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Few cities have inspired writers quite like Paris. From the winding streets of Montmartre and the quiet banks of the Seine to the gothic masterpiece that is Notre-Dame, the French capital has long served as a muse for unforgettable stories.
Its neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden corners have become characters of their own, appearing in novels that delve into everything from romance and adventure to history and everyday life.
This list includes 50 books set in Paris, spanning a wide range of time periods, from centuries-old classics and historical fiction to contemporary stories set in the Paris of today. Whether you’re fascinated by revolutionary France, the glamour of 1920s Paris, or the realities of modern Parisian life, there’s a book here to transport you to the city.
These novels and non-fiction reads are perfect if you’re looking for books to read before going to Paris or just hoping to experience the city from home. Pour yourself a café, settle into your favorite reading spot, and start exploring the City of Light one page at a time. Bonne lecture !
Classic Books Set in Paris
There’s a reason so many classic novels are set in Paris. The city has one of the richest literary histories in the world and has inspired generations of writers, artists, and thinkers.
Some of these books were written by authors who actually lived in Paris, while others chose the city as the perfect backdrop for their stories. Either way, each one captures the vitality, beauty, and complexity of the French capital.
If these books leave you wanting more, be sure to check out my list of 10 must-read French classics for even more essential reads.
- A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Cousin Bette by Honoré de Balzac
- The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
- Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant
- Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac
- The Ladies’ Paradise by Émile Zola
- Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
- Sentimental Education by Gustave Flaubert
- Down And Out In Paris And London by George Orwell
Historical Fiction Set in Paris
If you love getting lost in another time, historical fiction is hard to beat.
Paris has lived through revolutions, wars, occupations, and incredible cultural change, so authors have had plenty of inspiration. In fact, there were so many great books to choose from that I had a hard time narrowing down this list!
The novels I selected below bring different periods of the city’s history to life. While they are works of fiction, you’ll almost certainly come away with a deeper understanding of Paris’s fascinating past.
- The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
- Paris by Edward Rutherfurd
- The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
- The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
- The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
- A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
- Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
- The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
- The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron
- The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton
- The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen
- The Queen of Paris: A Novel of Coco Chanel by Pamela Binnings Ewen
Romance Books Set in Paris
It’s impossible to talk about Paris without mentioning romance. Sure, its reputation as the City of Love is a bit cliché, but there’s a reason it earned it. Every time I’m in Paris, whether I’m getting lost in a museum or spending an afternoon at a café, even the most ordinary moments feel a little more romantic. From lighthearted love stories to emotional relationships, these books express that same feeling. And if you’re looking for even more tales of amour, don’t miss my roundup of the best French romance movies.
- One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan
- Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
- The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin
- Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
- Thirty Days in Paris by Veronica Henry
- Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara
- Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay
- The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan
Contemporary Fiction Set in Paris
Not every story set in Paris takes place in the past. These contemporary novels explore what it’s like to experience the city today, whether that’s moving abroad, starting over after a major life change, building a new career, or simply trying to find where you belong.
You’ll find familiar neighborhoods and get a glimpse into modern Parisian life. These lit picks feel especially relatable if you’ve visited the city yourself (or hope to one day).
- The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
- The Strays of Paris by Jane Smiley
- The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
- The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
- Standing Heavy by Gauz’
- The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
- In the Café of Lost Youth by Patrick Modiano
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Non-Fiction Books Set in Paris
Sometimes the best stories about Paris are the ones that actually happened. These memoirs, biographies, travel books, and essays offer a different perspective on the city through the people who have lived there, worked there, or just fallen in love with it.
If you’ve ever wondered what everyday life in Paris is really like beyond the curated Instagram reels and travel guides, these books are a great place to start.
For another authentic peek into French living, be sure to check out my article on a day in the life of an American in France.
- Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
- Paris: The Secret History by Andrew Hussey
- The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz
- I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself by Glynnis MacNicol
- Time Was Soft There by Jeremy Mercer
- The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino
- Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne
- We’ll Always Have Paris by Jennifer Coburn
- The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch
- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Discover More on Books
- 7 English Bookstores in Paris Every Bookworm Should Visit
- 10 Best French Books for Beginners in 2026
- 10 French Lifestyle Books to Help You Live Like a True Parisian
Have you read any of these books set in Paris? Which ones are on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.
