When I decided to embark on the MyParisTouch adventure, I knew that helping my clients relocate successfully wasn’t just about finding them the perfect apartment or handling paperwork—it was about making them feel at home in France.
To do that, I needed to truly understand their expectations, frustrations, and the cultural shocks they might experience. That’s why I devoured countless books on the differences between French and Anglo-Saxon cultures. I wanted to get inside their mindset, anticipate what might surprise (or irritate!) them, and help them navigate life in Paris with a little more ease and humor.
Beyond being useful for my work, this topic has become a true passion. The way history, language, and traditions shape a country’s way of thinking fascinates me. Why do the French love debating everything? Why is bureaucracy such an art form here? And why, oh why, is saying bonjour before asking a question such a big deal?
If you’re also curious about these cultural quirks—or if you’re preparing for a move to France—here are some books to help you decode the French mindset. I mostly propose the one’s I have read but also some I have heard about. Some are fictiions other are more essays with serious and detailed contents.
📚The Bonjour Effect – Julie Barlow & Jean-Benoît Nadeau
👉 Perfect for: Anyone who has ever wondered why saying bonjour is practically a law in France. 💡 What you’ll learn: How the French actually communicate (hint: it’s not just about words, it’s about rules).
If you’ve ever felt like your perfect French was somehow…not quite landing in Paris, this book will explain why. Barlow and Nadeau break down how the French use conversation as a game, why debates are a national sport, and how one simple bonjour can make or break an interaction. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to avoid cultural missteps and truly connect with the French.
📚Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong – Jean-Benoît Nadeau & Julie Barlow
👉 Perfect for: Curious minds who want to understand the French beyond stereotypes. 💡 What you’ll learn: Why the French think and act the way they do, from politics to social norms.
This book takes a deep dive into French history, culture, and mindset, explaining why the French are so…French. From bureaucracy to national pride, Barlow and Nadeau explore how centuries of history have shaped France’s unique way of life. If you want to truly understand the French (or at least try), this book is essential.
📚Au Contraire! Figuring Out the French – Gilles Asselin & Ruth Mastron
👉 Perfect for: Business professionals and expats navigating French work culture. 💡 What you’ll learn: The hidden cultural codes that define French interactions.
This book provides an insightful look at the fundamental cultural differences between French and Anglo-Saxon ways of thinking. It’s particularly useful for professionals who need to understand the subtleties of French communication, decision-making, and business etiquette.
📚French or Foe? Getting the Most Out of Visiting, Living and Working in France – Polly Platt
👉 Perfect for: Expats and travelers looking to avoid cultural faux pas. 💡 What you’ll learn: The key to understanding (and surviving) French social customs.
Polly Platt’s book is an essential survival guide for anyone moving to France. She breaks down the unwritten rules of French culture, from making friends to dealing with bureaucracy. Full of practical advice and entertaining anecdotes, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to integrate smoothly into French life.
📚One Year in the Merde – Stephen Clarke
👉 Perfect for: Those who appreciate humor with their cultural insights. 💡 What you’ll learn: The comedic realities of expat life in Paris.
Stephen Clarke’s hilarious account of his year living in Paris provides a satirical yet insightful look at the challenges of adapting to French culture. From linguistic mishaps to unexpected bureaucracy, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a humorous take on expat life. Stephen wrote other books about his adventure in France.
📚French Children Don’t Throw Food – Pamela Druckerman
👉 Perfect for: Parents, educators, or anyone fascinated by French parenting. 💡 What you’ll learn: Why French kids sit still in restaurants and eat everything on their plate (yes, even broccoli!).
Pamela Druckerman, an American journalist, moves to Paris and is stunned by how effortlessly French parents seem to raise well-behaved children. No tantrums in restaurants, no endless negotiations over bedtime—what’s their secret? This book dives into the philosophy behind French parenting, where patience, independence, and le cadre (a structured framework) are key. It’s a must-read if you’re raising children in France or just want to understand why French kids seem so…grown-up.
📚How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are – Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret & Sophie Mas
👉 Perfect for: Anyone who wants to channel their inner Parisian. 💡 What you’ll learn: The art of effortless chic, sarcasm, and never admitting you care too much.
This witty and stylish book, written by four effortlessly cool Parisian women, is part fashion guide, part lifestyle philosophy, and part cultural manifesto. It breaks down what it really means to be Parisian—from the importance of perfectly undone hair to why Parisians never smile too much (hint: mystery is key). If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of being nonchalantly fabulous, this book is for you.
📚Almost French – Sarah Turnbull
👉 Perfect for: Those dreaming of moving to Paris. 💡 What you’ll learn: The real ups and downs of life as an expat in France.
Sarah Turnbull, an Australian journalist, moves to Paris for love—and quickly realizes that adapting to French life isn’t as easy as sipping wine on a terrace. From fashion rules to Parisian social circles, this memoir is both hilarious and insightful. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a real (and often funny) take on what it’s like to be a foreigner in France.
📚The Sweet Life in Paris – David Lebovitz
👉 Perfect for: Food lovers and expats alike. 💡 What you’ll learn: The delicious, frustrating, and funny realities of Parisian life.
David Lebovitz, a former pastry chef at Chez Panisse, shares his journey of moving to Paris and adapting to its unique (and often exasperating) culture. With humor and mouthwatering recipes, this book is a delightful read for anyone who loves food and French culture.
Final Thoughts
Adapting to France isn’t just about learning the language—it’s about understanding the mindset. Whether you’re moving to Paris or just fascinated by French culture, these books will give you a deeper appreciation (and a few laughs) along the way.
So, which one will you read first? Let me know in the comments! And if you need help navigating Parisian life, MyParisTouch is here to make your transition as smooth as a perfectly poured café crème. ☕🇫🇷