Paris brims with wonderful things to see, eat, and do, and spring is without a doubt one of the best times of the year to make the most of it all. With the current coronavirus pandemic and the resulting travel freeze, the City of Lights will have to be enjoyed from afar, but these great books are one more way to keep your Paris cravings at bay. It’s not easy to choose just three books about this fantastic city, but here are the ones that are getting me excited about traveling again.
L’Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making My Paris Home by David Lebovitz
Whether it’s to put you in the mood for a future trip or simply to learn more about the City of Light, reading a book about Paris is always a good idea. Best-selling author and celebrated chef David Lebovitz’s “L’Appart” is sure to do the trick. Part-memoir, part-cookbook, it details the American chef’s adventures in renovating his Parisian flat, peppered with amusing stories about food and French culture. And cocktail fans shouldn’t miss Lebovitz’s newest release, “Drinking French.”
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
New York Times best-selling author Pam Jenoff’s highly anticipated novel “The Lost Girls of Paris” is the story of a group of female spies who are sent to work in France during World War II. Inspired by true events, this fast-paced work of fiction is a testament to the courage and strength of women.
Dress Like a Parisian by Alois Guinut
Personal stylist Alois Guinut’s “Dress Like a Parisian” reveals simple style secrets, beloved brands, and even lists of timeless essentials that can be found in the wardrobe of every French it girl. Find the right colors, shapes, and styles to inject your wardrobe for a little je ne sais quoi.
Related Links
- See our other books on Paris to read this spring.
- Read about the petits commerçants who are making life in Paris a little easier during the lockdown.
- Follow David Lebovitz’s around his perfect day in Paris.
Written by Kelli Nastasi for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
WRITTEN BY
Kelli Nastasi
Bio Kelli Nastasi is a freelance content creator. Originally from the US, she spent nearly a decade in Paris before recently relocating to the sunny South of France, where she writes, tends to her plants, and is constantly on the hunt for the best coffee in town.
I would like to understand why all the books about Paris suggested in guide books and article are never books by French authors… However it seems to me that the best way to know more about a culture and a country is to read novels written by authors from this country… !
I enjoyed L’Appart and also Elaine Sciolino’s The Seine. The best book I’ve read on Paris lately is Oliver Gee’s Paris on Air. Excellent read!
Elaine Sciolino’s The Only Street in Paris is also fantastic.
When L’Appart came out, I was thrilled. I had really, really enjoyed Leibovitz’s previous book, The Sweet Life in Paris. Unfortunately, L’Appart let me down.
Perhaps this was because I had just gone through a very difficult period with my French next-door neighbour (I live in North America, BTW) over some work we had had done in our backyard. No need to go into details, but L’Appart was a sad reminder of how nasty the French can be. Between my neighbour and L’Appart, I became really sour and jaded regarding anything French, despite the fact that I have always loved the country and the language, which I speak fluently (I work in French).
It has been a few years now, and I’m more or less over the trauma (and it was really traumatic for a friendly, “let’s all just get along” kind of person like myself), but I would highly recommend reading The Sweet Life rather than L’Appart if you want to avoid indigestion.
I would definitely recommend Elaine Sciolino’s The Seine — all about the river’s importance to the art, history, and culture of Paris. Good read!