If you can’t take that coveted trip to France now, transport to the Country of Love through these engrossing books.
Last updated: December 29, 2025
Travel to France through Books
Believe it or not, but you’ve already embarked on your bookish tour of France. I haven’t met a person who didn’t read at least one book set in France or Paris. Whether it’s the classic adventure novel about three brave musketeers or a philosophical tale about a little prince that you read in elementary school, you’ve made your entrance into the exuberant world of French literature one way or another.
For many avid readers, their France-book collections continue to grow as the years go by. New titles take place next to their favorite classics in their home libraries. French cookbooks fill floating shelves in their kitchens. And the more books go through their hands, the more trips they go on. Some adventures that start on the pages of the books eventually metamorphose into travel escapades to France.
If it’s your first time planning or even allowing yourself to dream of that trip to La Belle France, start preparing for your journey by reading these books first. Ranging from memoirs to historical fictions and favorite classics adapted into movies, these books will inspire your exploits in the iconic and secluded corners of France you’ve never even heard about.
BOOKS SET IN FRANCE THAT WILL INSPIRE YOUR TRIP
1. At Home in France
An account of the life of an American in France by Ann Barry
Once a year, Ann Barry, the author of At Home in France, escapes her permanent home in New York and spends four weeks in France. But she is not just a tourist, chasing the dream of a perfect European vacation. Year after year, Ann returns to her second home, a charming house in Carennac in southwestern France.
The French countryside fascinates Ms. Berry. Upon purchasing her cottage, the American immerses herself into the French lifestyle. On many occasions, she explores different picturesque provinces, such as Provence and Brittany, stays at back-road inns, and enjoys her beautiful life in France as a Frenchwoman would.
The book At Home in France is Ann Barry’s love letter to her second, but most beloved home in the Country of Love.
2. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris
A fiction book set in France by Evie Woods
Troubled by heartaches of the past, Edith Lane needs an escape. On a whim, she answers a job ad and leaves Ireland for a position as an assistant manager in a bakery in Paris. Except the bakery is not in Paris, but in Compiègne, a small town one hour away from the bustling streets of the French capital.
After the shocking discovery while already in France, Edith finds many things to like about her new workplace. A small bakery with just a couple of tables for guests to claim supplies the entire town with the fresh baked goodies and endless rumors. But one aspect of the Bakery on Rue de Paris Edith still can’t wrap her head around is the owner. The old lady seems to have a skeleton in the closet. And Edith keeps wondering what it is.
The book The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a heartwarming tale about France and romance mixed with a pinch of magic.
3. Chocolat
A delectable fiction book set in a small French village by Joanne Harris
The predictable routine of the straight-laced village crashes like a castle made out of cards when Vianne Rocher and her 5-year-old daughter arrive. A chocolate and human hearts connoisseur, the beautiful newcomer opens a curious chocolate shop.
The village regards the chocolatier with suspicion at first. Soon, however, giving in to the chocolate temptation that unveils the secret desires of their hearts, the villagers abandon themself to a new-found happiness. But not everybody is pleased with the changes. Adhering to the old traditions, Father Reynaud is eager to do anything to kick the newcomers out.
Loaded with generous descriptions of different chocolates, the book Chocolat is a must-read for every France-obsessed chocoholic, gourmet, mystery and fantasy lover.
4. The Count of Monte Cristo
A classic novel set primarily in France by Alexandre Dumas
Falsely accused, Edmond Dantes spends 14 years in prison where he learns about a hidden treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. Upon escape and discovery of the great wealth, the young man returns to France as the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo to seek his revenge on those who wronged him.
One of the best classic novels set in France, the book The Count of Monte Cristo keeps you hooked until the very last page.
5. Last Train to Istanbul
A historical fiction book set in France and Turkey by Ayşe Kulin
Despite her family disapproval and breaking centuries-old traditions, Selva, a daughter of one of the last Ottoman pashas, marries a Jewish man, Rafael Alfandari. Rafo comes from an eminent medical family. While highly respected in Istanbul, the Alfandaris are still Jews.
The newlyweds move to France where they live peacefully until Nazi’s occupation. Jews are no longer safe here. Selva and Rafo along with many other Jewish people grasp the last opportunity to escape France and return to Turkey.
Last Train to Istanbul is a captivating story of Turkish families – many of Jewish descent – trapped in France during World War II. The majority of the protagonists are fictional. Yet some, in particular Turkish diplomats who risked their lives to save Turkish Jews, are based on real people.
6. The Three Musketeers
Another must-read classic set in France by Alexander Duma
The young and ambitious D’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the Musketeers of the Guard, an elite military branch of the French monarchy. He doesn’t meet the cut but befriends the group of three musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Before long, D’Artagnan lands himself in the midst of a conspiracy that involves espionage and murder.
One of the finest examples of French literature, the book The Three Musketeers transports you to 17th century’s France, the time of courageous men and great court intrigues.
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