoir of young Ernest Hemingway’s time in Paris as a writer following World War I.

It includes his personal stories and memories and features other notable Lost Generation figures like F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and Ford Maddox Ford. 

I picked up my copy at Shakespeare and Company on my trip to Paris. I love how the cover has a photo of Hemingway standing out in front of the original Shakespeare and Company shop with the store’s founder Sylvia Beach.

While you’re in Paris, do stop by this iconic bookstore. Though it’s not the original shop that Hemingway and James Joyce spent time in, it’s a great place to kick back and relax in Paris …and pick up a lovely literary souvenir.

• Hemingway, Ernest (Author)
• 256 Pages – 07/20/2010 (Publication Date) – Scribner (Publisher)

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale is the story of two French sisters with very different personalities—Vianne and Isabelle—as they struggle through World War II in France. Vianne has to care for her daughter alone after her husband goes off to fight while Isabelle joins the Resistance.  

I think I could confidently put The Nightingale on my list of the best novels I’ve ever read. Kristin Hannah is a great writer. Once I got into this book, I literally couldn’t put it down.

So definitely read this one even if you’re not heading off to Paris. 

• Hannah, Kristin (Author)
• 608 Pages – 04/25/2017 (Publication Date) – St. Martin’s Griffin (Publisher)

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Gaston Leroux’s classic tale of The Phantom of the Opera should be on your Paris trip prep list. You especially should read this if your Paris itinerary includes a tour of the Palais Garnier opera house , the setting for the book. 

Our guided tour of the Palais Garnier was hubby’s favorite thing we did on our trip to Paris. He loved it so much in fact that he went back later for a self-guided tour while I did some window shopping at Galeries Lafayette a block away. 

• Leroux, Gaston (Author)
• 222 Pages – 12/07/2010 (Publication Date) – Tribeca Books (Publisher)

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Beautifully written and translated, The Elegance of the Hedgehog tells the story of 12-year-old Paloma who has decided she’s going to kill herself on her 13th birthday.

There is also Renee, the apartment building’s concierge who hides her intellectual side from the tenants. Then they meet the building’s newest resident Ozu. 

• Barbery, Muriel (Author)

The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain

The Red Notebook is a charming book that tells the story of bookseller Laurent who comes across a woman’s handbag in the street. When the police are unable to take his report right away, Laurent decides to investigate and track down the owner of the bag himself.

It’s an enjoyable read that reminded me a bit of the movie While You Were Sleeping . 

• Laurain, Antoine (Author)
• 240 Pages – 04/07/2015 (Publication Date) – Gallic Books (Publisher)

The Best Books to Read on a Plane

What books (or movies) would you recommend that people read before traveling to Paris?

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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Paris: The Best Books to Read Before You Go

By Frommer's Staff

Before your Paris trip, select a good guidebook such as Pauline Frommer's Paris . But, if you really want to get the most out of Paris, do some extracurricular reading. Terrance Gelenter, director of Paris Through Expatriate Eyes ( www.paris-expat.com ), recommends these books as a good place to start. The books, along with reviews and interviews with some of the authors, are available online in the company's Paris Bookstore .

Sightseeing in Paris

Eiffel's Tower by Jill Jonnes

Hard to believe but the Eiffel Tower was once considered an ugly eyesore. When Gustave Eiffel's design was selected for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, artists and intellectuals signed protest letters against its construction. But, lucky for us, the grand monument was built, and the rest is history. Read all about it in Jonnes's book, along with an account of the colorful characters who descended on Paris for the World's Fair, including Buffalo Bill, Thomas Edison, Vincent Van Gogh, and Paul Gaugin.

Food Shopping and Flea Markets

Markets of Paris by Dixon & Ruthanne Long

Somehow nothing feels more Parisian than wandering through the many markets -- food, flowers, antiques, and more. This book is an informative guide with insider tips and interesting tidbits about Paris' celebrated open-air and covered food markets, the booksellers along the Seine, and the centuries-old flea markets. Among others, this book guides you through the Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux (flowers & birds), Marché aux Timbres (stamps), and the famous flea markets: Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt and Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves .

Paris: Made by Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk

You didn't come to Paris to shop in international chain stores. Discover more than 50 places that specialize in fait main (made by hand) items. How about glass jewelry, hand-woven scarves, vintage housewares, or hand-knit baby clothes? Find exceptional treasures in the shops and studios where interior decorators and stylists search out unique goods.

