The 10 Best Bookstores in Paris

Librarie Galignani was the first English bookshop established on the continent in 1801. Galignani is located on Rue de Rivoli, close to Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement, and it has a good selection of both English and French literature, and history. You can also find a range of books about fashion, design, travel, and interior design written, again in both languages.

Shakespeare and Company is located in the 5th arrondissement with a café next door, and it has a long history of being associated with ‘The Lost Generation’ of expats that inhabited Paris in the 1920s. Inside this store, you will find a labyrinth of book passages, alcoves and reading rooms with a lot of secret corners perfect for curling up with one of their books. This shop has inspired many writers, travelers, and readers over the years. You’ll find it located in the latin quarter which holds a lot of inspiration and history.

This interesting bookshop is located in the 11th arrondissement near the Place de La Bastille. With more than 800m (2,600 ft.) of floor space, Violette and Co. offers a great selection of books for both leisure and education. The owners strive to feature books that will educate and inform the public on issues such as women’s rights and homosexuality. The book selection includes works about rape, homophobia, adoption, religion, gender, relationships, and even deportation. You can find poetry and a section for younger readers. Readings, lectures, debates and exhibitions take place here regularly.

The famous publisher Taschen operates a bookstore in the 6th arrondissement in Paris and offers a wide selection of their own books. With a choice of books covering a wide variety of topics (including photography, pop culture, style, travel, architecture, fashion, design, cinema, and music), there is something here for everyone. The books are on the expensive side, but they are beautifully done and work nicely as coffee table books.

The Librarie du Marais is located in the 3rd arrondissement in Paris. Le Marais is known for its interesting concept stores, boutiques, and cafés, and this bookstore fits right in. The Librarie du Marais is perfect for finding books for your home. The genres vary from photography, interior design and cooking to architecture and art. You can find books in both English and French, making it impossible not to find something you may enjoy!

The bookstore Comme un Roman (‘Like a Novel,’ for us English speakers) offers selections in French literature, science and history, travel, art, culture, and design. The selection is mainly in French, but it also stocks some English books. The store is located in the 3rd arrondissement on the street Rue de Bretagne and is just across the street from the famous Café Charlot which also is worth a visit while you’re in the area.

This bookstore is located at Rue de la Roquette in the 11th arrondissement near the Place de La Bastille.It offers a wide selection of French literature as well as a smaller range of books in English. La Manoeuvre also arranges a lot of events in the shop, so be sure to inquire about their next one.

This Parisian bookshop is one of the highest rated and most iconic in the whole of the city. What’s better, it is a completely gay bookstore specialising in representing LGBTQ+ authors and stories. You’ll find it located between Place de la République and Père-Lachaise cemetery. They also have a selection of DVDs and magazines, so there really is something for everyone.

Opened in 1989 by Canadian Brian Spence, the Abbey Bookshop sits comfortably tucked away on the 5th arrondissement’s rue de la Parcheminerie. Housed in a one-time hotel in a neighborhood that historically brought together scribes and bookmakers of all ilks, the packed bookshop is an ode to Anglophone literature. Duck into this heritage building and get lost among the many titles.

Smith & Son is an independent English bookshop in the romantic city of Paris. Formerly known as WHSmith, the iconic British bookshop. This well known English bookstore is located on Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement. They’re is open seven days a week, so don’t hesitate to check them out whenever you have the time. The sections range from fiction & non-fiction to an English language-teaching department, and the store also offers a children’s department. Furthermore, the store cover a wide selection of international press titles, with over 500 titles. They also offer delicious food to satisfy your taste buds as well as your mind.