A list of 15 Novels about Paris

  1. 1
    A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

    A Moveable Feast captures Paris in the 1920s through Hemingway’s memories as a young writer among the city’s literary elites and artists. His journey through cafés, bookshops, and the charming streets of the Left Bank evokes a nostalgic, timeless Paris.

  2. 2
    Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

    Les Misérables offers a powerful exploration of justice, poverty, and redemption set against nineteenth-century Paris. Vivid depictions of dark alleys and barricaded streets mirror the intense emotions and moral conflicts of its characters.

  3. 3
    The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo

    The Hunchback of Notre-Dame brings medieval Paris to life through the tragic figure of Quasimodo, intertwining themes of love, beauty, and prejudice with richly detailed scenes around the iconic cathedral and bustling market squares.

  4. 4
    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

    The Nightingale transports readers to Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII, following two sisters as they confront unimaginable challenges. The novel powerfully portrays bravery, sacrifice, and resistance amidst a city in turmoil.

  5. 5
    Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

    Sarah’s Key interweaves past and present around the Vel' d’Hiv roundup of 1942, revealing the harrowing experiences of a young Jewish girl and a journalist determined to uncover Paris’s hidden history of sorrow and resilience.

  6. 6
    Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

    Down and Out in Paris and London offers a raw, unglamorous look at poverty in 1930s Paris. Orwell’s narrative exposes the grim realities from cramped lodgings to grimy kitchens, highlighting the struggle for dignity amid hardship.

  7. 7
    The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

    The Paris Wife vividly captures 1920s Paris through Hadley Richardson’s eyes, exploring her tumultuous marriage with Ernest Hemingway. The novel immerses readers in the creative vibrancy and bohemian spirit of the Lost Generation.

  8. 8
    All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

    All the Light We Cannot See weaves together stories set in occupied Paris, centering on Marie-Laure, a blind Parisian girl. The narrative contrasts the fear and darkness of wartime with tender, vivid memories of the city’s cherished locales.

  9. 9
    Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky

    Suite Française provides an immediate and poignant portrayal of WWII Paris. Drawing on the chaos during the German invasion, the novel presents a spectrum of human emotions as citizens navigate a city redefined by crisis and uncertainty.

  10. 10
    Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

    Tropic of Cancer depicts 1930s Paris as a city of freedom, indulgence, and artistic experimentation. Miller’s candid narrative takes readers through bohemian cafés and vibrant streets, exploring the intersections of poverty, desire, and creativity.

  11. 11
    The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

    The Elegance of the Hedgehog invites readers into contemporary Paris, unveiling the hidden depths behind polished facades. Through the lives of a cultured concierge and a perceptive young resident, the novel meditates on art, intellect, and the subtleties of modern life.

  12. 12
    Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

    Me Before You briefly captures the romantic allure of Paris, symbolizing dreams and transformative possibilities. The city’s charm and cultural vibrancy serve as an inspiring backdrop in a story imbued with warmth and poignant humor.

  13. 13
    The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

    The Da Vinci Code transforms Paris into a labyrinth of hidden mysteries and symbolic clues. Iconic landmarks like the Louvre set the stage for an intricate chase where history, art, and conspiracy converge in a pulse-quickening narrative.

  14. 14
    Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant

    Bel Ami explores ambition and corruption in nineteenth-century Paris, following Georges Duroy’s rise in a society rife with opportunism and scandal. Through sharp observations, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a city driven by charm, deceit, and power.

  15. 15
    Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan

    Paris by the Book celebrates mystery, literature, and family in the enchanting streets of Paris. As a journey unfolds through hidden clues in classic literature, the city emerges as a captivating map of self-discovery and intrigue.