Whether you like books or not, bookshops are among the best places to visit in Paris.
To truly discover a city, you must open yourself up to it and be willing to be overwhelmed by the unique emotions it might evoke.
Paris is one of the world's most literate cities. Many of the greatest novelists, playwrights, poets, and philosophers have passed through its streets and bistros. So, what better venue to learn about the historical and present happenings of this great city than the Parisian bookstores?
Whether you like books or not, bookshops are among the best places to visit in Paris. They represent a great place to go on a unique tour by yourself or with friends or family. Classic books, collections of poems in the original language, and valuable collections of antique volumes can all be found here, but you can also enjoy the unique Parisian ambiance, which will make your visit unforgettable.
It is a city of many virtues, which can be found in art, architecture, fashion, and delicious food. But among the cool things to do in Paris you should discover its hidden corners that are always revealing fresh and unexpected mysteries. In fact, bookshops are not just for those who want to read, but also for those who want to see the city from views other than the more traditional ones.
There are numerous bookshops in Paris, each with its own distinct characteristics that make it unique and fascinating. Even in our era dominated by digitization, books have the potential to collect amazing individuals around them and create landscapes in which time seems to stand still.
Between French and foreign literature, old, rare, and modern books, classic and unexpected stories, and gathering places that promote knowledge and conversation. If you are looking for interesting ideas on what to do in Paris, here you will find an unrivalled itinerary that will take you to 5 of Paris' top bookstores and provide you with a new reason to explore the city streets enjoying them through new eyes.
Shakespeare & Company
It would be impossible to begin this short but powerful tour without visiting the city's most famous and historic bookstore, Shakespeare & Company.
It's located in the Sorbonne Neighbourhood, in the V arrondissement, right across the Seine from Notre-Dame Cathedral, at the entrance to the Latin Quarter. It has had a tumultuous past. From 1921 through 1941, this bookshop, founded by the American Sylvia Beach in 1919, was regarded as a centre of Anglo-American culture in Paris.
It was a favourite haunt of writers like Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, and Gertrude Stein, and has since become a literary and historical legend.
The bookstore was shuttered in 1941 owing to German occupation, but George Withman revived it in 1951 under the name of Le Mistral at a new location. On the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth in 1964, it will be given the name it still has today.
Sylvia, Withman’s daughter, who took over and now runs the bookstore, has been able to revitalize it by arranging enormously successful cultural festivals.
A location where you may enjoy free reading, special activities, and memorable memories. All of this makes it one of the best places to visit in Paris.
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France.
Abbey Bookshop
A few minutes' walk away, again in the Sorbonne Neighbourhood, we arrive to Abbey Bookshop, a must-visit bookstore. It has been a cultural epicentre for Canadians, English speakers, and fans of English literature and culture from all over the world in the last thirty years.
Brian Spence, a Toronto native who made the transoceanic adventure to launch his Parisian bookstore, founded the store in 1989. It has more than 35,000 volumes spanning from academic to popular literature.
The street where it is located was previously known as rue des Escrivains, after the scribes who were once at the core of Parisian business but were gradually eclipsed. The Abbey Bookshoop has reintroduced the book trade to this ancient thoroughfare.
It's the ideal location for those who want lavish old bookstores. It is one of the places to go in Paris that are distant from the tourist crowds yet still in the heart of the city. The business appears little from the outside, but once inside, it transforms into a maze of piles and shelves crammed with books.
The owner is very friendly, offers you coffee or tea, and is there to answer any questions or give you a fascinating narrative about the neighbourhood.
Address: 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris, France.
Jousseaume
We move to the second arrondissement of Paris, which is a different part of the city (second district), more specifically in the Sentier Neighbourhood, where you will find the Jousseaume bookshop, named for the gentleman who took over the firm in 1880.
The sign says "Librairie Ancienne & Moderne" and is placed in the heart of the Galerie Vivienne, one of the not to be missed Paris attractions. It opened in 1828 and has kept its antique furniture throughout the years, including the shop windows, the sign, and the traditional wooden shelves. It is the gallery's oldest and most successful shop.
It has a huge variety of works that span the years 1700 to the present. Not just books, but treasures that have stood the test of time and passed down the stories, events, and characters of the past.
This bookshop specializes in rare and second-hand books, where you may find all kind of topics: history, travel, literature, poetry, theatre, and music.
Between those walls, you will surely perceive a mysterious atmosphere.
If you visit during the Christmas season, you'll notice that the entire store, both inside and out, is decked out in festive decorations and lights, making the library even brighter and more distinctive. It's a fascinating place where you may meet artists from all over the world.
Address: 45-46-47 Galerie Vivienne 75002 Paris, France.
Librairie des Abbesses
Let’s continue our tour that leads us to the Librairie des Abbesses, located in the famous Montmartre district.
This is also an independent library, opened by its owner, Mare-Rose Guarniéri in 1997. The foundress’ desire has always been to give her contribution to what she defines as “intellectual resistance”. In this way, the red and black library has become part of the political and cultural history of the district.
Marie-Rose, also known among the district as “the resistant bookseller”, did not just stop at the management of her store, but she is also foundress of the Wepler-La Poste Foundation, the Festival of the Library of Independent Booksellers and the Flâneries littéraires (literary walks).
On these occasions, the public is welcomed to walk in the company of writers and artists, where the author's figure is placed in the centre and heads the visitor's walk.
The strength and extravagance of this bookseller can be felt within the store's walls and in every book on its shelves. She will be able to share her passion for books and the written word with you, both modern and ancient authors, from whom she claims she has learned the fundamental meaning of life.
Address: 30 Rue Yvonne le Tac, 75018 Paris, France.
La Belle Hortense
La Belle Hortense, a literary café as well as a bookshop, brings our journey to a close.
It is located in the Le Marais district, on the right side of the Seine, and is consistently characterized by pre-revolutionary architecture.
It is distinguished by a large blue window that draws attention and represents a refuge from the craziness of Paris. You'll be greeted by a friendly ambiance, and you may treat yourself to a hot drink or a good glass of wine with friends while reading a few books.
It is undoubtedly one of the most popular locations among Parisians, thanks to its tiny traditional dishes and the time-honoured combination of cheeses and cold meats. With the books, collections of poems, and stories contained in all those pages, this is a place to thrill the palate as well as nurture the spirit.
This library is unique in that it caters to the demands of even the most ardent night owls, as it is open until 2 a.m. A charming and interesting way to end a lovely evening.
Address: 31, rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris, France
If living in Paris, you want to go on a different tour than usual, or if you want to surprise someone with a unique experience, it's time to explore the city's best and most beautiful bookstores.
