Books Set in Paris
Ahh, Paris. The City of Lights, romance, food, and so much more. This list of 20 brilliant books set in Paris are some of our favorites and we hope you love them as much as we do.
So until your next visit across the pond, enjoy these as a prelude. And if you are looking for more, you can check out our list of books set in France as well.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Contemporary Fiction Books Set in Paris
The Parisian Heist
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Emma is a scrappy young artist making her way in Paris, working as a maid to help pay for art school. She lives with two other female artists, each talented in their own right and each working to support their artistic pursuits. When Emma’s client, Stella Swanson, the recent widow of a famed art dealer, asks her for help in taking control of the art empire she helped to build, Emma is torn between helping Stella and falling for her charming step-grandson, whose father is working to cut Stella out of her inheritance.
Stella will do whatever it takes to unveil some of her deceased husband’s family secrets, and she’s trying to bring Emma and her friends along on her not-so-legal path to taking them down. While Emma is working out what to do in the present day, her story is cut between that of Jo van Gogh as she works to fulfill her late husband, Theo’s, dream of making his brother Vincent a famed artist.
Jo was a real-life unsung hero in the creation of Vincent as a god-like figure in the world of art, and her struggles, narrated by her fictitious nanny/assistant, intertwine with Emma’s present-day story in the most rewarding way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This propulsive novel had me flipping through the pages. I adore biographical fiction and art heist novels, and this was the perfect combination of both, with a major dose of feminism thrown in. I was enthralled by Jo’s tenacity as she became the driving force behind making Vincent van Gogh a household name, but even more, I was ensnared by the modern plotline of Emma and Stella reclaiming their power.
If you are looking for an escapist read that will also inspire you to fight the patriarchy, this should be an immediate purchase! You learn a lot, you’ll have fun while reading, and you’ll come away with renewed energy as you realize the power of women working together.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in Museums
The Last Dress from Paris by Jade Beer
This dual-timeline story was such a fun read. At her grandmother’s request, Lucille has been sent to Paris to retrieve a Dior dress. But what should have been an easy task becomes a scavenger hunt when the dress in question is missing.
Lucille begins tracking down the dress and uncovering the history of Alice Ainsley, wife of the British Ambassador to France in the early 50s. Lucille’s hunt for the dress soon turns into her seeking Alice’s connection to her beloved grandmother.
I loved the way the timelines unfolded and the secrets were unveiled. It was lovely to understand womanhood in the 1950s from the lens of Lucille, who uses the lessons of the past to resurrect her own floundering life. This historical fiction is perfect for our beach reads 2023 post.
The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen
Oh, how I loved this book.
Part historical fiction, part mystery, and part love story, this book was so well written and the story was delivered perfectly. This is one of the picks from the list of books set in Paris that is dual-timeline.
In 2017, Aurelia inherits an apartment in Paris when her grandmother dies. She is not prepared for what she finds inside the apartment that she never knew existed. Now she must get the help of an art restorer to discover the history and the mystery surrounding the apartment and its contents.
In 1942, Estelle is living in Paris under Nazi occupation. When the Germans come to take away her beloved friends, Estelle does everything she can to help them. This is a dual-timeline pick from books about WWII that should not be missed.
Plot
The story features a floating book apothecary whose owner can meet you and give you a story meant for your soul. When he needs to help his own soul, he sets his boat adrift on the Seine to see where it will take him.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved every minute of this lovely contemporary fiction book. I read it before Jackie and am so glad that I was the one to recommend this book to her. The entire premise of this book is delightful.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books set in Paris and also one of my favorite books ever. The idea of a literary apothecary plays a big part in what Beyond the Bookends aims to do- Match people with books!
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in France / Ultimate List of 35+ Feel-Good Books / The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Best Books in Translation / Books About Bookstores
Historical Fiction Books Set in Paris
The Paris Novel
Author: Ruth Reichl
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When Stella’s mother dies and leaves her with a one-way ticket to Paris, Stella steps outside her orderly life for the first time to experience Paris. At first, Stella falls into a boring routine that does not let her experience Paris until she finds a vintage clothing store. Inside, she tries on a Dior dress that changes her life forever. The dress bolsters her courage to try Oysters at Les Deux Margorts restaurant.
