Top Eight: Bookstores
A rainy October (and frankly, much of November!) prompted me to compile this fun list of bookstores in Paris that I love. I love each of these for different reasons, and there are so many here it can be definitely overwhelming. Books also do not get enough “credit” in tourism lists because travelers rarely want to give up precious space in luggage or account for their weight, either. I fully understand this plight, but if you visit a few of these on your next trip, one will surely make it’s way back home with you….
#1 -Cutest tiny bookstore on Rue Saint André des Arts next to Holy Cookie
#1 - Livres Métiers d’Art et Arts Décoratifs
A tiny, narrow almost random bookstore on Saint André des Arts in the 6th that you might surely miss when strolling by. The owner is lovely and specializes in used books about furniture, antiques, fabric, etc! I am not even sure of the actual address, it is definitely not on Google maps!
#2 - Librairie Kogan
Love this little shop on Rue du Bac just up from the river a bit past the cafe Les Antiquaires - it has a mix of used and new books mostly on fashion, photography and art. There’s also cookbooks, gardening, and cars/yachts if you fancy those! Prices are great and you can find some real gems in here from big publishing houses Taschen, Assouline, etc. The picture I included has a special cobalt exterior and interior carpet for a collaboration with Giorgio Armani Love x Art Basel - lucky me!
Librairie Kogan on Rue de Bac
#3 - 0fr
This family owned and run bookshop just down from Republique in the 3rd off Rue de Temple is a GEM. They have a great IG presence (@0frparis) but no online shop so it is a must visit to browse their amazing selection of visual arts based books and publications. They specialize in rare magazines, limited run books and periodicals, and sought after cult favorites like Cabana. There is a cool gallery in the back free to the public and they frequently host signings and fun gatherings.
0fr off Rue de Temple
#4 - Couleur du Temps
I adore this used/overstock bookstore on Rue Dauphine just up from the river. Great values in coffee table books of all kinds - I found an amazing Robert Doisneau photography book there from his Vogue years of shooting high society in New York. It has a special binding and lays completely flat so you can truly see the large format black and white pictures. If you see something there, nab it because it will be gone the next day - has definitely happened to me!!
Images by me and my iPhone 15pro unless otherwise noted
#5 The Red Balloon/The Little Red Wheelbarrow
These sister bookshops are for Anglophones (have some French books also) and are a delight! The Red Balloon is the children’s section and have a variety of subjects and age levels. Prices are slightly higher than normal due to overhead etc for importing English language books to Paris. I would rather support this small business, however and do not mind paying a few extra euros. The pair of shops are next door to each other and are opposite Jardin du Luxembourg on Rue de Médicis. A great spot for picking up something for children when traveling to entertain them at the hotel or Air BnB!
#6 Chantelivre
This rive gauche staple is next door to Hermés on Rue de Sèvres and has a plethora of novels, cookbooks, and a very large children’s section! There is a “Where the Wild Things Are” theme to the area and has a very large selection of different books of all ages including puzzles, Jellycat animals (IYKYK) and little toys. They do events for kids on the weekends so definitely check this out. if you are in the area!
#7 L’Écume des Pages
Right next door to Café de Flore is this clean and modern bookstore with a nice smattering of every category - there is even a small English section with classics and new releases alike. The visual art section next to the front window is particularly good as well as the selection of fancy pens and stationary just adjacent in the front. Don’t miss the large offering of neat cards and postcards on the racks outside.
#8 Galerie Gallimard
A specialty store on Rue d’Université currently has limited prints, illustrated books, and other offerings from design duo MinaLima. There are a lot of Harry Potter selections as well as classic fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland. Unique place for gifts at any time of year!
