The 16 Best Bookstores in Paris

Immerse yourself in the literary capital of the world with a visit to the charming bookstores in Paris. From quaint independent shops to larger, well-known establishments, the City of Light offers a diverse selection of bookstores that cater to every reader's taste.
Whether you're searching for a rare, out-of-print edition or simply want to browse the latest bestsellers, bookstores in Paris have something for everyone. Let the scent of old books and the promise of new adventures guide you through the cobblestone streets in search of your next literary treasure.
- Knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect book
- A cozy atmosphere that invites you to stay and read for hours
- A wide selection of books in various genres and languages
- Regular author events and book signings
- Convenient locations in popular neighborhoods
Discover the literary gems that Paris has to offer by exploring the list of The 16 Best Bookstores in Paris below.
- 1. Smith & Son
- 2. The Abbey Bookshop
- 3. Chantelivre
- 4. Libreria - Italian and French Bookshop
- 5. Smith&Son
- 6. L'Écume des Pages
- 7. Temple Bookstore
- 8. Book Off
- 9. Librairie Gallimard - Paris
- 10. Bookstore Little Egypt
- 11. San-Francisco Book Co
- 12. The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore
- 13. Comme un Roman
- 14. Book store Vincent
- 15. Bookstore
- 16. ANONYMOUS THE BOOK
- Monday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:30–7 PM
1. Smith & Son
Information and Reviews
Customers have raved about their experiences at Smith & Son, highlighting the following key points:
- Excellent selection of English books, including hard-to-find titles
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Cozy and quaint atmosphere, perfect for browsing
Whether you're a book enthusiast or simply looking for a new read, Smith & Son is a must-visit destination for book lovers in Paris.
- Monday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 1–7 PM
2. The Abbey Bookshop
Information and Reviews
Visitors rave about their experience at The Abbey Bookshop:
- Lovely place with a vast selection of books and welcoming staff.
- Great atmosphere with English books of all genres.
- Unique, authentic vibe with a thoughtful and friendly seller.
- Magical bookstore with endless books and friendly staff.
- Monday: 1–7:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
3. Chantelivre
Information and Reviews
- Customers praise the vast selection of books available, making it a paradise for children's literature enthusiasts.
- The staff is described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, providing excellent guidance to find the perfect book for any reader.
- Many visitors appreciate the welcoming environment and the easy accessibility to books for various ages and interests.
Whether you are looking for a specific book or simply want to peruse the shelves, Chantelivre is the place to visit for a delightful literary experience on the Left Bank.
- Monday: 2–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
4. Libreria - Italian and French Bookshop
Information and Reviews
- Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
5. Smith&Son
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the exceptional service and book selection at Smith&Son. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Outstanding customer service and well-organized store
- Beautiful bookstore with a traditional Parisian atmosphere
- Great selection of books and helpful staff
- Cozy vibes and unique offerings like Mystery Boxes
If you find yourself strolling through Paris, make sure to pay a visit to Smith&Son for a delightful book shopping experience.
- Monday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Friday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
6. L'Écume des Pages
Information and Reviews
Customers have left glowing reviews for L'Écume des Pages:
- Brilliant bookshop with a labyrinth-like interior and a wide selection of books to discover. The beautiful stationary adds to the charm of the store. Highly recommended for book lovers, especially those who enjoy browsing on Sundays!
- Great service, friendly staff, and a perfect location in Saint Germain des Pres.
- Brilliant idea to stay open until midnight, allowing customers to satisfy their late-night book cravings. The store offers a fantastic selection of titles, including English books.
- Fabulous collection of books and stationary goods, will definitely be returning!
These positive reviews showcase the outstanding service and unique offerings that L'Écume des Pages provides to its customers. Visit this book store to experience the magic of literature in the heart of Paris.
- Monday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–1:30 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
7. Temple Bookstore
Information and Reviews
- Customers praise the knowledgeable and helpful staff who provide excellent service.
- The wide selection of books and Judaica available cater to a variety of interests.
- Visitors mention the unique and special atmosphere of the store, making it a must-visit destination in Le Marais.
Whether looking for a specific book, Judaica item, or just wanting to explore and discover new reads, Temple Bookstore is the perfect place to indulge in the world of literature and Jewish culture.
- Monday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
8. Book Off
Information and Reviews
With a rating of 4.4 stars based on 1133 reviews, Book Off has received positive feedback from customers. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:
- Great selection of books for adults and children, DVDs, board games, and more at great prices.
- Wide variety of books in different languages, including Japanese, English, German, and Italian.
- Helpful and friendly staff who make the shopping experience enjoyable.
- A must-visit store for book lovers and fans of Japanese and Korean culture.
Customers have praised Book Off for its diverse offerings and welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for book enthusiasts in Paris.
- Monday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
9. Librairie Gallimard - Paris
Information and Reviews
Customers rave about their experience at Librairie Gallimard, highlighting the following key points:
- A gem of a bookstore with knowledgeable attendants.