There, she meets Jules, an octogenarian who takes her under his wing. Soon she is experiencing Paris the way it is meant to be experienced. She discovers a passion for food, fashion, and life that she never thought possible in her wildest imagination
Why Jackie loves it
This book felt like a trip to Paris. Even as I am writing the description, I have a smile on my face thinking about the food in this book. Reichl’s book is truly a feast for all of the senses. The food, the art, the tumbleweeds at Shakespeare & company all make me fee like I am in Paris in the 80s. I adored every minute of this delightful book.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in the 80s /
Plot
I loved this charming contemporary fiction tale about a famed emerald necklace found in the basement of a Parisian magazine. Soon, the writers from the magazine are trying to track down the origins of the gorgeous necklace.
As we learn about the necklace passing from one owner to the next, the mystery of the jewels unravels along with the lives of the writers looking for its secrets.
Why Kirsten loves it
Compulsively readable, I adored all the various aspects of this debut jewelry novel. I look forward to finding out what else Amy Tector can do.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Jewelry Novels
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
This historical fiction centered around Hemingway perfectly captures post-war Paris. We all know Hemingway through his brilliant writing but this story captures the side of him that caused Hadley heartbreak and pain through infidelity.
This is a book we recommend often and you will find it has a perfect place in books about Paris and books about art, but it is also a story of love and betrayal.
Last Christmas in Paris
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is written entirely in letter form between two friends during WWI. You will fall in love with the characters as they fall for each other. Evie is struggling to find a way to help out during WWI, while Thomas, her brother’s best friend, is struggling with the realities of battle.
Why Kirsten loves it
I just recently started reading WWI books and this one is high on the list. It is such a wonderful holiday book, it truly captures the essence of wartime romance and how love can bloom in the darkest of times.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time/ Books Set in Paris / Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Historical Romance Books / WWI Novels
WWII Books Set in Paris
The Paris Library
Author: Janet Skesklien Charles
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Washington Post Bestseller, USA TODAY bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
In 1939, Odile is working at the American Library in Paris. There, she and her fellow librarians do everything in their power to try to save their patrons. But when the war is over, she faces a betrayal she didn’t anticipate.
In 1983 Montana, Lily is looking for an adventure, which she finds while investigating her neighbor’s past. But she was not expecting a dark secret to connect the two of them!
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
WWII books felt a little been-there, done-that to me recently, but this book has me back to loving the sub-genre. What makes this story different is the setting – The American Library in Paris. I loved hearing about the librarians and how they tried to help their Jewish subscribers. The story sucked me in and had me thinking about the war in a new light.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in France / Books About WWII / Books About Books / Books About Libraries
Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah
I had no idea that Jackie Kennedy spent a year abroad living in Paris in the year following the end of WWII. I was fascinated by Ann Mah’s take on what Jackie would have seen in post-war France.
This fictional biography covered it all! The rise of communism, the French people’s disdain for Americans, the struggle to make ends meet for many citizens, and the return to the glitz and glam of the gilded aristocracy.
As far as historical fiction books go, it was one of the most unique ones I’ve read in recent years. I immediately gave it to my francophile mother because I know she will adore it. This book was a must for our ultimate beach reads 2023 post.
The Lost Girls of Paris
Author: Pam Jenoff
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
In 1946, Grace is passing through Grand Central Station when she finds a suitcase. Inside, she finds a dozen pictures of women and is determined to find out who they are and who owns the suitcase.
The story moves between Grace and Eleanor Trigg, the owner of the suitcase and leader of a ring of female spies throughout World War II.
Trigger Warnings
WWII
Why Jackie loves it
I love Pam Jenoff’s previous book, The Orphan Train. So, it did not surprise me that I loved this book too. Jenoff does a wonderful job of bringing two stories together in the dual timeline narrative.
