Paris is a city that has inspired many authors, both French and foreign. Many books have been written about the City of Light, each offering a unique perspective on this iconic city. These books capture the essence of Paris, its beauty, its history, its cobblestone streets, its iconic buildings and its undeniable charm. Here are 5 of the most emblematic of these works.
Victor Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris
Published in 1831, the book was acclaimed for its masterful use of the city as a backdrop for the tragic story of Quasimodo and Esmeralda. Hugo describes notre-Dame Cathedral as a central character in the novel, evoking its majestic beauty and symbolic significance for Parisians.
Paris is a party by Ernest Hemingway
Published posthumously in 1964, the book is a collection of the author’s memoirs of his life in Paris in the 1920s. Hemingway describes the city with obvious love and affection, depicting the cafés, bookshops and streets with poetic prose.
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
A poignant testament to life in the city, the book tells the author’s story as he struggles to survive on the streets of Paris and London. Orwell describes the difficulties faced by the homeless, the precariously employed and the marginalized, while offering an insightful glimpse into life in the working-class districts of Paris.
Paris pour un by Jojo Moyes
For a lighter read, Paris pour un is a contemporary romance about a young English woman, Louisa, who moves to Paris to escape her boring life. The book follows her adventures in the city, as she discovers love, friendship and a new perspective on life.
The Flâneur by Edmund White
White describes the city as he walks its streets and discovers its neighborhoods, museums and parks. The book offers a unique look at the city, capturing the essence of Parisian flânerie and leaving the reader with a desire to discover the city for themselves.