Paris and books share an age-old romance that has been celebrated in countless tales. For the bibliophile, the city’s literary haunts offer a voyage through time and thought. This curated list guides you through the top 10 bookstores in Paris that are more than shops—they are sanctuaries for the written word and havens for those who love literature.
Perched on the Left Bank with a view of Notre-Dame, Shakespeare and Company is an institution. With its warren of rooms and nooks crammed with books, it has been a meeting place for anglophone writers for decades.
Once a nighttime bookstore, La Hune has reinvented itself in a new location but retains its iconic status. It’s a space where art and literature meet, making it a cultural landmark in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The first English bookshop established on the continent, Librairie Galignani on Rue de Rivoli, offers an impressive selection of English and French literature, with knowledgeable staff and a refined atmosphere.
A Canadian bookstore with a labyrinthine layout, Abbey Bookshop is an eclectic stack of literary treasures. It’s a place where conversation and coffee flow as freely as the Seine.
In the heart of Montmartre, Librairie des Abbesses is a charming local bookstore that reflects the artistic spirit of the neighborhood, offering a carefully curated selection of literature and events.
Established in 1927, Le Divan in the 15th arrondissement is designed like a lounge, encouraging readers to take their time. It boasts a diverse catalog, from French classics to contemporary hits.
Standing at the Place Colette since 1708, Librairie Delamain is one of the oldest bookstores in Paris. It remains a bastion of literary culture, offering a broad range of genres to peruse.
Overlooking the Canal Saint-Martin, La Librairie du Canal is a modern bookstore that has quickly become a favorite for its selection of indie publications and artsy atmosphere.
Not a store but an essential part of Paris’s book culture, the green book boxes lining the Seine’s banks hold volumes of hidden gems, from rare finds to beloved classics.
Within the Galerie Vivienne, Librairie Jousseaume has been a purveyor of fine books since 1826. It’s a place where the past and present merge amongst rows of antique and modern titles.
The bookstores of Paris are more than mere retailers; they are the soul of the city’s rich literary heritage. Each store is a portal into different worlds, offering stories and histories to those who venture through their doors. For the literature lover, these top 10 bookstores are not just stops on a journey, but destinations in their own right, promising endless hours of discovery and delight in the city that has always celebrated the power of the written word.
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