- Great variety of titles with a highly intellectual selection on display.
- Friendly staff and a peaceful browsing environment.
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff that make the experience enjoyable.
With a stellar rating of 4.6 and 372 reviews, Librairie Gallimard - Paris is a must-visit destination for book lovers in the City of Light!
- Monday: 12–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM
10. Bookstore Little Egypt
Information and Reviews
- Amazing place, highly recommended!
- The best!!! Amazing children's book section and really lovely staff who helped me pick out poetry:) highly highly recommend; just love it
- Great customer service and professional staff members.
Customers also appreciate the friendly and professional staff, as well as the wide selection of books available. Whether you're looking for beautiful books, Japanese manga, or French poetry, Bookstore Little Egypt is the place to be. So if you're in Paris and in search of a cozy and welcoming bookstore, make sure to pay a visit to Bookstore Little Egypt.
- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–8 PM
11. San-Francisco Book Co
Information and Reviews
- Wide variety of books, with every nook and cranny covered
- Charming and organized store with a calm ambiance
- Helpful staff who are fluent in both French and English
- Great selection of rare finds and first editions
- Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
12. The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore
Information and Reviews
- Customers appreciate the personalized recommendations from Penelope, the owner.
- The diverse selection of books, covering classics to contemporary works, is highly praised.
- The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the store encourages browsing and exploration.
- The staff's knowledge and friendliness make it a must-visit spot for book enthusiasts.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–1:30 PM
13. Comme un Roman
Information and Reviews
Customers have left glowing reviews about their experience at Comme un Roman. Here are some key points from their feedback:
- Great choice of books, covering literature, art, and comics.
- Helpful and friendly staff providing excellent recommendations.
- Unique and beautiful editions of sought-after books.
- Cozy atmosphere with a welcoming vibe, perfect for book lovers.
If you find yourself in Le Marais, be sure to stop by Comme un Roman and immerse yourself in a world of literary delights.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:30–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:30–7:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:30–7:30 PM
- Friday: 12:30–7:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:30–7:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
14. Book store Vincent
Information and Reviews
With a rating of 4.4, based on 180 reviews, customers have shared their positive experiences:
- Excellent location and quality service.
- Great selection of books and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- A unique and special place dedicated to culture and reflection.
- Highly recommended for unique finds and exceptional customer service.
Visit Book Store Vincent for a memorable book shopping experience in Paris.
- Monday: 2–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
15. Bookstore
Information and Reviews
- Great customer service and professional staff members.
- This was the old "Shakespeare and Company" in the time of Hemingway.
- Good.
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
16. ANONYMOUS THE BOOK
Information and Reviews
- Great variety of books available
- Convenient 24-hour operation
- Accepts credit card payments
Customers rave about the exceptional customer service and cozy atmosphere of the bookstore. They appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the ability to find rare and unique books easily. Experience the joy of reading at ANONYMOUS THE BOOK today!
Map of Bookstores in Paris
Paris is a city known for its rich literary history and vibrant bookstore culture. From independent boutiques to large chain stores, there are countless places to explore and discover new literary treasures. Use this map to navigate the sprawling streets of Paris and find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the world of books.
What are some popular bookstores in Paris?
Paris is a book lover's paradise, with a plethora of charming bookstores to explore. One popular bookstore is Shakespeare and Company, a famous English-language bookstore located near Notre Dame Cathedral. Another well-known bookstore is The Abbey Bookshop, which specializes in new and used English-language books. For visitors looking for French books, Librairie Galignani is the oldest English-language bookstore in Paris, founded in 1801.
Do bookstores in Paris sell books in languages other than French?
Yes, many bookstores in Paris sell books in languages other than French. In addition to English-language bookstores like Shakespeare and Company and The Abbey Bookshop, there are also bookstores that specialize in Spanish, Italian, German, and other languages. Librairie Comme un Roman is a popular bookstore that offers a selection of books in multiple languages, while Librairie Espagnole is a bookstore dedicated to Spanish-language books.
Are there any bookstores in Paris with a focus on a specific genre?
Yes, there are several bookstores in Paris that specialize in specific genres. For art books, Librairie des PUF is a bookstore located near the Sorbonne that offers a wide selection of art books and exhibition catalogs. For comic books, Album Comics is a popular store that features a large collection of graphic novels and manga. Additionally, La Hune is a bookstore that focuses on design and architecture books, perfect for design enthusiasts.
Are there any bookstores in Paris with a cozy reading area?
Many bookstores in Paris offer cozy reading areas where visitors can relax with a book. Shakespeare and Company, in addition to selling books, also has a cozy reading room where customers can sit and read. WH Smith is another bookstore with a comfortable reading area, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee while diving into a new book. For those looking for a peaceful reading spot, Les Utopistes is a bookstore that offers a quiet corner for reading and reflection.

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