Largest Bookstores in Paris
Paris is a known destination for tourists from across the world. However, this beautiful city is also known for having some of the biggest bookstores in the world. If you live in Paris or you’re new in town and interested in finding where to get the book you desire then this article is a good guide. Here is a list of largest bookstores in Paris.
Librairie Galignani
Librarie Galignani was founded in 1801 as the first English bookshop in Paris. Galignani is located on Rue de Rivoli, close to Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement, and it has a good selection of both English and French literature, and history. The bookstore has a range of books about fashion, design, travel, and interior design written, again in both languages. This is one of the largest bookstores in Paris with over 200 years reputation as reliable bookstore in the entire France.
Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company has a long history of being associated with ‘The Lost Generation’ of expats that inhabited Paris in the 1920s. There is a labyrinth of book passages, alcoves and reading rooms inside this bookstore with a lot of secret corners perfect for curling up with one of their books. This shop has inspired many writers, travelers, and readers over the years. It is located in the latin quarter which holds a lot of inspiration and history.
Violette & Co.
Violette & Co. is located in the 11th arrondissement near the Place de La Bastille. With more than 800m (2,600 ft.) of floor space, Violette and Co. offers a great selection of books for both leisure and education. The owners strive to feature books that will educate and inform the public on issues such as women’s rights and homosexuality. The book selection includes works about rape, homophobia, adoption, religion, gender, relationships, and even deportation. The bookstore also has poetry and a section for younger readers. Readings, lectures, debates and exhibitions take place here regularly. It is patronized by book lovers from across the world.
Taschen
Taschen bookstore is located in the 6th arrondissement in Paris and offers a wide selection of their own books. It has a range of books covering a wide variety of topics (including photography, pop culture, style, travel, architecture, fashion, design, cinema, and music), there is something here for everyone.
Librairie du Marais
Librarie du Marais is located in the 3rd arrondissement in Paris. This bookstore is reputed for its interesting concept stores, boutiques, and cafés, and this bookstore fits right in. The Librarie du Marais is perfect for finding books for your home. The genres vary from photography, interior design and cooking to architecture and art. You can find books in both English and French, which means you will always see what you will enjoy reading from in this bookstore.
Comme un Roman
Comme un Roman (which means ‘Like a Novel,’ in English language) offers selections in French literature, science and history, travel, art, culture, and design. The selection is mainly in French, but it also stocks some English books. The store is located in the 3rd arrondissement on the street Rue de Bretagne and is just across the street from the famous Café Charlot which also is worth a visit while you’re in the area.
La Manoeuvre
La Manoeuvre is another major bookstore in Paris located at Rue de la Roquette in the 11th arrondissement near the Place de La Bastille. It offers a wide selection of French literature as well as a smaller range of books in English. La Manoeuvre also arranges a lot of events in the shop. You can always checkout this bookstore for your reading pleasure.
Les Mots à la Bouche
Les Mots à la Bouche is one of the highest rated and most iconic in the whole of the city. This is a completely gay bookstore specialising in representing LGBTQ+ authors and stories. It s located between Place de la République and Père-Lachaise cemetery. They also have a selection of DVDs and magazines which serve a wide range of readers.
The Abbey Bookshop
The Abbey Bookshop was founded in 1989 by Canadian Brian Spence. It is located on the 5th arrondissement’s rue de la Parcheminerie. Housed in a one-time hotel in a neighborhood that historically brought together scribes and bookmakers of all ilks, the packed bookshop is an ode to Anglophone literature. They have a range of collections that will excite you anytime to visit.
Smith & Son
Smith & Son is an independent English bookshop in the romantic city of Paris. It was formerly known as WHSmith, the iconic British bookshop. This well known English bookstore is open seven days a week and has a collection of books ranging from fiction & non-fiction to an English language-teaching department, and the store also offers a children’s department. Furthermore, the store covers a wide selection of international press titles, with over 500 titles. They also offer delicious food to satisfy your taste buds as well as your mind. This is one of the major bookstores in France you should visit.
