Being in social isolation doesn’t stop us dreaming of all the places we’d like to visit; in fact, now we’ve got even more time to daydream. Escape on a virtual vacation to bring a little piece of France to your living room.
Whether you’re after passion and fashion in the capital, picture-perfect rustic rural villages, or sweeping historical and gastronomic tours, France’s culture, countryside, and cuisine make it one of the most visited countries in the world.
While you may not be able to hop on a plane for a romantic break, a week by the sea, or a wine tour right now, there’s a vast selection available when it comes to French films and literature in particular. Therefore, start your French day off right: put a croissant in the oven (or some hot chocolate in a bowl) and curl up with one of our suggestions below.
Light Relief
Amélie (2001): This French rom-com starring Audrey Tautou as a young Parisian is charming, emotional, and funny. Its message about taking joy from the simple things in life – popping bubble wrap being one example – is one we can all hopefully take something positive from at the moment.
A Good Year (2006): Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, this film’s tagline is “Sometimes it takes a change of scenery to have a change of heart.” The beautiful scenery will seduce you, even if Russell doesn’t.
The Chorus (French: Les Choristes, 2004): This sweet and enjoyable film set in a French boarding school tells a heart-warming story inspired by the origin of the boys’ choir The Little Singers of Paris, with a soundtrack that evokes a local choir recital in a small French village.
I Lost My Body (2019): This French animated feature has an unusual plot: the story of a disembodied hand trying to reunite with its body, traveling through Paris to find its owner. Based on Guillaume Laurant’s book, Happy Hand, it’s an original and uplifting story you won’t forget in a hurry.
Tear Jerkers
Moulin Rouge (2001): More than a vehicle for Ewan MacGregor’s singing voice and set in a seedy cabaret (which you can still visit in Montmartre), this musical depicts a darker Paris, filled with glamour but ultimately grounded in tragedy. With great performances and incredible costumes, this film is everything you’d expect from a Baz Luhrmann production and more.
Untouchable (French: Intouchables, 2011): A massive box office hit in France, it tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his unconventional caregiver. Inspired by a true story, it tackles issues of race and disability, firmly placing it in the “feelgood” category.
Darker Viewing
Rust and Bone (French: De rouille et d’os, 2012): Set in Antibes, this powerful French-Belgian romantic drama depicts a distressing storyline where Marion Cotillard suffers a terrible workplace accident and the film charts her survival and the relationship she forms with a single father played by Matthias Schoenaerts.
A Prophet (French: Un prophète, 2009): A hard-hitting French crime drama that tells the story of a young Muslim man incarcerated in a prison in Marseilles. It offers a gritty look at the prison system in contemporary France, illuminated by its illiterate but intelligent protagonist. For those who enjoy crime dramas and are searching for a binge-worthy series, we also recommend Engrenages (Spiral), a French police drama set in Paris.
Edith Piaf
Edith Piaf is likely the most famous French singer of all time, with “Non, je ne regrette rien” being one of her most iconic recordings. It’s a wonderfully melodramatic song perfect for singing along. You may be tempted to explore further with La Vie en rose (2007), which chronicles her life.
Christophe Maé
If you’re in the mood for something more modern and uplifting, you should listen to Christophe Maé’s Mon Paradis album. Imagine sitting by a pool, with the Mediterranean sun on your face, sipping Provençal rosé—it’s impossible not to feel cheered up. For a more contemporary electronic vibe, check out Christine and the Queens.
Classics
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo is the classic French masterpiece, illustrating the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean. Set in early 19th-century France, it starkly portrays poverty and features a memorable cast of characters. This lengthy novel remains a highlight in literary history, and if you’re not ready to tackle it now, consider watching the 2012 epic film directed by Tom Hooper.
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway is a memoir detailing his experiences as a young writer in 1920s Paris while married to his first wife, socializing with figures like Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein. Hemingway’s vivid portrayal of Parisian life is captivating, and for a modern, female perspective on Hemingway’s relationships, consider Mrs Hemingway by Naomi Wood.
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a beautifully evocative novel that provides insight into Fitzgerald’s relationship with his wife Zelda. Set against the stylish backdrop of the glamorous French Riviera, the story unveils the disintegration of the couple’s marriage.
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan, written when the author was just 18, outlines a schoolgirl’s summer romance. This thought-provoking novel sparked a controversy upon its initial publication, also featuring a captivating opening.
Travel Writing
A Year In Provence is considered one of the most popular travel narratives ever written. Penned by Peter Mayle, who also wrote A Good Year, it’s a gently amusing memoir that paints an inspiring picture of life in rural Provence, encouraging many to seek a simpler lifestyle in the south of France.
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell features a stark portrayal of these two cities; the portion set in France offers a unique perspective.
Historical Fiction
Pure by Andrew Miller tells the tale of Jean-Baptiste Baratte, a young engineer tasked with exhuming the vast Les Innocents cemetery in Paris. Its gruesome subject matter makes for distressing yet fascinating reading, providing insight into an obscure aspect of historical Paris.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind is another gripping thriller, set in 18th-century France.
Join Us in France: A Podcast About All Things French
Episodes cover travel advice, attractions, and much more.
The Earful Tower: Hosted by an Australian expat, this podcast reveals insights into French life through interviews with locals.
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Bonjour – Hello
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Oui, s’il vous plait – Yes, please
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Non, merci – No, thank you
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Pardon, excusez-moi – Apologies, excuse me
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Parlez-vous anglais? – Do you speak English?
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Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand
French Language Resources
Duolingo: Specializes in bite-size, quick lessons.
If this has whet your appetite for a true taste of France, why not try perfecting the macaron using this recipe? Although they might require a bit of practice, could there be a chicer snack?
While Ernest Hemingway wasn’t a Parisian by birth, his passion for the city led him to invent Death in the Afternoon, a cocktail inspired by two of France’s greatest libations – champagne and absinthe. You can learn how to create it at home with this recipe and other classic travel-inspired cocktails.
The Louvre
The Palace of Versailles
Mont Blanc
Lavender Fields, Provence
Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel, and Hermès are some of the most recognized French brands, but you can enjoy French fashion without splurging. Additionally, France’s culinary scene offers ample choices to satisfy even the pickiest gourmets. Explore online shopping with French stores that ship internationally (please note some delays or restrictions may apply due to current circumstances).
