5 French Literature Classics Everyone Should Read

French literature has long been held on a pedestal, and rightly so. Its stories offer a glimpse into the long history, evolving philosophy and rich human experiences that have shaped French culture over the centuries. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just beginning to explore this destination in the world of literature, here are five beloved classic French novels to add to your collection.  

Le Dernier Jour d’un Condamné by Victor Hugo 

At a time where guillotine executions were a form of entertainment as well as punishment, the infamous author, politician and human rights activist Victor Hugo published Le Dernier Jour d’un Condamné (The Last Day of a Condemned Man) in 1829. The first-hand narrative follows a nameless victim’s fears and thoughts in the final six weeks before his execution, describing his life in prison, a failed escape attempt and seeing his daughter for a final time who no longer recognises him. Despite his crime never being openly revealed, it is hinted that he has killed someone and openly admits to being guilty of the crime he is accused of.  

Though this novella is a lesser-known work of Hugo, who penned the renowned Les Misérables some four decades later, it’s a poignant tale that vividly reflects the anguish felt by a man who is confronted with the dark realities of 19^th century French capital punishment. 

Other classics by this author that belong on your shelves: 

Le Bossu de Notre Dame 

Les Misérables 

Read more about Victor Hugo here.

Les Trois Mousquetaires by Alexandre Dumas 

Les Trois Mousquetaires (The Three Musketeers) is undoubtedly one of the most famous adventure tales ever written. It recounts the story of D’Artagnan who leaves his home in Gascony and heads for Paris to join the coveted Musketeers of the Guard. Although he is unable to join the elite group charged with guarding the French royal household, he befriends the three most formidable musketeers of the age, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. After a series of duels, they form an alliance to thwart Cardinal Richelieu’s plans to disgrace their Queen Anne by exposing her affair with the Duke of Buckingham. 

Through bravery, friendship, loyalty and adventure, the newly four musketeers embody their motto: “All for one and one for all!” 

Other acclaimed works by this author: 

Le Comte de Monte Cristo 

Read more about the history behind this novel here.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert 

Although hardly a scandalous topic today, Flaubert’s uncensored depiction of a bored housewife Emma Bovary’s life of infidelity led to the author being put on trial for obscenity after its publication. Though he was eventually acquitted, the scandal ensured that Flaubert’s debut publication earned a lasting place on the shelves of classic French literature. Dreaming of grandeur that her modest doctor husband could not offer, Emma takes inspiration from romantic novels, having affairs with two men and spending money lavishly. 

This classic literary novel depicts the realities of female powerlessness in 19^th Century Bourgeois society, but also serves as a cautionary tale to what happened when women defied the traditional family morals of the time.  

Further work by this author with similar themes: 

L’Éducation Sentimentale 

Read France Today’s review of Madame Bovary here.

Voyage au centre de la Terre by Jules Verne 

First published in 1864, Voyage au centre de la Terre (Journey to the Centre of the Earth) has inspired countless adaptations in both literature and film, yet none is better than the original. The tale follows the eccentric Professor Lidenbrok and his reluctant nephew Axel as they embark on a daring expedition into a volcanic crater in Iceland, determined to reach the Earth’s core. The novel pioneered a new subgenre of time travel in subterranean fiction, where Lidenbrok and Axel encounter prehistoric creatures and other dangers dwelling beneath the surface.  

In this French adventure epic, Jules Verne masterfully blends Victorian science and non-stop excitement and exploration, inspiring generations of writers and making it a must-have for any bookshelf. 

Other adventure tales by this author: 

Le Tour du Monde en 80 Jours 

Read more about Jules Verne here.

L’Étranger by Albert Camus 

No list of French classics would be complete without the works of Albert Camus. L’Étranger, the philosopher’s first novella to be published in 1942, is divided into two parts. It follows Meursault, a settler in French Algeria who kills an unnamed Arab man in Algiers weeks after attending his mother’s funeral. At the start of the story, Meursault appears emotionally detached and indifferent, but during his time in jail while on trial, he is forced to confront the very meaning of his existence. 

Ranked number one by Le Monde in 1999 on its 100 Books of the 20^th Century list, Camus’ classic L’Étranger tackling of life, death and the absurd makes this novella a must-have for anyone who loves thought-provoking French literature. 

Further works by this Author exploring absurdity: 

La Peste 

Le Mythe de Sisyphe 

Watch France Today’s Albert Camus Masterclass here.

Lead photo credit : Flickr: Ancient Books