list #42: the best Paris/France memoirs

Three years ago this week, I was in Paris, shivering in my old black peacoat and wrapped in a paisley pashmina, strolling narrow streets with Moose and drinking chocolat chaud in cafes with Jacque. I can’t fully explain the mystique of Paris – but I agree with Sabrina Fairchild that Paris is always a good idea. (And I long to visit the rest of France – so there are a few gems from there in here too.)

1. A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway
The quintessential tale of a writer’s life in Paris – I read it in Paris, which is partly why I love it so.
2. The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, T.E. Carhart
A fascinating story of how the author makes friends with the owner of a Paris piano shop.
3. My Life in France, Julia Child
Utterly beautiful, hilarious and fun – I love Julia’s tales of life all over Europe, but she loves Paris best.
4. Left Bank Waltz, Elaine Lewis
This was an Oxfam find, and a brave tale of an Australian bookshop in Paris.
5. Almost French, Sarah Turnbull
An Aussie falls in love with a Frenchman and his city – and much hilarity results.
6. Paris to the Moon, Adam Gopnik
Lyrical tales of adapting to life in Paris with a small child.
7. Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes, Elizabeth Bard
Just what the subtitle says. Completely delicieux.
8. A Homemade Life, Molly Wizenberg
Set partly in Paris – which she loves like I love Oxford – and again, utterly delectable.
9. Paris in Mind, various (ed. Jennifer Lee)
Essays on the City of Lights from various authors – I enjoyed the different perspectives.

And, not from Paris, but also beautiful:
10. The Price of Water in Finistere, Bodil Malmsten
Musings on the expat life in Brittany, and on trying to write about the unwritable.
11. Perfume from Provence, Lady Winifred Fortescue
Tales from a gentler time, of life as an expat in Provence.
12. Words in a French Life, Kristin Espinasse
A “dictionary” of French words – so fun!
13. A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle
The classic tale of an Englishman moving to France – home repair stories abound.