10 Best French Books for Beginners in 2025
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If you’re learning French, one of the most effective (and enjoyable) ways to improve is through reading. Not grammar drills or textbooks, but real French literature that immerses you in the rhythm and romance of the language.
Of course, finding the right book as a beginner can be tricky. You want something that challenges you just enough to make progress, but not so much that you lose the joy of the story.
After years of studying French in school and living abroad in France, I’ve discovered a mix of books that do exactly that. Some are beloved classics I read as a student, and others came as recommendations from French friends and colleagues.
All of them are relatively accessible and perfect if you want to build confidence in your reading skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are 10 of the best French books for beginners, stories that will help you fall in love with the language and get you closer to fluency.
1. Le Petit Nicolas by René Goscinny
First up (and in my opinion, one of the best French beginner books if you’re just starting out) is Le Petit Nicolas.
It follows a little boy, Nicolas, and his everyday adventures with his friends. The stories are funny, simple, and because they’re told from Nicolas’ perspective, the grammar and vocabulary are very beginner-friendly.
Even if you’re around an A1 or A2 level, you’ll understand most of it. Another plus: the chapters are short so you won’t burn out trying to get through long passages.
Le Petit Nicolas is actually just the first in a whole series! There are several Le Petit Nicolas books that follow Nicolas through summer vacations, back to school, getting into trouble, hanging out with friends, and many more childhood moments that are both relatable and so much fun to read in French.
2. Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Another French classic you can’t skip is Le Petit Prince. Everyone in France knows this story and its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who is one of the country’s most celebrated figures.
Technically, it’s a children’s book, but it’s also deeply poetic and philosophical, written in a way that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Another fun fact: Le Petit Prince is the most translated book in the world after the Bible (published in over 600 languages and dialects!).
Each short chapter follows the Little Prince as he travels to different planets, meeting adults whose curious behaviors often leave him puzzled. The language is simple and lyrical, making it easy for beginners to follow, but beneath the surface, the story explores deeper themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
It’s a rite of passage for every French learner!
If you’re ready to read it yourself, I found a free PDF of the story that you can start reading right away: Le Petit Prince (PDF)
3. L’Étranger by Albert Camus
Another must-read is L’Étranger by Albert Camus, one of the most classic French books ever written.
It’s short, the vocabulary is simple, and the sentences are clean and direct. I’d recommend this if you’re closer to a B1 level, but even as a beginner, it’s worth trying.
The story follows Meursault, a young man living in French Algeria who is on trial for killing an Arab man (and his lack of emotion).
Even its opening line is legendary and highly discussed: “Aujourd’hui, maman est morte.” (“Today, Mother died.”)
Beyond language, L’Étranger offers a good introduction to French existentialism and the cultural movement that shaped much of 20th-century France. If you want to understand the French mindset (their fascination with philosophy, individuality, and emotion) this book is the perfect place to start.
4. Harry Potter à l’école des sorciers by J.K. Rowling
This one might surprise you, but Harry Potter in French!
When I first started learning French, one of the best tips I got from my professors was to read books I already knew in English. Since you’re already familiar with the story, you can focus on the language without getting lost.
I actually found a French copy of Harry Potter at a secondhand bookstore back in the U.S., and I absolutely devoured it.
Of course, if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, pick something you already love in English. The more familiar the story, the easier it’ll be to follow along in French.
Another thing to note: popular books are usually easier to find in French, so consider bestsellers or even some of your childhood favorites when choosing a title.
Reading translated books is a great way to expand your vocabulary while still enjoying a story you know and love. And if you already have the English version, you can easily compare sentences and learn how ideas translate between the two languages.
5. Contes de Charles Perrault
Did you know that many famous fairytales (like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood) are actually French? If you’re up for a beginner-friendly challenge, try reading the original versions written by Charles Perrault.
I will warn you, the grammar can feel a bit old-fashioned, but the stories are familiar enough to follow easily. They might not teach you everyday vocabulary, but they’re undeniably part of French culture (and frankly, it’s fun to say you read them in the original language!)
If you enjoy fairytales but want something simpler and more modern, check out Geoffroy de Pennart’s Le Loup est Revenu and his other children’s books that reimagine classic fairytales.
