This is MY recommended list of essential books and movies for understanding French culture. I have personally read/watched each of these and found them entertaining and educational. I recommend these books and movies for anyone who is planning a visit to France or just interested in the French culture. I have spent a lot of time trudging through other very educational sources, but if I found them too dry or too fictional they did not make this list.
Books
A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke
In the Merde for Love by Stephen Clarke
French or Foe by Polly Platt
Almost French by Sarah Turnbull
French Toast by Harriet Welty Rochefort
Is Paris Burning? by Larry Collins & Dominique Lapierre
Return to Paris by Colette Rossant
Movies
Moliere (en subtitles)
Queen Margot (en subtitles)
Napoleon - 4 Part Series
Joan of Arc w/ Leelee Sobieski
Roxy
Les Invalides
Le Musee de Louvre
Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris
Arc de Triomphe
