40+ Kids Books Set in Paris/France
One of the best parts of reading is visiting places and times all from the comfort of your living room couch.
But for many readers, even MORE fun is reading a book set in a location you’re currently visiting or about to visit!
Paris (or France generally) is one of the most popular destinations in the world and the good news is that there are so many book set in this famous location!
Whether you want to prepare a child for an upcoming trip, or you simply want to broaden their world and show them what life is like somewhere else, this list has plenty of picture books and chapter books to share as family read alouds or for them to read independently. These would all be fantastic choices to read before or during a planned trip to Paris.
Or if you DON’T have a Paris trip on your horizon, you can visit the City of Lights without leaving your home!
I’ve marked the ones I’ve read with a * (and stacked them at the top of each section) – other books are ones recommended by my Instagram community!
Happy travels!
Picture Books Set in Paris or France
*Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
I absolutely adore this classic! Madeline is the smallest and quite frankly the bravest little girl as she wakes up one night with appendicitis. She will take you on a trip to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the Opera, Notre Dame, and even the Louvre.
*Anatole by Eve Titus
This sweet book reminds me a lot of the Disney movie Ratatouille. It follows a French mouse who decides to earn an honest living by tasting the cheese in a cheese factory and leaving notes about its quality. Plus, you can’t go wrong when a picture book has the Caldecott Honor stamp of approval!
*Monet’s Cat by Lily Murray
Whether you are familiar with Monet’s work, or not, this is such a fun way to experience his art. When Monet’s porcelain cat comes to life and leaps into all of his paintings, the reader and the artist follow – really getting the full experience.
*Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson
Bart read this one in an outrageous French accent and I just died over it. Seriously, this one, narrated by a tiny little snail who wonders why no one ever picks snails as their favorite animals, was just hilarious.
Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess
Claris, is an ambitious mouse who dreams of moving to Paris to pursue a career in fashion. And why not? She makes her own dresses and adores couture. Along the way she is faced with a spoilt penthouse princess and a menacing cat, but will they stand in the way of her dreams?
Hugo and Miles: I’ve Painted Everything by Scott Magoon
When Hugo, an elephant artist who experiences painter’s block finds himself in a serious funk, his friend Miles decides that they should go to Paris. Because in a city like Paris, inspiration is endless. Will Hugo the elephant be able to paint again?
All Aboard! Paris by Hailey and Kevin Meyers
These places board books are really fun, with tons of gorgeous details, and we have this one as well as the National Parks one and the London one. We love these so much, they are one of the few board books I have kept over the years.
A Walk in Paris by Salvatore Rubbino
In this lovely fiction/nonfiction mixed book, a young girl and her grandfather take in the sights and sounds of the city of Paris. They stop by famous landmarks, cozy bistros, and even buy tickets for the Métro. Each page is filled with fascinating facts, historical tidbits, and interesting illustrations – there is even a fold-out page with a large Eiffel Tower!
Finding Francois by Gus Gordon
Alice lives with her grandma in France, but she often misses having someone her age to play with. So, she does what all young children would think of doing…she sends a message in a bottle down the River Seine. And what do you know!? She gets a reply from Francois. They soon become “Bottle Pals”, and share all the tough parts of childhood together.
The Bees of Notre Dame by Meghan Browne
I had no idea they bees lived atop Notre Dame! During the devastating fire of 2019, the workers who tended the bees watched in fear as the cathedral burned. There was no way to know how they were doing on top of the rooftop. When all was deemed safe, the workers went in and, to their surprise, found them unharmed.
A Pigeon in Paris: Petite Takes Flight by Paige Howard
When mother pigeon arrives in Paris, she knows it is the perfect place to call home. She builds her nest, lays her eggs, and raises her babies. But when her babies are ready to leave the nest and start flying, will the smallest named Petite be able to overcome her fear?
Everybody Bonjours! by Leslie Kimmelman
This fun rhyming book about the many ways to use the greeting “bonjour” while visiting Paris is a fantastic introduction to the City of Light. But probably the most fun part is playing eye-spy with the little mouse who pops up on every page.
The Happy Lion by L. Fatio
When lion’s gate is left open at the Paris Zoo, he decides it would be such a nice gesture to go visit everyone that takes the time to visit him. A lion roaming the streets of Paris!? You can imagine how they feel to see him.
Mornings with Monet by Barb Rosenstock
It was so fun to see many of Monet’s impressionist paintings while we were in Paris. This picture book focuses on an aspect of Monet that I was unaware of, his series of paintings of the River Seine near his home. Monet, would rise at 3:30am, walk to his studio boat, and work on a series of canvases, moving from one to another as the light shifts and changes. And because of his incredible work ethic and passion, he was able to create beautiful masterpieces.
