I spent part of my honeymoon in the French Riviera and it was incredibly beautiful. Lately, I’ve had fun reading a variety of novels that take place in the French Riviera to reminisce on my time there. Some of these novels are lighthearted fiction, some are more gripping historical fiction. But all eight books capture the sunshine, deep cerulean water, ritzy villas, and life of luxury that, to me, characterize the French Riviera.
1. The Lavender Garden by Lucinda Riley
The Lavender Garden by Lucinda Riley is a past-present novel centered around World War II and a beautiful chateau in the Cote d’Azur. Emilie inherits the chateau and vineyard in the south of France where she grew up and begins to solve long-buried family mysteries. I love all of Lucinda Riley’s novels and this one lived up to my high expectations. The story was hard to put down and the setting in the South of France made the novel even more fun to read. If you love a good World War II mystery, you will love The Lavender Garden.
2. Meet Me in Monaco: A Novel of Grace Kelly’s Royal Wedding by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
I love Hazel Gaynor’s novels and this one is no exception. Meet Me in Monaco tells the story of Grace Kelly’s time in the Cote d’Azur, including her glamorous wedding. Perfumer Sophie Duval and photographer James Henderson’s encounter with Grace Kelly ignites a love story filled with adventure, self-sacrifice, and second chances. Along with the page-turning plot, I enjoyed learning more about Grace Kelly, someone I previously knew little about. The setting is in the South of France, particularly Cannes and Monaco.
3. The Sea Garden by Deborah Lawrenson
The Sea Garden by Deborah Lawrenson takes place off the coast of Southern France on the island of Porquerolles. Before reading this book, I had never heard of this lush, beautiful island. I am now inspired to visit the area someday. The book combines three storylines into one compelling plot centered around World War II. I loved reading about the strength and heroism of the women involved in the Resistance, especially set against the backdrop of the countryside in southern France.
4. The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
Have you seen the movie on Netflix? If you have, make sure you read the book as well. The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes really captures the luxury of the French Riviera. The sunshine, stunning villas, deep blue ocean, and carefree spirit described in the book show off the Cote d’Azur at its finest. Although the characters spend limited time in the south of France, this setting plays a central role in the novel’s love story and plot. This book is all around fantastic, just like all of Jojo Moyes’ novels.
5. Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A classic! The roaring ’20s in the French Riviera. Many know F. Scott Fitzgerald for his iconic book, The Great Gatsby, but Fitzgerald said that Tender is the Night is actually the book that means the most to him. He began writing this book while living in France and the story is said to have been inspired by his time here. This is the best novel to read for a look at the golden era in the Cote d’Azur.
6. The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
The Riviera House is another absorbing past-present historical fiction novel centered around World War II. There are so many great historical fiction novels set in France during World War II, but this book’s focus on art makes it unique. Think Monuments Men (book or movie) meets Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden. The setting in the sun-soaked French Riviera, as well as Paris, also makes this book special. The author, Natasha Lester, wrote two of my other favorite books set in World War II France – The Paris Seamstress and The Paris Orphan.
7. Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs
The dual timelines in Map of the Heart take place in present-day Delaware and in war-torn France. The French Riviera setting in the Var includes St. Tropez and Hyeres. Along with her daughter and father, Camille returns to her father’s hometown in the south of France and stumbles upon an unexpected family mystery. This is a fun mother-daughter story of discovering family history together. Highly recommended!
8. Promises to Keep by Patricia Sands
Promises to Keep is the second book in the Love in Provence trilogy by Patricia Sands. This is a romance about living in the moment and enjoying life, despite the problems that may come up. The setting throughout the French Riviera, including the village of Entrevaux, gives a fun overview of the area. I also love that Patricia Sands spends time each year in the South of France and even leads a tour of the South of France for women.
What are your favorite books that take place in the French Riviera? Share in comments!
P.S. My guide to Villefranche-sur-Mer and how I spent one day in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
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