The Best Books Set in France

Here's a list of over 70 of my favorite novels set in Paris and throughout France

I am a lover of all things France and Italy, and I especially love Paris, so naturally, I’m drawn to novels set in these locations. I find listening to a great novel to be a form of meditation and escapism, and it’s something I recommend to all my clients. The act of listening to a good story helps quiet the other noise in your mind, which is a form of active meditation. It’s also great for your focus and mental sharpness.

These are all books I’ve listened to on Audible, and I’ve also enjoyed the narration—this is huge for me! A narrator can make or break a book on Audible.

I’m also a huge fan of Historical Fiction, and in the past two years, I’ve binge-listened to well over 100 titles. My favorites are set during World War II. These stories are a constant reminder of how the human spirit can survive even the most horrific and unthinkable conditions in the darkest circumstances. These incredible stories help us never forget.

Lastly, I love books set in the early 20th century, especially stories about strong women doing extraordinary things. You’ll find some of those on this list as well.

I also tend to binge-read an author after finding a book I love. This doesn’t always mean I love all their books, but it often leads to several of their titles landing on my favorites list.

Here’s my book recommendations:

• My complete list of favorite books set in France

• My favorite novels set in Italy

• My top 100 novels

• My favorite Historical Fiction

• My favorite Thrillers & Mysteries

• My favorite Self-help and Personal Development

• My favorite cookbooks

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#1. A Moveable Feast -Ernest Hemmingway

This is my favorite Ernest Hemingway book—it’s everything! It makes you want to jump on a plane to Paris, write in cafés, hang out at bookstores, and drink with fabulous people! Several of his other books also make my favorites list including Across the River and Through the Trees, a story set in Venice.

#2. The Paris Wife -Paula McLain

I loved this book about the Hemingways' time living in Paris. It’s beautiful and compelling—less about the war and more about Paris and what it was like to be married to Ernest Hemingway, one of my favorite American authors. I love Paula McLain’s other book Circling the Sun, the most beautiful story I’ve read about Africa in the early 20th centrey.

#3. All the Things We Cannot See -Anthony Doerr

Compelling, intense, gripping story of a little blind girl in Paris during the war.

#4. The Paris Archetict -Charles Belfoure

I was rivited by this story of heroism during the war.

#5. The Book of Lost Names -Kristen Harmel

Another gripping story of a strong woman doing incredible things during the war in Paris. I love several of her other books including: The Paris Daughter, The Room on Rue Amelie, The Winemakers Daughter

#6. Lana’s War -Anita Abriel

This one is set in the South of France, which I loved. It transports you to the Rivera.

#7 The Paris Apartment -A Novel

This one is a suspense novel set in more present day Paris, but it keeps your attention! Lisa Foley is one of my favorite suspense or murder mystery writers, be sure to check out her other books, several are on my list of suspense novels.

#8. The Nightingale

This is a compelling story where women are the heroes, doing unthinkably brave acts during the war in Paris.

#9. The Paris Hours -Alex George

Such a great novel! Sexy and captivating set in between the wars in the 20’s and 30’s.

#10. Eight Hundred Grapes -Laura Dave

One that will make you fall in love with the French countryside.

Bonus. A Good Year -Peter Mayle

If you want to imagine what it would be like to live in France, I love Peter Mayle’s books. He helped me fall in love with France and especially the South of France long before I ever went. This is what I love about books, they are part of how I manifest the life I want! Some of my other favorites of his: A Year in Provence, My 25 Years in Provence

Here’s my full list of over 70 favorite novels set in France.

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What are some of your favorite historical fiction novels? Leave them in the comments so we can all add them to our list.

About the Author: Sarah Centrella is a multi #1 best-selling author, single mom of three, food and photography lover and avid traveler. Follow my Buona Vita Blog on Instagram.

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