The Best Paris Restaurants

Hungry for Paris: The Ultimate Guide to the City's 102 Best Restaurants by Alec Lobrano

If you don't have a friend in Paris to tell you all the great places to eat, Alec Lobrano's book will do the trick. The former European correspondent for Gourmet magazine has lived in Paris for over 20 years and reviews restaurants based on this criteria: the warmth of the welcome, the taste of the food, the quality of the service and the atmosphere. He includes a range of places from haute cuisine (upscale gourmet) to bistro du coin (corner bistro) for all occasions from casual to festive and for every budget.

You might even want to attend one of Lobrano's dinners while in Paris: The Paris Supper Club

Literary Paris

Writers In Paris: Literary Lives in the City of Light by David Burke

Just think of all the literature Paris has inspired. From the 15th century to today, Paris has been the muse for poets, novelists and playwrights -- from Molière and Genet to ex-pats such as Beckett, Hemingway, and Henry Miller. This book provides a "novel" way to tour Paris. With maps, descriptions, and photographs, explore Paris neighborhoods -- the Latin Quarter, the Marais, Montmartre, Montparnasse -- by following in the footsteps of some of the world's best writers.

Other Good Reads: A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway; Paris Was Yesterday by Janet Flanner; My Life in France by Julia Child; I'll Always Have Paris by Art Buchwald.

More Literary Activities in Paris

English-Language Bookstores in Paris: Shakespeare and Company ( www.shakespeareandcompany.com ); Village Voice Bookshop ( www.villagevoicebookshop.com )

Take a Literary Tour: Paris When It Sizzled (tel. 06-70-98-13-68 ; www.paris-expat.com ; Duration: 2-plus hrs; Cost: €175 per person)

Get an idea of what Paris was like during the 1920s, les années folles (the crazy years), when Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Henry Miller, Janet Flanner, William Carlos Williams, James Joyce, and other literary luminaries were living on the Left Bank.

Attend a Literary Festival : The Shakespeare & Company Literary Festival ( www.festivalandco.com ) June 18-20, 2010; 11am-7pm

Put on by Paris' famous English-language bookstore, Shakespeare and Company (37 rue de la Bûcherie; tel. 01-43-25-40-93; www.shakespeareandcompany.com ). Storytelling and Politics is the theme of this year's festival held in Réné Viviani square, right next to the store. Readings, panel discussions, and book signings in English and French.

The Paris in New York Literary Festival ( www.paris-expat.com ) Oct. 16-17, 2010

Can't make it to Paris? Spend a weekend in New York discussing great literature about Paris with well-known authors.

Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our France Forum.

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12 Books You Should Read Before Traveling To France

• August 16, 2024
• Lauren Stuttaford

Bonjour! Are you traveling to France soon? Then get ready for a journey through rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes!

Before you get to finally immerse yourself in the French experience, you can start by reading some books. . . Luckily we’ve scoured the internet to find some that actually capture the essence of the country. Whether you’re exploring the cutesy streets of Paris, the quaint villages of Provence, or the historic battlefields of Normandy, here are 12 books you should read before traveling to France.

Let’s read!

How Reading Enhances The Travel Experience

Take it from us, reading before your trip to France will deepen your connection to the places you visit. With your new insights into historical context and cultural nuances, you’ll appreciate landmarks like the Louvre or Versailles on a much deeper level.

Take for instance, how novels set in France bring the streets of Paris or the countryside of Provence to life, making your visit feel like you’re stepping into the pages of a story. Did someone say déjà vu?

Tips For Connecting Books To Your Trip

Here are a few quick tips to help you make the link between the France you visit to the one you experience between pages:

• Visit Locations Mentioned in the Books : If a book highlights a specific city or landmark, make it a point to visit and see it through the author’s eyes.
• Reflect on Themes : Think about how the themes from these books relate to modern France—whether it’s social issues, historical events, or cultural practices.
• Engage with Locals : Use your knowledge from these books to strike up conversations with locals. Discussing a French novel or historical event can be a great icebreaker.
• Keep a Travel Journal : As you explore France, jot down your thoughts on how your experiences align with what you’ve read. This can enrich your understanding and create lasting memories.

