5 Paris Book Stores You Have To See

There’s no denying that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There’s so much to see here, but one thing every bibliophile should do is check out their book stores. They have an incredible array of unique stores that have to be seen to be believed. Here’s some of the best in Paris that you’ll want to visit.

San Francisco Book Co.

This book store is perfect for English speakers, as it specialises in English texts. It’s a cosy little store, packed floor to ceiling full of books. It’s so easy to get lost among the shelves and browse titles for an afternoon, that’s for sure.

The staff here are very knowledgeable too, and ready to help. Ask them for their recommendations, and you’ll find something new to enjoy on your trip to Paris.

2. Librairie Jousseaume

This quaint book store is located in the stunning Galerie Vivienne, and has almost everything you could want as a book lover. It has a real old world feel, and you’ll love browsing through their books. Their outdoor selection is sorted alphabetically, so you’re going to find titles with ease. You can also pick through their postcards if you want to send one home.

Want to be a real Parisian? “Treat yourself to a book here, and read it at the next door Legrand wine cellar” says Leslie Peterson, a travel writer at Elite Assignment Help and Revieweal. “What’s better than a glass of wine and a good book?”

3. Shakespeare And Company

Tucked away in a corner, you’ll find the Shakespeare and Company book shop. It’s a haven for French speakers, as they have a massive array of used books. It has real old school charm, with the shelves packed floor to ceiling with books. It’s no wonder why it’s so popular with the locals.

The best part about it is that the books are so cheap. You can take a book home for just €1 or €2 each. You’ll be walking away with armfuls of books, without a doubt.

4. The Abbey Bookshop

This is another bookshop that’s perfect for the English speaker looking for a good read. It was opened by Brian Spence in 1989, when he brought his bookshop across the pond from Canada. Now it’s a popular hang out for Anglophones who visit, as there’s a great selection of English titles that cover all genres.

Browsing through the books here is always a fun experience, and you’ll be sure to find something that interests you. It’s certainly popular with lots of English speaking residents, expats, and tourists in Paris.

5. Smith And Son Paris

This book store manages to blend past and present seamlessly, making it a unique book browsing experience. The store has been in business since 1903, but was renovated by the Lonsdale agency recently. Now, you’ll find lots of touches of the past along with pale woods and shelves and shelves of books.

“One of the best things to do is take a seat on their plush benches and read” says David Anderson, an editor at State Of Writing and OXEssays. “You can lose hours enjoying a book here, and it’s one of the most relaxing book stores you’ll find in Paris.”

These are just a selection of some of the most popular book stores that you can find in Paris. They’re well known for having amazing stores that you can browse through for hours, so make some time on your next trip to visit them. Who knows what books you may find when you’re there?

Madeline Miller is an assignment writer at Lia Help. She writes about travel in Paris, and blogs for Assignment Writing Service.

Header Photo Credit: Pexels

About the Author

Isabelle Karamooz, Founder of FQM is originally from Versailles, France. Isabelle harbored a lifelong fascination with exploring the world. Her journey began at 17 when she seized the opportunity to study abroad in Rhonda, Spain, igniting a passion for travel that took her across continents. From vibrant Hong Kong to picturesque Ireland, from the historic streets of Italy to the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, she embraced diverse cultures and experiences, truly embodying the spirit of a global citizen. After several years of exploration, Isabelle found a sense of home in Los Angeles, where she immersed herself in the vibrant cultural scene while working at the French Consulate. With a deep-seated love for the arts and history, she pursued her academic endeavors, earning a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley. Furthering her dedication to education, she has studied to pursue a Master's program in teaching at the University of Southern California, eventually sharing her knowledge and passion as a French instructor for aspiring students at UNLV and CSN in Nevada. Driven by her passion for storytelling and cultural exchange, Isabelle founded French Quarter Magazine, where she serves as the Editor-in-Chief. In this role, she orchestrates the publication's diverse content, from conducting interviews and pitching story ideas to capturing captivating moments through photography. Currently, she is channeling her creative energies into her first English-language work, a novel that delves into the compelling life of Coco Chanel. Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a touch of romance, her debut novel promises to captivate readers with its rich tapestry of history and emotion.