The Best Books to Read Before You Visit Paris
/
In preparation for my inaugural Gals Abroad Getaways group trip to Paris & the Loire Valley, I’ve been brushing up on my French (taking lessons with the Alliance Française de Chicago) & reading A LOT. Everything from historical classics, fictional stories, unique guidebooks and books that make my mouth water because the description of French food is so vivid lol.
Some of these books I’ve read years ago & others are more current discoveries. Either way, if you’re preparing for a trip to the city of lights, snag one, two or ALL of these books to get you in the spirit!
These are in no particular order, and I adore each of these reads, I do have to say that my favorites are the four that are pictured at the top of this post.
Just for fun reads:
The Perfume Collector
One of my favorite books I’ve read this year!
Newlywed Grace Monroe receives an unexpected, life-changing inheritance from a complete stranger, Madame Eva d’Orsey, and is determined to discover the identity of her mysterious benefactor. The book takes the reader on a journey through the decades, from 1920s New York to Monte Carlo, Paris, and London, as Grace uncovers the story of an extraordinary woman who inspired one of Paris’s greatest perfumers. Eva d’Orsey’s history will transform Grace’s life forever, forcing her to choose between the woman she is expected to be and the person she really is.
Paris Letters
If you enjoyed Eat Pray Love or Under the Tuscan Sun I think you’ll love this funny, romantic, and inspiring travel memoir. It’s a story about a woman who quits her job moves to Paris, and finds love—and herself. The book also features beautifully illustrated sketches of Paris by the author. Paris Letters is for those who dream of life richer and more fulfilling than the one they are living today.
The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs
The author, Elaine Sciolino, is the former Paris Bureau Chief of the New York Times and gives readers a tour of her favorite street in the 9th arrondissement. Sciolino paints a picture of a charming and idiosyncratic street that has managed to keep its charms safe from the developer’s wrecking ball.
HISTORICAL reads:
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
This classic memoir of Paris in the 1920s is a must-read. Hemingway’s history is truly intertwined with Paris from being the one to personally “liberate” the Ritz Paris during WWII to rubbing shoulders with the likes of Pablo Picasso and Gertrude Stein.
The book was published posthumously in 1964 and is a memoir about his years as a struggling expat journalist and writer in Paris during the 1920s.
All the Light We Cannot See
One of the most moving historical novels I’ve read. This New York Times bestseller follows the story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.
The Nightingale
I read this book a few years ago and I remember not wanting it to end. Bestselling author Kristin Hannah illuminates an intimate part of WWII history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France.
Les Miserables
Victor Hugo’s novel is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century, a love story that has been adapted to stage, television, and film.
Its a story of injustice, heroism and love that follows Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him.
Victor Hugo was a poet, novelist, dramatist and by far one of the country’s greatest writers of the 19th century.
FOOD FOCUSED READS:
Mastering the Art of French Eating
BEWARE - this book will make you hungry lol.
The memoir of a young diplomat’s wife who must reinvent her dream of living in Paris when her husband is called away to Iraq on a year-long post. Journeying through Paris and the surrounding regions of France, Ann combats her loneliness by seeking out the perfect pain au chocolat and learning the way andouillette sausage is really made. She explores the history and taste of everything from boeuf Bourguignon to soupe au pistou to the crispiest of buckwheat crepes.
This is such a unique way to learn about some of France’s most iconic dishes!
PRACTICAL GUIDES:
Don’t Be a Tourist in Paris
Hands down my favorite Paris guidebook.
It’s well/uniquely organized, has incredible photos, and quite literally has a recommendation on what to do in Paris for ANY scenario.
Think of this book as your no BS travel companion, your new Parisian BFF, and the guide that won’t lead you astray (even Parisians are buying it)
The New Paris
This book shines a spotlight on the new trends making France’s capital a more whimsical, creative, vibrant, and curious place to explore.
Journalist Lindsey Tramuta sheds light on the city’s evolving worlds of food, wine, pastry, coffee, beer, fashion, and design.
The book is filled with hundreds of photos plus a curated directory of Tramuta’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Sundays in Paris
Born from a love of laidback Sundays, Sundays in Paris is the culmination of the popular blog by the same name. This comprehensive city guide features the best places to eat, drink and explore in the City of Light.
IF YOU NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO PARIS OR ANY DESTINATION FOR THAT MATTER - DON’T HESITATE TO REACH OUT TO LINDA’S AGENCY SCORBY TRAVEL AND CRUISE FOR CUSTOM TRAVEL PLANNING.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED ON SOCIAL! HAVE QUESTIONS?! SHOOT ME A MESSAGE!