12 Books To Read Before Traveling To France

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at the 12 books you have to read before traveling to France!

France’s rich history spans centuries of revolution, monarchy, and cultural development. These books will provide you with the foundation for understanding the historical events and figures that have shaped modern France.

“A Brief History Of France” by Cecil Jenkins

This book provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of French history, from ancient Gaul to the modern Republic. Jenkins covers significant events like the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, and the World Wars, making it an essential read if you’re interested in understanding the historical context behind France’s iconic landmarks and cultural evolution.

“The Discovery of France” by Graham Robb

Robb’s book is a captivating journey through the diverse regions of France, revealing the lesser-known aspects of the country’s history and geography. The author explores how France’s varied landscapes and regional differences have shaped its national identity, offering you a deeper appreciation of the areas you’ll visit, beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Culture & Traditions

French culture is known for its elegance, art, and deeply ingrained social customs. These books offer you a glimpse into the values, traditions, and everyday practices that define life in France.

“The Bonjour Effect” by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau

This insightful book looks at the complexities of French communication and social customs. By understanding the subtle ways in which the French use language and etiquette, you’ll easily navigate social situations with greater ease and build more meaningful connections with locals. The authors also offer practical tips on everything from greeting strangers to engaging in dinner conversations.

“Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong”  by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau

If authors appear more than once in our list, you know it’s worth reading. This book covers the French approach to everything from politics and education to food and relationships, providing a thorough understanding of cultural norms and values that define French society. You’ll gain valuable insights that’ll help you interact more effectively with the French and appreciate the country’s unique way of life.

Traveling through France is a diverse experience, from vibrant cities to tranquil countryside. These guidebooks will help you navigate the country’s regions, offering practical tips and local insights.

“Lonely Planet France” by Lonely Planet

A must-have for any traveler, this guidebook offers detailed information on every region of France. It includes practical travel tips, recommendations for places to stay and eat, and insider advice on must-see attractions. Whether you’re planning to explore the bustling streets of Paris or the serene countryside of Provence, this guidebook will help you make the most of your trip.

“Rick Steves France” by Rick Steves

Rick Steves’ guidebook is perfect for travelers who want an authentic French experience. Known for his conversational style, Steves provides detailed itineraries, cultural insights, and advice on how to experience France like a local. His tips on avoiding tourist traps and discovering hidden gems make this guide invaluable if you’re looking to explore France beyond the usual tourist spots.

French literature is a window into the country’s soul, reflecting its struggles, triumphs, and daily life. These novels will transport you to France, making your travel experience more immersive and emotionally rich.

“Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, this classic epic explores themes of justice, love, and redemption. As you walk through the streets of Paris or visit the sites associated with the French Revolution, Hugo’s vivid descriptions and complex characters will resonate, offering a profound understanding of the social issues that have shaped French history.

“A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle

This charming memoir recounts the author’s experiences of moving to Provence and adjusting to the local lifestyle. Through humorous and heartwarming anecdotes, Mayle paints a picture of the idyllic French countryside, capturing the essence of Provence’s culture, cuisine, and quirky characters. Reading this book will enhance your appreciation of the region’s slow-paced, joyful way of life.

Children’s Books

Introduce young readers to France’s magic and charm through stories that capture the imagination. These books are perfect for sparking a love for French culture in children.

“Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans

A beloved classic, “Madeline” tells the story of a spirited little girl living in a Parisian boarding school. With its charming illustrations and rhythmic prose, the book offers young readers a delightful introduction to the city of Paris. As you explore the city’s landmarks, you might recognize the scenes depicted in this timeless tale.

“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“The Little Prince” is a philosophical and poetic tale that has captivated readers of all ages. The story, which takes readers on a journey through whimsical planets, touches on themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The French landscape and Saint-Exupéry’s own experiences as a pilot inspire the book’s vivid imagery, making it a beautiful companion for your travels.

Language & Etiquette

Understanding French language and social etiquette is key to making a positive impression. These books will help you communicate effectively and navigate social situations with confidence.

“French Phrasebook & Dictionary” by Lonely Planet

This compact guide is an essential tool for travelers looking to communicate in French. It includes key phrases for various situations, from ordering food to asking for directions, along with a handy dictionary. Whether you’re a beginner or have some knowledge of French, this phrasebook will help you navigate conversations with confidence and ease.