They make excellent beginner French books for adults and are full of references to characters you already know (like the Big Bad Wolf).
6. La Gloire de Mon Père by Marcel Pagnol
A little more advanced but absolutely worth it, La Gloire de Mon Père (My Father's Glory) is an autobiographical novel about Marcel Pagnol’s childhood in Provence and his relationship with his father.
The vocabulary is practical, covering everyday life, family, and nature, and the narrative is light and easy to follow. I found this book to be the perfect bridge between beginner and intermediate reading.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I even included this one on my French summer reading list!
Once you’ve finished the book, I highly recommend watching the 1990 film adaptation directed by Yves Robert, who also directed the sequel My Mother’s Castle and the acclaimed French New Wave film Cléo from 5 to 7. The movie received fantastic reviews and complements the book nicely.
7. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
You’ve definitely heard of this one. Les Misérables is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. It’s a timeless story about love, justice, and redemption, and a great introduction to French storytelling.
Now, the original French epic by Victor Hugo is definitely not the easiest read, but there are abridged and simplified editions that are designed specifically for beginners. These versions help you enjoy the story without getting lost in complex language.
I found this beginner-friendly edition designed for A2 learners that includes definitions of difficult words right on the page, plus audio, comprehension exercises, thematic sheets, and integrated corrections.
It’s a great way to dive into classic French literature all while building your language skills.
8. Les Aventures de Tintin by Hergé
Comics are some of the best books for beginners in French, especially if you have a visual learning style. Even if you don’t understand every word, you have illustrations to offer clues.
One comic series to check out is Les Aventures de Tintin (The Adventures of Tintin), which follows Tintin, a courageous young Belgian reporter and his dog Snowy (or Milou in the French edition). The series includes 24 comic albums created by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, who wrote under the pen name, Hergé.
The drawings make the story easy to follow even if your French is still basic. Plus, the dialogues are perfect for picking up everyday expressions you’ll actually hear in spoken French.
If you enjoy Tintin, you might also like other famous French-language comics like Astérix and Lucky Luke. Fun fact: most of them actually come from Belgium!
9. Short Stories in French for Beginners by Olly Richards
If you want something more structured and designed specifically for learning, this book is perfect.
Short Stories in French for Beginners was written especially for students at beginner to intermediate levels with stories that are both practical and most importantly, enjoyable.
Mapped to A2–B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, the book features eight entertaining stories that help you progress in reading French. Each one focuses on common grammar patterns and beginner-level vocabulary that you need to know.
It’s practical, approachable, and far more fun than a textbook. Plus, if you’re not ready to open that full-length novel right away, these short stories are very manageable.
I haven’t read this exact French edition, but I did try the German version in the same series. For me, it was the perfect stress-free way to start reading in a new language.
10. Folio bilingue Books
If you’re the kind of reader who constantly checks Google Translate, bilingual books are definitely worth checking out.
I particularly like the Folio bilingue collection that has English on one page and French on the other (facing each other for quick comparisons). You can check words instantly without breaking your reading flow.
The series includes a mix of classic texts (Orwell, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, etc.) and contemporary works (Capote, Borges, De Luca, etc.). You’ll find short stories, novels, poems, and more.
When I lived in Paris, I picked up a few of these from Shakespeare & Co. including Animal Farm by Geroge Orwell.
You don’t have to stick to this exact series, either. There are plenty of other French books for beginners with English translations, and I’ve included some of my favorites from Amazon below.
Shop English-to-French Books
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my picks for the 10 best French beginner books in 2025.
One thing I was always told as a French student: once you’ve got the basics down, learning French is all about input i.e. reading, listening, and immersing yourself in the language.
Textbooks can only take you so far, but reading helps build intuition, expand vocabulary, and get a feel for the rhythm of the language. If you can, read a little each day (even if it’s just a few pages).
And if you’re just starting out, don’t worry about understanding every word. What matters is consistency and curiosity. Start small, reread, and celebrate every chapter you finish. Bonne lecture !
Do you have any good French books for beginners that helped you when you started learning? Let me know in the comments below.
