Classics don't have to be boring. Of course, being French I've read them all in French but I'm sure there are great translations out there. If you can, I'd advise you to try French though as nothing replaces the original music of the language.
Sections
2
General
In French only
General
Probably my favorite hands down. I've read it several times. A fascinating glimpse into the world of the early department stores in Paris.
The Ladies' Paradise| Emile Zola
A fascinating story centered around a courtisan.
Nana| Emile Zola
I imagine Hugo is the best known French classic author in English-Speaking countries.
Les Miserables (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)| Victor Hugo
Another one I've read repeatedly. A sulfurous tale of seduction and deceit.
Dangerous Liaisons| Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
Pure adventure!
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
Another classic of adventure litt. Gripping.
The Count of Monte Cristo (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)| Alexandre Dumas
A queen, jewels and musketeers. The perfect recipe for an adventure novel!
The Queen'S Necklace - Alexandre Dumas
The mysteries of the gentleman robber. I've read them all many times.
The Best Stories of Arsène Lupin| Maurice Leblanc
Draw me a sheep. Poetic and timeless.
Little Prince The Little Prince - Antoine de St Exupéry
Isn't it fascinating how many French classics have been turned into movies or musicals?
The Phantom of the Opera| Gaston Leroux
Another classic adapted many times on the screen but better in written form.
Around the World in 80 Days| Jules Verne
Verne was a visionary in many ways.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)| Jules Verne
Another tale by one of the fathers of sci-fi
Journey to the Center of the Earth| Jules Verne
Evocative of nostalgia and the romantic era.
The Lost Estate (Le Grand Meaulnes)| Alain-Fournier
Can you read poetry in a translation? Anyway, it's one of the most beautiful example of French poetry.
Les Fleurs du Mal: The New Translation by Richard Howard| - Charles Baudelaire
Speaks to my provençal roots.
My Father's Glory & My Mother's Castle: Marcel Pagnol
The Comtesse de Ségur has apparently not been translated into English a lot. “Les malheurs de Sophie” is an educational book all little girls must read. “Le général Dourakine” is an adventure I loved.
Comtesse de Ségur
The slightly sulfurous adventures of a young girl in the early 20th century.
The Complete Claudine: Claudine at School; Claudine in Paris; Claudine Married; Claudine and Annie| Colette
The first book of the iconic Maigret crime series. Very famous in France.
Pietr the Latvian (Maigret Series #1)| George Simenon
The full Jules Verne collection. A must have!
Arcturus Classic Collections: The Classic Jules Verne Collection
In French only
French novels I LOVE which apparently haven't been translated. If you read French, don't hesitate!
One of my favorite books of all times. A historical novel recounting the life of Agnès Sorel, favorite of king Charles VII.
La Dame de beauté| Jeanne Bourin
Another favorite by Jeanne Bourin. Again a historical novel set in the Middle Ages, centered on a love story.
La Chambre des dames| Jeanne Bourin
The sequel to La chambre des dames. Set in 1266, under the reign of king Saint-Louis, a love and intrigue story. Jeanne Bourin is a great writer!
Le Jeu de la tentation| Jeanne Bourin
A great family saga set in 19th century Louisiana. It's a pity it's only in French!
Louisiane, tome 1: Louisiane| Maurice Denuzière
A series I've read over and over again to the point of almost destroying the book. The adventures of noble warriors in Ancient Egypt.
Les Vergers D'Osiris| Guy Rachet
The story of Madame de Maintenon, favorite of Louis XIV in his later years.