“The French Way: Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the French” by Ross Steele

This insightful book explores the intricacies of French behavior, attitudes, and customs, providing a thorough understanding of how to navigate social interactions in France. Steele offers practical advice on everything from dining etiquette to social norms, making it an invaluable resource for travelers looking to integrate smoothly into French society. By learning these cultural nuances, you’ll be able to engage more meaningfully with locals and avoid common misunderstandings.

Now you’ll be heading to France armed with everything you need to blend in seamlessly with the locals.

Bon voyage!

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• Where To Stay In Paris: All The MICHELIN Key Hotels In The City

All the best hotels in Paris, as vetted by our MICHELIN Guide Inspectors.

Hotels Travel New Additions Paris hotels

Paris by The MICHELIN Guide

See the Paris guide

Below, we've rounded up the best hotels in Paris, as ranked by our expert Inspectors, to help you plan a stay to remember in the French capital.

Last April, we introduced the MICHELIN Key rating system, highlighting the top hotels in France with one, two, or three Michelin Key distinctions. As part of the 2024 MICHELIN Guide, there are now 24 Three-Key hotels, 38 Two-Key hotels, and 127 One-Key hotels, many located in the vibrant heart of Paris.

For travelers seeking the best places to stay in Paris, we’ve opened up our Iinspectors' little black book to reveal the city’s most exceptional hotels.

Three-Key Hotels

Destinations in themselves, the Three-Key hotels are so exceptional that they are standalone reasons to hop over to Paris. Spend a night at the sumptuous Saint James , credited with being Paris’ only chateau-hotel, and spend the evening perched on a high stool in the library bar, an Old-Fashioned in hand, surrounded by years of history. Speaking of history, you can’t do better than the Ritz , with its regal rooms and huge bouncy, beds where staff will have your initials embroidered on every pillow, even just for a night. A hotel of high points is also the Cheval Blanc , which has enough to tempt you to never set foot outside, from its dazzling pool to the rooftop restaurants with some of the best rooftop views of Paris you can find in town.

Le Cheval Blanc Paris

Le Ritz Paris 

Maison Villeroy 

La Réserve Paris

Le Four Seasons George V

Plaza Athénée

Le Saint James 

Two-Key Hotels

The next picks don’t disappoint either, from the intimate J.K. Palace , which feels like staying at an art collector friend’s pad scattered with art works, to the Bulgari with its welcoming Italian-style service and the Shangri-La , whose rooms have some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, if not the best.

Le Nolinski

Lutetia 

J.K. Place Paris

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel 

Bulgari Hôtel Paris 

Le Royal Monceau

The Peninsula Paris

Le Shangri-La Paris

One-Key Hotels

Paris might be packed with grandes dames full of history and soul, but it also has more contemporary locales like Le Ballu , tucked in a Pigalle backstreet with a leafy courtyard, to Le Grand Mazarin , decked out in bright colors that bring all the joie de vivre of today’s Paris, which has one of the city’s most lively restaurants to match.

Paris 1st 

Château Voltaire

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal

Hôtel Madame Rêve

Le Burgundy

Maison Proust, Hotel & Spa La Mer

Le Pavillon de la Reine

Le Grand Mazarin

Relais Christine

Château des Fleurs - Hôtel & Spa

Grand Powers

Hôtel des Grands Boulevards

Maison Delano Paris

Marquis Faubourg St-Honoré

Monsieur George

Norman Hôtel & Spa

Soho House Paris

Hôtel Le Ballu

Hotel Pulitzer

La Fantaisie

Brach 

Related articles: 

• Our Paris city guide. 
• All the MICHELIN GUIDE hotels with Keys.
• All the MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in Paris. 

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Flights from Portland (PDX) to Paris (ORY)

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Departure airport Portland (PDX)

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Best season June - August

Time of flight 12 h 40 min

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Flights from Portland to Paris

Are you ready to travel the world again? What better than a trip from Portland to Paris this year. French bee now offers a new direct flight from Portland to the City of Lights at competitive prices. What flights can you take from Portland to Paris? And what makes Paris an unforgettable destination? Keep reading to find out.

