Summary
- Why choose a book by level?
- Level A1 — Beginner
- Level A2 — Elementary
- Level B1 — Intermediate
- Level B2 — Advanced
- Level C1 — Independent
- Read, speak, and progress every week
Why choose a book by level?
Reading in French accelerates your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. But to keep it enjoyable and make steady progress, it’s essential to choose a text suited to your level. A novel that’s too difficult is discouraging; too easy, it won’t move you forward. Below, you’ll find a curated selection and practical tips to turn every reading into real progress.
Progress tip: combine reading with speaking practice. Our conversation groups + self-study lessons are designed for that + you get a 7-day free trial.
Level A1 — Beginner: building the pleasure of reading
At this level, aim for short texts, everyday vocabulary and, when possible, an audio version. Children’s picture books, very simple comics and easy readers are perfect.
1) Le Petit Nicolas — René Goscinny
Short stories, humor, school life & friendship
Nicolas’s adventures are easy to read: simple sentences, very useful vocabulary (school, family, emotions) and funny situations that help memorization.
2) Les Trois Mousquetaires (FLE adapted version)
Classic in a simplified version for beginners
Discover D’Artagnan and the musketeers in a progressive adaptation: you enjoy a famous plot while staying within accessible grammar.
A1 tip: read a short chapter each day, then read it aloud.
Level A2 — Elementary: building confidence
You already understand simple sentences; you can aim for short contemporary stories with a direct style, and comics where images clarify meaning.
1) Kiffe kiffe demain — Faïza Guène
Short novel, contemporary language, humor & realism
Lively narration and everyday vocabulary: ideal for getting used to spoken French and familiar turns of phrase without getting lost.
2) Le Petit Spirou (comic)
Comprehension supported by images
Perfect for developing global understanding: you connect image and expression, progress in context and stay motivated through humor.
A2 tip: read a passage, pick out 5 useful expressions, then reuse them out loud. You can practice in our conversation sessions.
Level B1 — Intermediate: finally reading full novels
You can follow a complete plot, handle past tenses and faster dialogues. Take advantage of this to vary genres.
1) L’Élégance du hérisson — Muriel Barbery
Contemporary novel, dual narration
Accessible yet deep: you enrich cultural and emotional vocabulary, with well-paced sentences that lend themselves to reading aloud.
2) Central Park — Guillaume Musso
Modern thriller, fluid dialogues
A fast-moving plot, clear sentences, a very dialog-driven style: perfect for gaining ease in understanding lively scenes.
B1 tip: create a notebook of “model sentences” to reuse. Then switch to speaking in a conversation workshop — 7 days free to try.
Level B2 — Advanced: refine your style
You handle nuances and idioms; aim for novels rich in inner voices, emotions and fine descriptions.
1) Changer l’eau des fleurs — Valérie Perrin
Emotion, portraits, modern language
Poetic and deeply human, this novel trains you to grasp subtext, unspoken meanings and natural expressions.
2) Le jour où j’ai appris à vivre — Laurent Gounelle
Fictionalized personal development
Light, inspiring and very useful for the vocabulary of emotions, psychology and personal reflection.
B2 tip: record 2–3 minutes of your reading and self-correct your pace and liaisons. For feedback from a native teacher, join our courses with teachers.
Level C1 — Independent: read without barriers
You can explore varied styles: contemporary literature, philosophical novels or essays. The goal: polish your style and precision.
1) La Délicatesse — David Foenkinos
Clean style, subtle humor
Short, elegant sentences, modern and idiomatic French: ideal for perfecting written and spoken expression.
2) Les Gratitudes — Delphine de Vigan
Memory, gratitude, transmission
Crystal-clear language and thematic depth: perfect for working on nuance, tone and the musicality of the sentence.
C1 tip: discuss your readings in real French conversations on demanding cultural topics. Our conversation groups (7 days free) are designed for that.
Read, speak, and progress every week
Reading lays the foundations; speaking practice and consistency turn it into results. To anchor the vocabulary from your books and speak more naturally, combine reading with speaking practice with Ohlala French Course:
- Conversation groups in small cohorts;
- Self-study lessons to progress at your own pace;
- Native teachers to correct you and boost your confidence.