The Magical Garden of Claude Monet by Laurence Anholt
This is another fun one for art lovers or if you plan to visit a few art museums. After crawling into a mysterious garden, Julie meets an old man tending the flowers. This gentle gardener turns out to be the great artist, Claude Monet, and together they explore his magical world.
Kylie the Crocodile in Paris by Oliver Gee
Little ones will delight in the “search and find” aspect of this picture book. Kylie, used to be the pet crocodile of a Parisian woman, but she grew too large to be kept. She was released into the Seine and uses waterways and sewers to navigate her way to the landmarks of Paris and take in the pleasures of the city. Don’t forget to see if you can find Kylie on every page!
Eloise in Paris by Kay Thompson
What is there not to love about the classic 6-year-old Eloise who lives at the Plaza Hotel? She is spunky, smart, and a little bit mischievous – but in this sequel to the class, she is visiting Paris, France. And what will Eloise do in Paris? Everything! I love that there are French words sprinkled throughout the story as well.
Kiki & Coco in Paris by Nina Gruener
This picture book is filled with real photographs of a little girl and her cloth doll, as they spend the day out and about in Paris. The photos are stunning, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find your little one asking you for their very own Coco doll!
Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
Stone Soup is one of those classic folk tales that has had many different retellings. In this one three soldiers show up to a French village, but the villagers run and hide away their food because they didn’t want to feel like they were feeding more hungry soldiers and getting nothing. The soldiers announce that they will feed the village by making stone soup – and in the end they create a feast for everyone to join in with.
The Giraffe That Walked to Paris by Nancy Milton
I cannot tell you how intrigued I am by the contents of this book! It retells the true story of how the first giraffe ever to come to Europe was sent by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1826…AND the giraffe walked from the disembarkation point of Marseilles to Paris to see the King.
Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Where Have You Been? Paris by Russell Punter
If you are familiar with the classic kitty cat nursery rhyme, this would be the perfect book for even the littlest readers. Kitty Kat embarks on a tour of Paris, seeing sights like the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower, and even famous paintings in the Louvre Museum.
Paris Up, Up and Away by Helene Druvert
When the Eiffel Tower is bored and wants to fly away, balloons are strapped to the top of the tower and it takes to the sky exploring all of Paris. I just think of the Disney movie “UP”, but in Paris. The illustrations are absolutely exquisite and made of delicate paper cutouts.
Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris by Kate Knapp
Ruby Red Shoes is an sweet little white hare who loves to drink tea and spend time in nature. And in this second book she travels to Paris with her grandmother, Babushka, for a little vacation. There is no shortage of things to see and do.
Chapter Books Set in Paris or France
*The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
This Caldecott winner is a wildly unique book that’s more than 500 pages long, but about 70% illustrations (stunning illustrations, I might add). It follows Hugo Cabret, a young orphan who lives in a little apartment inside the walls of a Paris train station and he keeps all the clocks in the station running smoothly and on time. In his spare time, he is also working on a secret project, for which he must steal parts from the mechanical toy shop in the train station. But when he’s caught by the grumpy toy shop owner and loses his notebook full of instructions for his secret project, he joins forces with the owner’s goddaughter, Isabelle, to get it back and complete his project. (Full review here)
*The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I don’t know if I could have this list without this classic making the cut. When an aviator’s plane is downed in the Sahara Desert, he encounters a little prince from a small planet. This is a very symbolic book as to what life in France was like during WWII.
*The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
This one of my nonfiction picks for the 2024 Everyday Reading Summer Reading Guide. It was the perfect book to read before our family trip to Paris, and it made the visit to the Louvre more fun (not only does it talk about the theft of the Mona Lisa but also about the painting of it, Leonardo da Vinci, and other famous artists). I had no idea about a lot of this history and it’s fast paced and well done! It’s fun for adults and kids alike!
*The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
This is a classic set in Paris (and I’m never going to say no to Paris), following Armand, an old man who lives on the streets and loves his solitary life. Until he meets a poor mother and her three children and feels drawn to helping them, including sharing his home under the bridge with them. Also, the illustrations are by Garth Williams, who did the illustrations for Charlotte’s Web and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, so you know it’s going to have the coziest, most classic feel.
*City Spies by James Ponti
City Spies is the story of five kids from all over the world brought together to operate out of a secret MI6 base in Scotland, working on cases that adults can’t get anywhere near. It’s clever and funny and fast-paced and a total kid pleaser. In this first book of the 5 book series, the main character is off to a youth summit in Paris, ready to hack her way to victory.
The Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
When the authorities threaten to take away 12-year-old Sophie from her guardian that survived a shipwreck with her and raised her since she was one, they both set out to Paris in search of Sophie’s mother. Along the way they are aided by Matteo and his band of “rooftoppers.”
Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume
Alice Atherton is sent to the French Riviera to live with the Murphy family – which includes their three children and their pet monkey. While there, Alice will meet some of the most amazing luminaries of the time. She will make art with Pablo Picasso, dance with the renowned Ballet Russes, and adventure with F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure by Catherine Aragon
I would say this book is more like a tour guide while you are in Paris. It takes the reader on a scavenger hunt, or “missions”, to some of the most famous places in the city while teaching about the history of the city, the people, and very important landmarks. This would be a fantastic option if you have kids that get a little restless while sightseeing.
Dork Diaries 15: Tales from a Not-so-posh Paris Adventure by Rachel Renee Russell
In this 15th installment of the Dork Diaries series, Nikki has really grown up – she is almost in high school! When she is invited to go to Paris with her bandmates, she is elated. But it seems like disaster after disaster strikes while on their vacation. Will Nikki be able to enjoy her trip like she was hoping to?
Julieta and the Diamond Enigma by Luisana Duarte Armedariz
When a diamond goes missing from the Louvre, it is up to nine-year-old Julieta to identify the thief, exonerate her father, and return home to Boston before her baby brother is born. The back end of the book includes tons of extra facts about the Regent Diamond and many of the works of art mentioned in the book.
The Last Musketeer by Stuart Gibbs
We are huge Stuart Gibbs fans at our house! While Greg is in Paris with his parents selling family heirlooms, hesuddenly finds himself four hundred years in the past. Little did he know he would be joined by boys who will one day be known as “The Three Musketeers.”
Mystery at the Eiffel Tower by Erin Kelly
This book is part of the Carole Marsh Mystery Club and it has everything you would need for the perfect mystery. Famous statues missing from the Louvre, a mysterious woman creeping along the streets, pigeon dropping clues, and even the Eiffel Tower in danger of falling, this book has it all!
The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
After 12-year-old Miriam was separated from her family in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, she must decide whether to save her own life, or risk it to continue to help other Jewish families to safety.
Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Bjork
When Linnea visits the home and garden of Claude Monet at Giverny, France, she learns about the artist’s paintings and his life. I love that this chapter book also includes some illustrations and photographs of the painter and his family as well as examples of his work.
Diva and Flea by Mo Willems and Tony DiTerlizzi
You may know Mo Willems from his hugely popular Elephant & Piggie books, but The Story of Diva and Flea deserve a little spotlight. This colorful illustrated chapter book follows two unlikely friends, a small yet brave dog, Diva, and an adventurous cat named Flea, in the bustling city of Paris.
Greeting from Somewhere: The Stolen Painting by Harper Paris
Mona Lisa and the Others by Alice Harman
If you are planning a trip to the Louvre, this nonfiction book is a must-read! It is narrated by the people in the pictures and they give great background information on each painting and the painters too. Plus, it is full of photos of key paintings and artifacts that you would encounter in the Louvre.
The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz
Crossing paths at an inn, thirteenth-century travelers share the tales of three children: a monastery oblate, a Jewish refugee, and a psychic peasant girl. The tales tell the stories of how the three children join forces on a chase through France to escape persecution.
Dodsworth in Paris by Tim Egan
Early Chapter Book
When Dodsworth and the duck vacation in Paris, they have a grand time despite running out of money and accidentally riding their bicycles in the Tour de France. You can also check out more books about Dodsworth and the duck as they visit London, Rome, and Tokyo!
This Is Paris by M. Sasek
Early Chapter Book
M. Sasek has an entire “This Is…” series that would be great as first travel books for children. It is full of all of the important landmarks in the City of Light. Keep in mind, this was written in 1959, so there are a few places that it references that are no longer around (Les Halles, for example).
39 Clues Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan & Various Authors
Grace Cahill, the last matriarch of the world’s most powerful family, is on her deathbed and makes a quick decision to change her will. Those inheriting anything have to choose between taking a clue or one million dollars. The 39 clues are hidden around the world to reveal the family’s secret to their source of power. Can Dan and Amy put all of the clues together or will they abandon the mission completely to discover what happened to their parents?
And if you’d like a printable copy of this children’s book list set in Paris that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
What a fun idea for a book round up! It would be fun to have an adult list too, particularly romance would be fun!
Oh, it’s coming!
This is such a fun list! So many of our favorites (Madeline, Family Under the Bridge, and more) are on this!
I would add a couple others… Nanette’s Baguette by Mo Willems (it doesn’t directly say it’s in France, but I’m going to assume so 🙂 and The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg (a VERY quirky picture book that we love).
P.S. I’d love to see other lists with different countries. I could easily see an Italy list (with Strega Nona, of course! 🙂
I second the request to see this kind of list with other countries!