10 Francophile Books to Inspire Your Inner French Girl

I’ve long admired the characteristics of the stereotypical “French girl”. Serene, self-controlled and self-possessed, these attributes often seem to be in short supply in modern society. Yet I believe we can learn these “French girl” traits – and more!- with a bit of diligence. Here are 10 Francophile books to inspire your inner French girl.

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10 Francophile Books
to Inspire Your Inner French Girl

I’ve been studying the ways of the “French Girl” for many years and find much lifestyle inspiration from these beautiful and mysterious creatures. When it comes to “creating a beautiful life”, this blog’s tagline, French girls truly have it figured out.

They seem to intuitively understand how to create a personal lifestyle that suits them. Style, food, home life, relationships and daily rituals are all pursued with care and intention.

While I’ll never be a “French girl”, I do believe anyone can learn a few lessons from these lovely women. Here are 10 of my favorite Francophile books to inspire YOUR inner French girl.

1. Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl

If you are only going to read one book about French women, this would be my top choice. It covers everything from the way they think to how they throw a party. It’s full of practical tips as well as a fun feature – French Girls We Love. These little snippets may very well inspire you to study the lives of a few famous French women.

2. Forever Chic: Frenchwomen’s Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style, and Substance

The French know that beauty doesn’t belong solely to the young. For the over-40 woman, this book is a treasure trove of beauty, charm and style advice for the woman d’un certain âge. I wrote a 9-part book review here on the blog many years ago. You may read it here.

3. Chic & Slim: How Those Chic French Women Eat All That Rich Food and Still Stay Slim

This is, I believe, the first “French women” book I ever read and I treasure my signed copy. Anne Barone writes from personal experience and shares how various aspects of French life create an environment in which being slim is easier.

4. La Seduction: How the French Play the Game of Life

Seduction is vital for the French and encompasses all aspects of life, not just romance. There is much to learn from this one.

5. Lessons From Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris

The author lived in Paris as an exchange student and shares what she learned in these 20 lessons. I wrote a 4-part book review which you can read here.

6. Joie de Vivre: Simple French Style for Everyday Living

I love this book for its gentle wisdom and lovely photos. Reading this book is like sharing a perfect French day with the author.

7. All You Need to Be Impossibly French: A Witty Investigation into the Lives, Lusts, and Little Secrets of French Women

For a light-hearted and amusing look at the topic, this little book is great fun.

8. French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure

Do you ever tire of the incessant chatter of the latest “Diet Du Jour”? Keto, vegan, paleo, South Beach, and on and on… I think there is something to be said for at least considering the way French women eat. After all, while it may not be strictly true that “French women don’t get fat”, they certainly don’t have the degree of weight issues we have here in the U.S.

9. Home Sweet Maison: The French Art of Making a Home

This is the most recent book in this list of recommendations. I read it in 2018 and thoroughly enjoyed it. While many Francophile books focus largely on personal style, this one is an illustrated guide to creating your own French sanctuary. As a Francophile AND a homebody, this one was right up my alley.

10. Mastering the Art of French Eating: From Paris Bistros to Farmhouse Kitchens, Lessons in Food and Love

Finding herself alone in Paris after her husband is called away on an assignment to Iraq, the author turns her attention to French food, “exploring the history and taste of everything from boeuf Bourguignon to soupe au pistou to the crispiest of buckwheat crepes”. This book is a feast.