Are you in the market for a good read while traveling or perhaps seeking a unique collectible edition of a favorite novel? Paris boasts over 200 independent outdoor booksellers, known as “bouquinistes,” offering approximately 300,000 collectible, new, and used books and magazines under open skies. Their iconic painted green metal exteriors have been featured in many renowned artworks, especially from the Impressionist period. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll and browse, or you aim to discover some charming old volumes, visiting the bouquinistes should be an essential part of any trip to the capital.
Some History
The tradition of outdoor bookselling dates back to the 16th century when the Renaissance ignited an unprecedented era of literacy. “Vagabond” booksellers eventually established permanent stalls along the Seine River. As the demand for literature surged among an increasingly literate populace, the custom flourished, solidifying its place in Parisian culture.
Although outdoor booksellers now face competition from chain bookstores, they continue to be one of the city’s cherished heritage sites. Strolling through the bouquinistes‘ stalls during spring or summer provides a delightful experience, especially for those in search of rare and collectible titles. After several visits, you might discover that prices can be surprisingly reasonable, even for original editions of classic literature or noteworthy non-fiction. If you’re searching for a distinctive gift for a book lover or a handsome vintage edition to enhance your collection, you might find what you’re looking for without breaking the bank. It’s also quite possible to stumble upon old magazines that could serve as excellent collector’s items; for instance, a Paris Match from 1963 featuring Jean-Paul Belmondo might enchant any fan of French memorabilia and vintage treasures.
Locations and Opening Hours
Most of these charming booksellers operate daily from around 11:30 a.m. to sundown, closing on French bank holidays and during severe weather conditions. You can find them on both banks of the Seine, referred to as rive gauche and rive droite.
- Right bank locations: The stalls are primarily found along the Seine from Pont Marie (Metro Pont Marie) to the Louvre Museum (Metro Palais du Louvre).
- Left bank locations: Sellers can mainly be discovered along the Seine from Quai de la Tournelle (Metro Maubert-Mutualité) to Quai Voltaire (Metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
