Whether you’re looking for a page-turner to last you an afternoon on the beach, an epic read to see you through to the autumn or perhaps just a bit of Gallic inspiration for the kitchen, The Local has compiled a list of ten of the best books about France to keep you occupied this summer, as recommended by people who know a thing or two about France and books.

We asked seven renowned authors and writers who have all written about France themselves and staff at three English-language bookshops to pick their favourites.

Whether it's a crime thriller, a French classic or the memoirs of a famous writer, they have come up with 10 great reads to help you pass the summer away.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR GALLERY OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS ABOUT FRANCE.

The authors who have contributed to the list include Stephen Clarke, author of the best-selling 'In the Merde' series and columnist and TV producer Samantha Brick, who is also the author of Head Over Heels in France – Falling in love with the Lot.

Also on our literary panel is Helena Frith Powell who is the author of several books about France including Two Lipsticks and a Lover which explores the secrets behind French style and taste and best-selling author Pamela Druckerman, the author of Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting.

US Paris-based cookbook author and chef David Lebovitz, author of The Sweet Life in Paris also chooses his favourite culinary read about France.

British writer and journalist Peter Gumbel, whose latest book “France’s Got Talent: The Woeful Consequences of French Elitism is causing a stir and Matthew Fraser, whose recently published book Home Again in Paris, a personal memoir about his return to live in France after two decades, also name their picks for the best books.

And of course, we couldn't go without consulting staff at the world-famous Shakespeare & co. bookshop in Paris, founded in 1951 by American George Whitman. We also spoke to staff at the American-owned bookshops Brentano's, which has been running since 1895, and the Cannes English Bookshop.

Do you agree with the authors selections? What would you have picked? Let us know in the comments section below.