There’s nothing like a good book to transport you to another time and place — especially when there are beautiful photos involved. For those moments when you’re longing for France, it helps to have a ready supply of French-inspired coffee table books to give you your Francophile fix. Here are nine of my favorite coffee table books about France. (I’ve included Amazon links, but as always, please support your local bookshops!)
1. French House Chic by Jane Webster
This glimmering gold book is absolutely gorgeous inside and out, which is why it’s been a centerpiece of my coffee table for years. Jane Webster is an Australian woman who bought a derelict chateau and moved to France with her family in 2005. If you’re not following her, do so tout suite — she’s a huge inspiration. French House Chic offers an insider’s look at a number of incredible private French homes, from Parisian apartments to country estates. All along, Jane shares her expert insights into implementing French style into your own home.
2. An American in Provence by Jamie Beck
Jamie Beck is another favorite Instagram follow for me — she moved to Provence on a whim and is now raising her daughter there, documenting every beautiful moment with her family. An American in Provence is chock full of her signature painterly photographs (two of which are at the top of this post), sharing her story of moving to and settling into life in France. Think of it as a mix between an art book, travelogue, memoir, and cookbook. Be sure to check out her newest book as well, The Flowers of Provence.
3. Provence Style: Decorating with French Country Flair by Shauna Varvel
This book is an intimate glimpse of life at Le Mas des Poiriers, an 18th-century Rhône Valley farmhouse lovingly restored by American Shauna Varvel and her family. Readers get to peek into every corner of this incredible property, inside and out, along with other inspiring homes in the region.
4. Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life by Ajiri Aki
American expat Ajiri Aki is the founder of the lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison. Basically she lives my dream life of scouring brocantes for beautiful antiques and table linens, and then reselling them. In this book, she shares her inspirational story along with very actionable advice for bringing the French joie de vivre into your own life, wherever you are.
5. Timeless Paris: Ateliers Emporiums Savoir Faire by Marin Montagut
I visited Marin Montagut’s joyful little shop the last time we were in Paris, and I immediately proclaimed it one of my favorite shops ever — it was such a delight to browse. In this book, the artist and designer highlights 20 Parisian studios and shops where artisans handcraft and sell their exquisite wares.
6. Paris Chic by Alexandra Senes and Oliver Pilcher
Simple and chic, this book is a pure celebration of Paris. From quaint bistros and artist studios to sophisticated private homes, photographer Oliver Pilcher offers readers a local’s look into the City of Light.
7. Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson
An oldie but goodie published in 2012, this sweet little book by photographer Nichole Robertson is simply beautiful photos of Paris categorized by color. I’ve definitely been inspired by Nichole’s approach to travel photography in my own travels, and I love looking out for color trends when I’m out and about exploring.
8. The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta
Journalist Lindsey Tramuta looks at the real Paris in this book — beyond the well-trodden tourist track. With profiles of creative locals in the world of food, fashion, and design, she paints a portrait of a vibrant, modern city that many visitors completely overlook.
9. Chanel: Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott
This book looks at the House of Chanel’s private archives, revealing designs created by Coco Chanel from the 1920s and beyond. It’s divided into five sections exploring the suit, the camellia, jewelry, fragrances and makeup, and the little black dress. Throughout, you’ll see previously unpublished photos and illustrations from the Chanel archives.
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