10 Books to Bring France to Your Home

January 7, 2023

In this edition of new books, I have rounded up a variety, from cook books to historical, to historical fiction to romantic comedy. Whether you are planning a trip to France or you are wanting to bring a bit of France to your home, these books will not disappoint.

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1. Provence Glory

After visiting Provence a few years ago, I still dream of how magical the South of France is. This gorgeous book offers beautiful pages illustrating the wonder of the region, from the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean to the Roman remains found throughout the region to some of the regional cuisine. If you are planning a trip or dreaming of heading there, this book will not disappoint.

2. A Table in Paris: The Cafés, Bistros, and Brasseries of the World’s Most Romantic City

This book meanders through Paris, neighborhood by neighborhood (or arrondisement by arrondisement) with a charming, illustrated style. I plan to take this with me on my next visit to the City of Lights so I can discover a new favorite or perhaps re-discover an old favorite. I especially appreciate that it covers not just the iconic restaurants but the hidden gems as well.

3. Le Grand Hôtel & Café de la Paix: French Art de Vivre (French Edition)

Don’t let the fact that this book is in French stop you, it has all the best Paris has to offer – architecture, stunning interior design, fashion, food and more. It recounts the story of the Grand Hotel and Café de la Paix, well located across from the Opera Garnier. It was built during the Haussman period of the late nineteenth century and has been recently and completely renovated by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The Café de la Paix is an excellent stop on your visit to Paris because of its great location… and now you can learn all about its beautiful and rich history.

4. An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography

A New York Times best seller, this book on Provence is from the perspective of an American artist living in France. The book not only highlights the beautiful paysage of Provence but author Jamie Beck discusses how she approaches her art and photography. In addition, she includes recipes from the region. Her book has been reviewed by some impressive people, including Alice Waters the world famous chef.

5. A Table: Recipes for Cooking and Eating the French Way

From Paris-based American food writer and stylist Rebekah Peppler, this book is becoming a go-to on my cookbook shelf, already full of French cookbooks. À Table is filled with inspiring yet practical tips, making it ideal for francophiles or anyone who likes to cook delicious food to share with friends and family.

6. A Parisian Bistro: La Fontaine de Mars in 50 Recipes

I admit that I have never dined at this restaurant, so when I came across this newly published book, I put the restaurant on my list for my next visit to Paris. One of the oldest bistros in Paris, it has been frequented by a whole cast of celebrities, including Robert de Niro who wrote the forward to the book! The book includes beautiful photos of some of their famous recipes, some of which I hope to try soon.

7. Sweet Paris: Seasonal Recipes from an American Baker in France

If you are more of a baker than a chef, this is the book for you. Written by another American in Paris, not only is the photography gorgeous, but the recipes are delicious, I have tried several and they did not disappoint!

8. Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution

I am absolutely loving this book. I am completely fascinated with all things French Revolution and this book hones in on the fashion of the time leading up to the Marie Antoinette’s fate with the guillotine. During the years before the Revolution, the Queen of France was also the absolute queen of fashion, setting the style for all of Europe. If you love fashion, you will love this historical account.

9. Paris: The Novel

This is a must read for anyone who loves Paris. This is the master historical fiction writer Edward Rutherford’s sweeping epic about the city of lights. From the middle ages, to the construction of the Eiffel Tower and much more, it is magnificent and captivating.

10. Will There Be Wine?

And last but not least, I had to include the debut novel of a friend of mine who is an ex-pat living in Paris. A romantic tragi-comedy about living and dating in the world’s most romantic city, it is a fiction (although I gather somewhat based on some real life experiences). As the book’s description states, it is a “… genuine and tragically hilarious novel about an ex-pat woman’s journey of self-discovery through a string of disastrous dates, relationships forged in a deep cultural divide, world travels, and wine. A lot of wine.”