The 9 most fascinating bookstores in Paris

A trip to Paris usually means touring the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or even Disneyland. But if you ask us, you haven’t truly been to the City of Light without visiting the bookstores in Paris.

For centuries, Paris has been a beacon of inspiration for world-famous poets, writers, and artists. But you don’t have to be a bookworm to fall in love with the city’s bevy of bookstores. Whether you’re looking for a delightful read, a picturesque spot, or a snug little nook, Paris is full of librairies that will take your breath away.

So put your reading glasses on and explore some of the best bookshops in Paris.

Where: 5th arrondissement

Along the Seine riverside sits Shakespeare and Company—arguably the most iconic bookstore in Paris. Its hallowed halls have welcomed literary luminaries like Allen Ginsberg, Ernest Hemingway, and more. Described as “a wonderland of books” by author Henry Miller, the shop is a must-see for every Paris visitor.

Stroll around the store with your eyes peeled and you might catch a glimpse of beds tucked between bookshelves. Since its opening in 1951, Shakespeare and Company has welcomed more than 30,000 “tumbleweeds”—guests who stay the night for free in exchange for helping out in the store. Psst, the bookstore is still taking applications.

With its rustic exterior, a visit to this timeless bookshop will fit you right into a scene in Midnight in Paris or Before Sunset. It even houses a cozy café next door for you to grab a drink and (hopefully) chance upon a romantic encounter. And since you’re right in the neighborhood, take a walking tour to explore the area and hear stories about the famous thinkers and writers who made their homes there.

Where: 1st arrondissement

The Librairie Delamain remains the oldest bookstore in Paris, and its understated façade does no justice to its cultural significance. When rising rent rates threatened Delamain to shut down and abandon its storefront, the greater community erupted in support. Backed by the French Minister of Culture and the Académie Française, this independent bookshop is a gem full of local flavor. Be sure to make a stop there on your way from the Louvre to the Comédie Française just across the street.

Where: 19th arrondissement

Browsing books atop a bobbing boat? While L’Eau Et Les Rêves (Water and Dreams) won’t be drifting asea, this buoyed bookshop, located in the belly of a houseboat, is sure to take you on a dreamy journey.

Docked a distance away from the city center, L’Eau Et Les Rêves will have you waving goodbye to crowds of tourists. Hop aboard and say hello to a unique local experience that will leave your Instagram followers green with envy.

Where: 4th arrondissement

The name Azzedine Alaïa is well-known to anyone who loves fashion. Designs by this Tunisian couturier, nicknamed “The King of Cling,” have been seen on Tina Turner, Shakira, Madonna, and Michelle Obama. While Alaïa has sadly passed, you can still make a trip to La Librairie to get a glimpse into the famous designer’s mind.

In homage to the couturier, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation has opened a bookstore that is furnished with works related to fashion, art, design, and photography—all of which can be found in Alaïa’s private collection. Located in the interior courtyard of the house where Monsieur Alaïa lived and worked, La Librairie is a treasure trove for bibliophiles and aspiring designers.

Where: 9th arrondissement

Like every good book, the tale of Brentano’s is filled with numerous ups and downs. This New York City bookstore made its way to Paris in 1887 and was one of the first American-owned businesses to reopen after the Liberation of Paris. While Brentano had to shut its doors in 2008, its story didn’t end there.

The Parisian bookshop was bought and reopened the next year—much to the joy of the city’s avid readers. Today, Brentano’s stands tall in the beautiful Opéra neighborhood, a stone’s throw away from the Palais Garnier.

Apart from books, the store also stocks an assortment of unique gifts, artworks, and greeting cards. If you’re looking to bring home a piece of Paris, Brentano’s might just have what you’re searching for.

Where: 11th arrondissement

Dedicated to those who love literature off the beaten track, Violette and Co. shines a spotlight on lesbian, feminist, and LGBTQ+ writing. The bookstore’s name is a quadruple homage: to French lesbian writer Violette Leduc; to purple, the color of feminism; to violets, a lesbian symbol; and to none other than Shakespeare and Company.

Seeking to connect with a varied audience, Violette and Co. also features books that deal with issues of discrimination in general, as well as children’s books, comics, and trinkets. Drop by on weekends to meet other like-minded readers at the bookstore’s regular book clubs and readings.

Where: 5th arrondissement

Located in the historic Latin Quarter, The Abbey Bookshop is a cozy store tucked into an 18th-century building. Wandering along the bookstore’s aisles will transport you straight into what feels like a wizard’s library—there’s even a basement section.

Don’t speak or read French? You’re in luck. The Abbey Bookshop prides itself in its extensive Anglophone collection, housing over 35,000 English titles. Stop by to hunt for a rare book or have a chat with the friendly owner, who we’ve heard serves a great cup of coffee with a side of tantalizing stories.

With your scholastic appetite fully satiated, why not take a leisurely bike ride and discover other hidden haunts with this bicycle tour around Paris’ best-kept secrets?

Where: 2nd arrondissement

Librairie Jousseaume, the very first tenant of the gorgeous Galerie Vivienne, is full of old-world charm. If you haven’t already been swept away by the passage’s stunning architecture, you’ll be amazed as you ascend the spiral staircase that leads to the mezzanine, which hosts an impressive collection of rare used books.

Where: 1st arrondissement

Just like the nearby Jardin des Tuileries, Librairie Galignani is refined, elegant, and très chic. Its history dates back all the way to the 1800s, making it one of Europe’s oldest bookstores. Yet Galignani’s stock is anything but ancient—the bookshop carries everything from international bestsellers to coffee table books perfect for a Parisian aesthetic.

With a never-ending selection of tomes (in both English and French), not to mention their oh-so-comfortable leather armchairs, Galignani is a bookstore we wish we could stay in forever.

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