When Galignani opened in 1801 it became the first English language bookshop on the continent, making it quite the cultural landmark. Located on Rue de Rivoli, close to Place de la Concorde, it now sells a good selection of both French and English literature as well as books about fashion, design and travel written in both languages. Take note that it’s closed on Sundays.
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This publishing house is renowned for creating beautiful design-led coffee table books, so it stands to reason that their store is an inspiring place to spend a few hours leafing through their books. There are a couple around the city and they are a failsafe place to pick up a gift for stylish friends.
Source: Assouline
No list of bookshops in Paris could forget the world famous Shakespeare and Co. Firmly on the radar of nearly every tourist in the city, we do believe it’s worth the hype. Old timber beams and irregular, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves preserve an old-world charm and the friendly staff will be happy to help you find whatever you’re looking for. It has a long history of being associated with literary greats from Hemingway to Fitzgerald, who inhabited Paris in the 1920s and made up the capital’s ‘lost generation’. After you’ve picked your books, head next door to eh adjoining cafe for a bite to eat.
Source: The Independent
Owned by a knowledgable Canadian expat, Abbey Bookshop was opened in 1989 just a few streets over from the legendary Shakespeare and Co and provides a a slightly more understated shopping experience. Mostly English language books both old and new line the shelves of this bookstore which is literally overflowing with all types and genres. Bookworms will easily spend a few hours here.
Source: The Lit Edit
If elegant, coffee table books are your thing then you’ll love Taschen. The minimalist store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers an expert selection of every size, description, and genre from travel and nature to fashion and design. There are also a number of niche books that you’d be hard pressed to find on amazon ranging in theme from erotica to tattoos. This is the perfect place to buy a souvenir that you’ll actually enjoy looking through once you’re home.
Source: Taschen
San Francisco Book company is hidden away on a quiet street and waiting to be discovered by eager readers. The shop houses a huge selection of second hand English language books and is open seven days a week so you know you can always pop in for a browse. It’s located near one of the best parks in Paris, the leafy Jardin du Luxembourg, so you can head there after you’ve done your shopping to read your book in the sun.
Source: SF Books Paris
Located in the trendy Marias district which is a veritable treasure trove of second hand bookshops, Librairie du Marais stands out as one of the best thanks to its extensive catalogue. You’ll find everything you need here all under one roof from murder mystery to sci-fi, to cook books and architecture,
Source: France Bleu
Berkley Books will buy and sell any unwanted books, which means there is a whole host of literature here that you might not find in other shops in the city. Opened by a group of three Californians, the bookshop also aims to uplift the community, holding regular events and readings here for book lovers. Once you’re picked your book, you’re within easy walking distance to some of the best coffee spots in Paris which are the perfect place to get reading.
Source: Spot A Home
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