Having traveled all over the world, France remains my favorite country to visit—almost like going home. Having lived in both Paris and in the countryside (outside of Lille), I’ve developed a deep connection to the culture, the scenery, and the charm that make France such an irresistible setting for books. Whether it’s a summer scene in Marseille or a winter escape to Megève, novels set in France never fail to delight me.

As someone who loves reading, especially romance, I can’t resist stories that play out against the backdrop of France. While there are plenty of familiar tropes in the genre—like my personal favorite, the grumpy/sunshine dynamic—what’s exciting is how romance novels have evolved. They’ve come a long way in breaking down outdated stereotypes about both love and French culture, creating more inclusive and diverse stories that feel fresh and relatable.

Of course, there are still a few classic clichés thrown in for fun. Because, let’s face it, what’s a French romance without a little playful banter over croissants and wine?

Whether you're a Francophile or simply looking for your next great read, these stories will transport you straight to the heart of France with every turn of the page.

Below is a list of some of my favorite travel reads set in France—mostly romance but a few others to entice you. And for a more extensive list, you can visit my Bookshop.com page for more suggestions.

Just a heads-up: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. (And I will be most appreciative.) Rest assured, I only share products and brands I genuinely love and think you will too.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

OK, this is definitely not a romance (even if there is a very thin hint at one), but it is an incredible book set in multiple locations, including Normandy and Paris. Doerr weaves an intricate trans-continental web (no, really) of fate and survival with a blind French girl and a German boy, whose lives inevitably collide. It’s beautiful, it’s tragic, and you will not be the same after you read it. (And no, the Netflix adaptation does not even compare.)

An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography by Jamie Beck

Think Instagram-worthy scenes of sun-drenched lavender fields and vintage markets in Provence, narrated by an American artist and photographer who made her fantasy real by moving to France. This gorgeous coffee table book is part travel guide, part visual feast, and full-on Provence aesthetic—perfect for anyone who wants to dream of Provence without lifting a finger (except to flip the page). It's also quite educational about real life in France, particularly when it comes to navigating local and federal bureaucracy—for better or worse. One standout "better" moment was learning about the costs of paying out of pocket for childbirth in a French hospital, which is both bemusing and woefully superior to the same experience in the United States.

Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

With the cutesy cover, I was not expecting this book to be as devastating as it was. (Didn’t help that I read this at the peak of lockdown, alone in winter, but I digress.) But true to form for the romance genre, rest assured, there is a happy ending.) This one is set in northern France and southern England, with many trips back and forth across the Channel/La Manche. If you love tear-jerking, slow-burn romances with a side of “why does life never go as planned,” then Emmie’s your girl. Toss in some misplaced balloons, unresolved feelings, and a bit of serendipity, and you’ve got a romance that’ll pull at your heartstrings while making you laugh through the tears.

Finding Gene Kelly by Torie Jean

I started reading this on the Eurostar when leaving London and finished it by the time I was in Paris, but it is one of the few romances I’ve wanted to re-read immediately. Finding Gene Kelly is less about the guy (who doesn’t even deserve her, but ok) and more about rediscovering yourself in the most magical city on Earth. Think of it as the rom-com equivalent of twirling down the Seine, minus the dancing tap shoes. (And yes, there are a lot of Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn references, so if you haven’t watched Funny Face, you should now.)

French Exit by Patrick DeWitt

Once again: The movie is good, the book is better. DeWitt’s dark comedy about a broke, eccentric Manhattan socialite fleeing to Paris with her equally quirky son is sharp, witty, and delightfully absurd—especially in this economy. If dry humor, dysfunctional families and transatlantic cruise ships, sound like your cup of tea, this one’s for you. Paris has never felt so unhinged as it does in this book.

