Ah, Paris! The 'City of Light' has captured imaginations for centuries, drawing visitors from around the world to its cobblestone streets, romantic cafés, and iconic landmarks.
If you’re planning a Parisian adventure, why not soak up some literary inspiration before you go?
Here’s a list of the best books about Paris, both fiction and non-fiction, that’ll make your Parisian dreams come alive — and guess what? Once you’re ready to make those dreams a reality, Trainline has got you covered.
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Best non-fiction books about Paris
📚 A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway 📚
Travel back in time to 1920s Paris when Hemingway and other expatriate writers roamed its streets. This memoir captures the essence of Paris in a bygone era but still captures the city’s timeless allure. Hop on a train to revisit Hemingway’s old haunts like Café de Flore.
📚 Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands 📚
This anthology of 32 essays provides various perspectives on what makes Paris so captivating. Each story offers a unique lens through which to view and understand this multifaceted city. Ideal for reading on a swift Eurostar ride from London to Paris.
Best fiction books about Paris
📚 The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo 📚
If you fancy a taste of gothic Paris, dive into this classic novel. Beyond the tragic tale, you’ll discover the city’s medieval architecture and the history of the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral.
📚 Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan 📚
A mesmerizing mystery set in a Parisian bookstore? Oui, s'il vous plaît! This novel blends family drama and a love for the city in a story that's as enchanting as a Seine River cruise at sunset.
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Best books set in Paris
📚 The Paris Wife by Paula McLain 📚
This fictionalized account of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage gives you yet another lens to view Paris — this time, through the eyes of his wife, Hadley. It’s a romantic and sometimes heartbreaking ride, much like the twists and turns of a Parisian love affair.
📚🦔 The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery 🦔📚
This book provides a peek into the lives of the residents of an upscale Parisian apartment building, offering insights into Parisian society and the city’s less obvious charms.
How to prepare for your trip to Paris
📚 Lonely Planet’s “Paris” 📚
This travel guide is a practical choice for first timers, covering everything from hidden gems to iconic landmarks. You’ll feel like a pro navigating the city and its public transport, perhaps even indulging in a spontaneous day trip via Trainline.
📚 The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz 📚
If your love for Paris is matched only by your love for French pastries, this book is the sweet treat your travel prep needs. Penned by David Lebovitz, a chef-turned-Parisian originally from the States, this delightful guide takes you through the alleys of Paris’s pastry paradise. Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best croissant or pondering over macaron flavors at Pierre Hermé, Lebovitz has you covered.
📚 The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino 📚
If you’re the type of traveler who seeks to go beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, this book offers a captivating journey down one of Paris’s most charming streets — Rue des Martyrs. Elaine Sciolino, former Paris Bureau Chief of The New York Times, serves as our enchanting guide through this hidden gem street brimming with history and character. From the Tunisian greengrocer and the age-old cheesemongers to the owner of a century-old bookstore, Sciolino vividly paints a portrait of a street that resists the homogenizing effects of globalization.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Giacomo Augugliaro
Best romance books about Paris
💋Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 💋
If you’re looking for a light-hearted romantic tale set in the City of Love, this young adult novel might just tickle your fancy.
🎥 Before Sunset by Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan 🎥
Though technically a screenplay, this dialogue-driven story captures the whirlwind romance between two former lovers who encounter each other in Paris many years after having met on a train and spent a night together in Vienna. And speaking of trains, did we mention how easy Trainline makes it to plan your train journeys?
And voilà! Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or someone who simply wants to explore Paris from a different angle, these books offer a rich literary journey to complement your real-life adventure.
Remember, Trainline is here to make your travel as seamless as possible, with quick and easy bookings for your train ride to Paris. So, start reading and start planning. À bientôt à Paris!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, moodboard – Mike Watson Images