5 books to learn or improve your French

There is no shortage of ways to improve your French. Getting into the habit of reading books in Voltaire's language is an interesting solution to consider. It allows readers to improve their language skills while at the same time enjoying the work of French-speaking authors. Nevertheless, before diving into a new book in French, our wonderful teachers always recommend that students start with a book they have already read in their native language to avoid the frustration of not being able to follow the thread of a story.

Our selection of 5 books to read to learn or improve your French.

Le Petit Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A timeless classic, Le Petit Prince is known for its poetic style and universal themes of love, friendship, and human nature. The language is accessible for learners, yet offers plenty of new vocabulary and expressions.

Stupeur et tremblements - Amélie Nothomb

An autobiographical (yet satirical) novel about a part of this Belgian writer’s life, when she worked in Japan. It describes how due to comical cultural misunderstandings, Amélie, who begins at the bottom of the corporate ladder, manages to descend even lower. A superb immersion in Japanese culture but from the point of view of a European.

It was awarded the Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie française in 2001.

Les Misérables - Victor Hugo

While this is a longer read, Les Misérables is a great way to immerse oneself in the richness of the French language and culture.

The story of Jean Valjean’s redemption is moving, and Hugo’s writing, although complex, is rewarding for those looking to dive into classical literature.

Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

A masterpiece in French realism, Madame Bovary follows the life of Emma Bovary, a farmer’s wife who seeks to escape her mundane existence.

Flaubert’s precise and beautifully constructed prose is ideal for advanced learners wanting to refine their French reading skills.

Ensemble, c'est tout - Ana Gavalda

The first best-seller of this renowned French author, “Ensemble, c’est tout” focuses on the lives of four people that seemed to have found each other by the work of destiny: a struggling young artist who works as an office cleaner at night, a young aristocrat misfit, a cook, and an elderly grandmother.

Like other books in this list, this book was adapted as well into a popular film starring Audrey Tautou.

Reading regularly in French can help your make constant progress and greatly enrich your vocabulary. However, being an assiduous reader might not be enough.

If you would like to improve your French in a fast and completely personalized manner, do not hesitate to contact a Swiss French School learning center near you to find out about our unique learning method, guaranteed to allow you to master French in MONTHS and not years.