French Holiday by Sarah Ready

We’ve all fantasized about dropping everything and escaping to a French castle, but while the love story part might be less common, the reality isn’t quite as dreamy as it seems. In fact, it’s pretty realistic in showing that even a romantic castle getaway comes with its own set of complications. In this twisted version of Beauty and the Beast that I read during a trip to the Loire Valley, the heroine ends up on a three-month escape to a crumbling French castle. Of course, she had been envisioning a perfect holiday filled with pastries, flirtations, and vineyard strolls. But her dream getaway is shattered when she finds the arrogant best man from her sister’s wedding already living in the castle. A famous travel documentarian by day and insufferable by night, he refuses to leave. As they begrudgingly share the castle, what starts as a hostile cohabitation slowly turns into something much more meaningful.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

One of my all-time favorite books, this is a must for an American living in France let alone visiting. Sedaris’ biting humor meets French culture in this collection of essays about his life as an expat in France. From brutally mispronouncing French to navigating daily absurdities, Sedaris turns every awkward encounter into comedic gold. You’ll never think about the Easter bunny or buying two chickens at the farmers’ market the same way again.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico

Admittedly I watched the film first, but the book is a delight. The quintessential feel-good story of a British cleaning lady with a dream to buy a Dior dress. (Who among us hasn’t, really?) It’s charming, it’s quaint, and Mrs. Harris' trip to Paris is a heartwarming, and sometimes tearful, reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary adventures come from the simplest dreams.

Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie books are the ultimate travel novels for me. Sure, they’re murder mysteries (And the occasional short story without murder but just some old fashioned white collar crime.) But most often, her books take you on planes, trains, and automobiles as well as cruise ships. This one, involving my fave, Hercule Poirot, takes place on the northern coast of France near Boulogne (quite near the village I lived in, thus when I read this), proving that no sport is safe from a good old-fashioned mystery. Christie’s clever plotting will have you guessing till the end, even if golf isn’t exactly your idea of suspense.

Rosé With My Fake Fiancé by Liz Alden

In more modern, recent times, one of my favorite go-to romance and travel writers is Liz Alden. At the start of this wine-themed series, Alden serves up a bubbly romance set in Paris that is light and flirty. When a business arrangement to impress the locals in France turns personal, the sparks fly between a savvy businesswoman and her younger, irresistibly charming fake fiancé.

Smitten With Croissants by Ellen Jacobson

Admittedly I was drawn in by the title, the Eiffel Tower, and the Princess Leia costume. And while I’m not always a fan of books about writers, this one is delightful. The story follows a travel blogger on a mission to break out of her comfort zone, who lands in a charming French village renowned for its pastries. While trying to figure out her next career move and track down the perfect croissant, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the town's handsome baker, who (naturellement) is as irresistible as his baked goods. With a cozy, small-town vibe and plenty of lighthearted moments, this book offers a sweet escape for readers craving romance and French cuisine.

That French Summer by Sienna Waters

Another good old (especially old) crumbling French chateâu. (Really, the 1 euro properties are not as good a deal as they sound…) This sapphic romance throws Delia, fresh off a public scandal, and Paris, recovering from her own personal disaster, into a delightfully chaotic setting where nothing goes to plan. With grumpy neighbors, eccentric housekeepers, and critters galore, this charming story is all about the imperfections in romance.

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

This one isn’t quite a tearjerker, and there are a few light moments (in the present day timeline) but it does get deep. A dual timeline that juggles love, art theft, and World War I, Moyes’ novel is a poignant exploration of loss and resilience. Set partly in occupied France and then present day London, it’s the kind of story that makes you feel like your heart’s been through the wringer—in the best possible way, of course.

The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah

OK, this one is a tearjerker, and there is a really serious scene toward the end of the book, but it’s definitely worth pushing through. Wine, secrets, and a family mystery spanning generations in The Lost Vintage. The book starts with a French-American woman traveling back to Beaune in Burgundy, both helping her family with their struggling vineyard. Also a dual-timeline book, it’s a historical mystery about Nazi-occupied France. You’re going to need a big glass of pinot noir for this one.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Now this list is getting sad, but there is a really bright spot at the end, so just stay with me. If you like your historical fiction soaked in tears, The Nightingale delivers. This WWII novel about two sisters in occupied France is a gut-wrenching tale of survival, courage, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love. It’ll leave you emotionally drained, but in a good way.

Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews

I was fortunate enough to be staying at the So/Paris just across from Île Saint-Louis while reading this book, which happens to be set mostly on Île Saint-Louis! A grumpy Michelin-starred chef and a sunshine-y sous-chef clash in the kitchen, and the tension is hotter than the oven. Yes, Chef is packed with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and enough culinary drama to rival a season of Top Chef. The enemies-to-lovers trope has never been more deliciously satisfying—just make sure you’ve got snacks on hand because the food descriptions will leave you starving.

Favorite Travel Reads: Set in France