Fiction
The Avignon Quintet, Lawrence Durrell, 1974 -1985
This series of five novels by famed British author Lawrence Durrell are layered examinations of writing and World War II with parts set in France.
The Bay of Angels, Anita Brookner, 2001
A novel by Booker-Prize-winning author about a woman having to face hard truths while vacationing in Nice.
Bonjour Tristesse, Francoise Sagan, 1953
Classic French coming-of-age story set on the Riviera.
Break of Day, Colette, 1928
Originally published as La Naissance du Jour, this memoir was written when Colette was in her fifties and living in St. Tropez. It is full of her poetic musings on life, love and beauty as well as the allure of the French Riviera.
Tender Is the Night, F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1933
The classic tale of artists and “the lost generation” living it up on the French Riviera.
The Mysterious Mr. Quin, Agatha Christie, 1930
Murder and intrigue on the Riviera.
Nonfiction
Everybody Was So Young: Gerald and Sara Murphy, A Lost Generation, Amanda Vaill, 1998
The beautifully written story of a spoiled American couple who finds glamour and loses their way on the French Riviera.
Queen Victoria and the Discovery of the French Riviera, Michael Nelson, 2001
Queen Victoria could be called the first celebrity to visit the French Riviera and those following in her footsteps made it the ultimate holiday destination. A brief history of its emergence.
On Provence, Henry James, 2014. A lovely small collection of writings by Henry James on the region where he found many days of happiness.
