Travellers, when visiting the french capital, have a tough time selecting all the places to visit. Lucky for us, the city has plenty of things to do – you almost don’t need a Paris guide. One of the best things to see in Paris is to let go of the clichés – forget about the monuments – and go searching for the cultural magnets we all imagine the city has.
To feel like a true Parisian, you have to walk down the streets, breathe in the fresh air and go to the places anyone would daily go. To help you narrow down the list, here’s a selection of 4 bookstores that you have to see.
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Artazart: 83, Quai Valmy, 75010 Paris
This is the kind of bookstore where a designer can get lost for hours and spend an entire paycheck and still want to come back for more. The great variety of titles are in English and in French. There’s even a gallery in the front of the store that looks out to Canal St. Martin where Amelie skipped stones.
Shakespeare & Co.: 37 rue de la Bucherie, 75005 Paris
English language bookstore not far from Notre Dame, covered floor to ceiling in used books. A gathering place, source of inspiration and often a bed for beat generation bohemians, writers, travellers and readers for over 60 years, Shakespeare & Company has hosted thousands of ‘tumbleweeds’ – volunteer helpers who sleep in the shop – and featured in numerous films, books, and memoirs.
Le Monte en l’Air: 2 Rue de la Mare, 75020 Paris
Bookstore with lots of GREAT illustrated books/editions. Le Monte-en-l’air’s arty atmosphere reconciles even the most fervent technophile with the pleasure of flicking through pages and chatting with passionate bookworms. You can even order coffee.
I Love My Blender: 36 rue du temple, 75003 Paris
How can you not love a shop with that name? It’s a favorite bookstore of Stephane Froger of Le Petit Atelier de Paris.
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Paris is well-known as a literate city. There are hundreds of bookstores in Paris with an impressive magazine selection. At least these 4, you need to visit.
