When we're not in Paris we're dreaming about Paris. And our favorite way to dream about Paris is to read great books about the City of Stories. So think of this as our book club, but a special kind of book club. One dedicated to the beauties, the culture, the food, the wine and the life of Paris and of France.
Sometimes we'll grab a treasured tome from our bookshelf — Julia Child comes to mind. Or maybe Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. Sometimes we'll choose new books we've just discovered. They might be about a walk along the Seine, or about a lifetime spent in Paris. Other books help us get deep into the food culture of France. Still others will contemplate the history of the city. And who doesn't love a great novel set in Paris?
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David Downie has had a life many of us only dream about — wandering through the streets of Paris and putting his adventures into words. His book, Paris, paris, is like spending a perfect Parisian day with a friend who knows every secret corner, the best places to sip a crisp Jurançon sec, and has a knack for weaving tales about the soul of the city. It's a go-to classic for armchair travelers and true Paris lovers alike, even though it's only been around since 2011. One reader summed it up perfectly: "I devoured this book like a plate of colorful macarons, savoring every moment." We couldn't agree more.
Highly recommended for you and all your francophile friends.
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If you're already a fan of the Parisian dining scene, chances are you've come across Alex Lobrano's book, Hungry for Paris. In Hungry for France, he takes a broader view, guiding readers through France's diverse and flavor-packed regions. The book isn't just about Lobrano's culinary insights; it's also a visual treat. Stunning photographs by Steven Rothfeld capture the essence of French food culture, while Jane Sigal's delectable recipes add even more layers of flavor. This coffee-table beauty delivers more than just a feast for the eyes — and the price is surprisingly affordable!
John Baxter has been living in and writing about Paris for more than twenty years. He wrote a best-selling book about Paris that we love going back to, The Most Beautiful Walk in the World, and now he turns his attention to a little-known story of the City of Light: what it was like to be in Paris during World War I.
During those trying years Parisians lived under a constant threat of invasion and destruction. Although in the end the war never reached Paris, it was so near that the sounds of battles reached the city. So near that a brigade of taxis could drive soldiers to the front lines. Baxter shows us that, even during a time of stress and fear, "Paris blazed more brightly than ever." He tells the story of individuals, both famous and unknown, and the story of the city — what it was like to be Parisian during the most terrible war Europe had seen.
Even more enjoyable is John Baxter's account of cooking Christmas dinner for his extended French family. Warm inviting, engaging, and full of those kind of details about French food, we absolutely love re-reading this book during the holiday season.
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French food critic Gilles Pudlowski is known for stirring the culinary pot — sometimes to the annoyance of chefs and critics alike. While his prose might not be everyone's cup of tea, the photographs in A Gourmet Tour of France are undeniably stunning. They'll transport you to the heart of French gastronomy, with mouth-watering images of three-star cuisine and legendary chefs like Guy Savoy and Pierre Gagnaire. Pudlo's journey is as indulgent as it gets — luxury dining, dazzling kitchens, and food worth dreaming about.
Years have passed since we first penned How to Cook Bouillabaisse in 37 Easy Steps, recounting our culinary escapades in Paris and Provence. Though our plates have been filled with new experiences since then, this book still holds a special place in our hearts — especially after it clinched the top North American prize at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held at Paris' iconic Folies Bergère Theatre. The adventure lives on, and it's still available on Amazon for those ready to dive into a flavorful French journey.
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