 There has never been a better time to fly from Portland to Paris. Starting this year, you will be able to book cheap flights on French bee from Portland and Paris Orly. This is the only route available between the two cities. Flights from Portland to Paris will start at incredibly low prices and are more affordable than alternative airlines. Our goal is to take you further for less without compromising on comfort and quality.

The weather in Paris Orly

11.6 ℃

September 27 2024

8.4 ℃

September 28 2024

partlycloudy

4.9 ℃

September 29 2024

14.6 ℃

September 30 2024

12.8 ℃

October 1 2024

9.1 ℃

October 2 2024

5.1 ℃

October 3 2024

5.9 ℃

October 4 2024

10.8 ℃

October 5 2024

What to do in Paris ?

Freedom to travel at last, and where better to enjoy your vacation time than in the beautiful French city of Paris! One of the best (and cheapest) ways to see Paris is a walking tour, and you can either take a guided tour or plan your own route. Some unmissable stops for your tour are the Opera House, The Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, and the Latin Quarter. The Tuileries Gardens are stunning, stretching along Rue de Rivoli to Place de la Concorde, perfect for enjoying relaxing summer walks.

If you love art, then the Louvre is a must to see. Covering a total area of 652 300 square, it would take more than a week to see every piece of Paris’ most famous museum. After a busy day of discovering the masterpieces and the exquisite sites of Paris, treat yourself with a world-famous pastry in Michelin pastry-shops or boulangeries. Try a traditional macaron at Pierre Hermé’s or a traditional French onion soup at La Jacobine.

TRAVEL GUIDE PARIS

• Organize your trip How long is a New York – Paris flight? Cost of a Trip to Paris Best Things to Do in Paris Is Paris Safe to Visit? Time difference with Paris Best Times to Visit Paris Where to stay in Paris? Famous Foods in Paris
• On site Essentials Bistros In Paris Best Hotels In Paris Best Restaurants In Paris Using the Metro in Paris Best Luxury Hotels in Paris Top-Rated Day Trips from Paris Best Bakeries In Paris Where to go out at night in Paris ?
• Before leaving Taxi in Paris Guide To Paris Airport Transfers Guide To Paris Airport Transfers Best Museums in Paris

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• What is the least touristy period to visit Paris? The least touristy period to visit Paris is typically from November to April. During these months, you’ll find fewer tourists and shorter lines at attractions. This period also offers the charm of Paris in the fall and winter, including the festive holiday season.
• What is the most popular time to travel to Paris? The most popular time to visit Paris is during the spring and fall. These seasons boast pleasant weather, beautiful blooms in spring, and the colorful foliage of fall, making the city exceptionally picturesque.
• When should I book my flight from Portland to Paris? For the best rates, it’s advisable to book your flight at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Keep an eye on airfare deals and consider flexible travel dates to secure the best price for your journey.
• Are there alternative means of transportation to get to Paris? While flying is the most efficient way to travel from Portland to Paris, alternative means include ocean liners or cruises that cross the Atlantic. However, these options are significantly more time-consuming and are more about the travel experience itself than a quick journey.
• How can I reach the Portland airport from the city center? To reach Portland International Airport (PDX) from the city center, you can use the MAX light rail, which offers a direct and budget-friendly option. Additionally, taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles are available for a more direct route.
• What are the arrival and destination airports for a journey between Portland and Paris? Flights from Portland typically depart from Portland International Airport (PDX) and arrive at Paris Orly Airport (ORY). Orly is one of the major airports serving Paris, offering convenient access to the city and its surroundings.
• Are there significant weather differences between Paris and Portland? Yes, Paris and Portland experience different weather patterns. Paris has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Portland, on the other hand, has a more varied climate, with potentially hotter summers and cooler, wet winters. Always check the forecast ahead of your trip.
• What to do in Paris? Paris is brimming with activities: explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral; stroll through charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais; enjoy the culinary delights in cafes and bistros and don’t miss a cruise on the River Seine.
• What are the main tourist attractions in Paris? Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles just outside the city. Each offers a unique glimpse into French culture, history, and architecture.
• What is the duration of a flight from Portland to Paris? The flight duration from Portland to Paris typically ranges between 10 to 13 hours, depending on the flight path and any layovers. Direct flights are the quickest way to reach Paris, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready to explore the City of Light.

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