Books about French Culture

The French know how to live. Even if we can't visit right now, we can find a way to bring a little bit of the French joie de vivre back home to the States!

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I received a free, advance copy of A Table in Paris, from the publishing company.

Looking to bring Parisian culture home?

Dining outdoors in a cafe, strolling the under the Eiffel Tower, and sporting an effortlessly chic scarf may seem worlds away right now. But, there are quite a few transferable pieces of French culture you can bring home - from enjoying classic French wine, to take time over meals, and reminiscing about cafe culture. I've collected some excellent books about French culture, allez-y!

A Table in Paris, John Donahue

In A Table in Paris, American John Donahue lovingly sketches (in a single sitting), stunning Parisian restaurants, providing details and descriptions for your next visit.

The Bonjour Effect

It's a surprisingly little known secret that there's an easy way to charm the French, even the Parisians. Just say "Bonjour." This and other cultural confusions are detailed in The Bonjour Effect. For my thoughts on How to Charm the French, check out the full post!

Finding Fontainebleau

Thad Carhart came to France after WWII, as the son of an American serviceman stationed at, you guessed it, the Chateau de Fontainebleau. In Finding Fontainebleau, Carhart looks back on his post-war years in the charming town of Fontainebleau, teaching us a bit about French culture along the way.

How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, & Bad Habits

In How to be Parisian Wherever You Are, 4 amazing French women take us through the French approach to everyday life. Allez-y!

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure, Mireille Guiliano

French Women Don't Get Fat caused a minor scandal when it premiered in 2004. Encouraging readers to change their mindset about luxurious meals and reasonable exercise; staying fit without hopping on the latest punishing diet bandwagon.

A Votre Sante!

I hope you found a few books that tickled your fancy. Hopefully we'll back in Paris before we know it!

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