Best Books Set in Paris
If you’re looking for a book recommendation, here are some of the best books set in Paris, the French city of love. From historical fiction to classics, modern love stories and crime thrillers.
Best Books Set in Paris
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
Birdsong is set around France with some scenes set in Paris. I highly recommend it because although it doesn’t portray a pretty picture of Paris, it’s a stunning story set during World War One. The characters, the love story and the tragedy is breathtaking.
Perfume by Patrick Suskind
Probably my favourite story set in Paris is Perfume. This dark historical novel focuses on a man with an amazing sense of smell. He is obsessed with creating the most perfect perfume, from the scent of virgins from France. Although it’s a story about a serial killer, it’s beautifully written and captures Paris in a very unique way: through smell.
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
The second in the popular historical fantasy series set primarily in Scotland. In Dragonfly in Amber, the characters travel to France and live a life of decadence alongside the French court. All whilst dealing with the dramas of the previous book. I would recommend reading these books in order to fully understand, but the detail of this story and the setting is excellent.
The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
A classic and a funny novel to boot. I think a lot of people forget that The Three Musketeers is a satirical comedy. The setting isn’t a primary focus, but it’s still a brilliant setting for this hilarious classic romp.
In Paris With You by Clementine Beauvais
A modern YA romance, that feels more New Adult than YA. Two teenagers, a boy and a girl meet on holiday one year and a romance blossoms under the surface but the timing is wrong. Ten years later they reunite by chance in Paris and reminisce on what could have been if things had been different on that holiday. It’s a gorgeous romance with a realistic look at how relationships form.
The Messenger by Megan Davies
And finally, a new book coming out in 2023. This is a literary thriller I’m working on at the moment in my job at Bonnier Books UK, and it’s brilliant. I liken it a lot to The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and Paris is very much the main character in the story. I can’t say too much but definitely make a note of this thriller for next year!
What do you think are the best books set in Paris? Let me know in the comments below.
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