Find this book in: Books About Female Spies
The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen
I had such mixed feelings reading this biographical novel, in a good way. I hated Chanel who is a ruthless, shrewd woman who will do whatever she needs to in order to succeed, even becoming a nazi spy. I felt no sympathy for her, only disgust… and yet
The writing drew me in. I don’t agree with Chanel’s choices, but I was intrigued by her life during the war and all she did to try to save her own skin. This pick from books about WWII is a must-read.
It was fascinating to read about regardless of my personal feelings about the heroine of the story. She’s not written to be liked, but rather to be examined and no list of books set in Paris would be complete without her.
I’d recommend this fictionalized biography if you are looking to uncover the more sinister side of the renowned icon.
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
Clocking in at over 500 pages, I wasn’t sure I could handle a book about WWII and the holocaust that was that long. However, I decided to read it and boy am I glad I did!
The story is part coming of age, part wartime survival. The characters come to life, flaws and all, as you experience the thrill of first love, the loss of innocence, and the grittiness of war.
Thrilling Novels about Paris
Plot
This incredible story about a trio of ballerinas in Paris is a thriller and a feminist commentary all in one. I could not put it down!!!
It’s all about the tolls dancing takes on the physical and mental well-being of Paris’s premiere ballerinas. With some #metoo moments in here as well, this is a great book club book. There is so much to talk about. Delphine Leger was once a soloist at the Paris Opera Ballet until she left for St. Petersburg. Now it is thirteen years later and she has returned to Choreograph a ballet where her career began.
But with her return, long-buried secrets will come to the surface. Things do not stay the same
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved it so much when I listened to it that I tried to steal Jackie’s copy in this funny Instagram reel. It was unlike any thriller that I had read before and love that it is slow burn with great characters and a great storyline.
Why Jackie loves it
I used to dance when I was much younger and had a Russian ballet teacher who taught some of the greatest dancers in the world (I am not included in that group). Even though I was never good, I saw first hand the lengths that some dancers would go to for success. This book touched on all of that and it is totally accurate (if not exaggerated).
Find this book in: Books for Book Clubs / Books Set in Paris / Books About Women in Sports / 2020 Audie Award Winners / Books About Ballet
The Paris Apartment
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jess has arrived in Paris to stay with her half-brother, Ben while she gets back on her feet. While he reluctantly agrees to help, he doesn’t answer the door when she shows up to move in.
Soon she gains entry into his apartment and begins the hunt to find out what happened to her brother. With secrets lurking around every corridor and the other residents being shady and elusive, Jess begins to think something sinister happened to Ben.
The first half of this story was a little slow while the character groundwork was laid out, but once the big reveal comes halfway through, I was reading the rest of the chapters at lightning speed. This is the only thriller on our list of books set in France and it’s a doozy! Lucy Foley is always a great pick if you are looking for slow-burn thrillers.
Why Kirsten loves it
The twists and turns in Lucy Foley’s books are always fantastic. I love the way she builds the story. It’s like the slow ride up a rollercoaster before the inevitable drop!
Why Jackie loves it
I was not expecting this book to take the turns it did. I am glad I kept reading- even if the beginning is a little slow. It was worth it in the end.
Find this book in: Haunted House Book / Books set in France / Halloween Thriller Books / The Best Audiobooks of 2022 /
All the Devils Are Here
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Gamache #16
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I love that I get to know Daniel, Gamache’s son, in a way that I have not in previous books. If you are not familiar with the series, I suggest you start at number one, read the Louise Penny books in order, and pace yourself. I tried to slow down but now I have to wait a year between books!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to it in less than a day. I could not find a point to stop. Robert Bathurst is a brilliant narrator and is the voice of Gamache. So much so that I will not read this series, rather, I prefer to listen. This is my favorite book in the series so far.
I absolutely loved this book, which takes place in Paris rather than in Three Pines. The story kept me on my toes every minute and had me guessing to the very end.
