4 More Books to Bring Paris Home

May 30, 2023

As I am furiously planning for both my trip to Paris this summer as well as launching my “Behind the Scenes Paris Experience” (you can sign up for more information here), I have immersed myself yet again in books about Paris. A memoir, a well-researched account of one of Paris’ most famous streets, a book full of gorgeous photography and a guide to ‘joie de vivre‘ and a guide to lots of hidden art and architecture are on the list. Happy reading!

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“Paris in Love: A Memoir” by Eloisa James

"Paris in Love" by Eloisa James — “Paris in Love” by Eloisa James

To be honest, I thought the title was a little cheesy, so this book was sitting on my nightstand for quite awhile. When I finally picked it up, I devoured it. This is the memoir I wish I could write! American author Eloisa James finds herself living in Paris for a whole year with her husband and two children. It is written in little, bite-sized paragraphs, kind of like tweets, with observations about food, fashion, culture, museum visits and marital moments. Her children have to navigate a year in Italian school in Paris. And she has to navigate her waistline as she samples all of the delicious food Paris has to offer.

This book is a very charming view of my favorite city. I didn’t want her to have to leave after the year was over!

“The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs” by Elaine Sciolino

While “Paris in Love” is more of a whirlwind (we know she only has a year in Paris – not enough time!) – American author Elaine Sciolino’s take on Paris is much more detailed and researched as she writes an entire book about one singular street in Paris. She details the various shops and the various characters that inhabit the famous rue des Martyrs.

As an ex-pat in Paris and having lived there for many years, she was able to do serious research into the history of the street.

There are very poignant scenes, like when a concentration camp survivor showed her his ‘juif’ badge that he was required to wear in Paris during WWII. Fun moments occur, like when she organizes a party for the residents and shop owners. There are interesting moments like when she goes into detail on the architecture of the church at the bottom of the street. A true delight!

“Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life” by Ajiri Aki

What’s better than buying a great book about Paris? Getting the book for free! I won this book in a giveway from one of my favorite Paris blogs! Lucky me!

The photography in this book of all things French is gorgeous. An American-living-in-Paris, Ariji shares what she has learned about living in Paris, like hosting the perfect apéro or picking up treasures at the flea market. Throughout the book, she encourages readers to slow down and enjoy everyday moments in the French way.

“Art Hiding in Paris” by Lori Zimmer (author) and Maria Krasinski (illustrator)

This book is a MUST for your next visit to Paris. It features all kinds of art and architecture that can be found throughout my favorite city. There is an illustration of the artwork, a description of how it came to be or a bit about the artist and information on the location. Many of the pieces I have seen or know about but there are many other pieces that I haven’t seen! I am taking this book with me on my next trip so I can see more of Paris’ hidden art and architecture.