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order / Books Set in Paris / Best Books of 2020
Romance Books Set in Paris
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2013
Genre: Fiction Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Anna, the supervisor of a chocolate factory, has an incredible opportunity to travel to Paris to learn how to make chocolate from an elite chocolatier. But are they gonna learn more about the chemistry of one another than how to create delicious treats?
Why Jackie loves it
Jenny Colgan delivers every time. Her books follow a formula that is tried and true. The girl goes to a new place, starts a chocolate shop/ cafe/ bakeshop/ bookshop, and meets a man, falls in love, etc. I read her books because I need an escape and she delivers every time. This book was no exception.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / The Best Jenny Colgan Books
Kisses and Croissants
Author: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:12+
Plot
Mia plans on spending the support in Paris pursuing her dream of being a professional ballerina. It is in her blood- the family rumors say that her family member was painted by Degas. Now, she is in Paris and there is so much more competition than she thought there would be. There is also a distraction in the form of Louis. Paris is supposed to be the city of Love.
Why Jackie loves it
Ahhh. This was just what I needed. A little bit of Paris, a little bit of ballet and a perfect romance to go with it. This book reminds me of one of my favorite movies- Center Stage- but set in beautiful Paris. It made me feel like I was there and I couldn’t put the book down.
Find this book in: YA Romance Books / Books Set in Paris / Books About Ballet
By Invitation Only
Author: Alexandra Brown Chang
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
La Danse des Debutantes is the most exclusive ball in the world, where the debs are hand-selected to participate, and the whole of society is watching. Chapin is a shoo-in for the Debutante of the Year until one of the other debs creates a PR disaster. To save the ball, Piper, the winner of the international science fair prize, is offered a college scholarship if she attends and competes to be named Debutante of the Year.
Now, Piper and Chapin are competing for the crown – and worse, they are living together! As the competition heats up, an unlikely friendship forms for the duo, but will the competition -or a boy – pull them apart?
Why Kirsten loves it
This is perfect for teens looking for a Gossip Girl-like book without the sexual content. These 16-year-olds don’t seem too adult or too naive; they are perfectly balanced. The antics and glamor will have any fashion lover lapping up the details, and the romance is enough to keep teens interested while still being appropriate. Gifted by Simon & Schuster Kids
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / YA Romance Books
Fantasy Novels Set in Paris
Serpent and Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Serpent & Dove Book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller, B&N YA Book Club Pick, Indiebound Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Louise Le Blanche is a witch and Reid Diggory is a witch hunter, but when they are forced to be married Lou has to keep her identity a secret and try not to fall for her handsome husband. Could you ask for anything more from enemies-to-lovers books?
She is trying to change his mind about being a witch hunter while hiding her true identity. She is also using the inside knowledge to save her witch friends. Set in the pre-industrial age in Paris, France, this book is perfect for lovers of YA!
Why Kirsten loves it
This book has funny, fierce heroines, a steamy love story, and a cast of characters that is diverse. I devoured all thee books in this series in a week.
Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books/ Books Set in Paris / YA Historical Fiction Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books
All That Glitters
Author: Gita Trelease
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Enchanteé #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Camille is an orphan who must use magic to transform pieces of metal into money in order to buy food for her sister. But when the magic starts to fail, Camille must use dark magic to transform herself into a baroness in the court of Louis the 16th.
Soon, the dark magic takes its toll and Camille must make a choice between reality and magic. When revolution erupts, Camille must determine how to survive.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction
Why Jackie loves it
The magic is beautiful in this young adult fantasy novel. This book was unlike any other I’ve read!
Find this book in: YA Historical Fiction Books / Books About Sisters / Books Set in Paris
The Gilded Wolves
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Gilded Wolves Book 1 of 3
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This YA historical fantasy takes place in Paris in 1889 where coercion, magic, betrayal, and murder are the norm. At the Exposition Universelle World Fair is an artifact that will give the owner magical Forging abilities.
Severin and his fiercely loyal friends come together to take the artifact in the hope of also obtaining Serverin’s inheritance. Severin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire for revenge.
Why Jackie loves it
This first book in the series was captivating from the first page. The characters are fun and complex and the plot is unlike any other book I have read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
