The Best Independent Bookstores In Toulouse

Looking for a good read while you’re in Toulouse? The city stands out for the eclecticism and big amount of excellent bookstores across town. The following list will delight all the types of book lovers.

View All Trips

Ombres Blanches

Bookstore, Cinema

Ombres Blanches‘ bookstore has been a reference in Toulouse for over 40 years. Its large selection of 120,000 books available will suit any type of reader. In 2014, this bookstore earned the prestigious LiR label, which is reserved for well-established independent bookstores. In addition to that, they opened two additional bookstores on Rue Gambetta, one dedicated to cinema and one that will delight travel lovers. Besides, you certainly would be interested in visiting their bookstore specialized in foreign languages on Rue Mirepoix. Book signings and discussions with famous authors are regularly organized as well.

Terra Nova

Bookstore

Terre Nova is much more than a bookstore; it is a place where people connect and interact through their love for books that aim for social change. The librarians are committed to find writers, directors, and artists who are outside the mainstream book industry and with different points of views. As you wander around this atypical venue, you will find an exclusive collection of French and foreign literature, works in human sciences, and books for children too.

Librairie l'Autre Rive

Bookstore

The Librairie l’Autre Rive is a cozy bookstore with a very-well curated selection of novels, essays, foreign literature, and children books that will please readers from all ages. Customers praise the warm welcome and excellent tips from the staff, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. If you are traveling with your kids and they understand French, come to listen to one of the librarians reading an excerpt of some of the newest children’s books. This event occurs every first Saturday of each month, and it will be a nice moment to spend with your little ones.

L'Estaminot

Cafe, Tea Room, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Vegetarian

If you enjoy reading, there is a high chance that you like having a warm cup of tea or coffee while you’re doing it. If that’s the case, you should definitively go to l’Estaminot, an original tea room with a bookstore whose intimate vibe will immediately make you feel at home. While you are having an afternoon snack (try the Léopard cake), grab a book about art, a vintage comics album, or even a book about psychology, and relax. If you’d like, you can also donate one of the books you finished during your trip or join one of their events or writing workshops.

Librairie Ami des Villes

Bookstore

The Librairie Ami des Villes is the right place for those who love secondhand books and love to dig in piles of books to find an interesting one. In this bookstore, you will come across a large array of topics, from philosophy textbooks to vintage magazines. If you like music, you can also purchase old vinyls or CDs.

Librairie Maldoror

This bookstore located in the touristic Rue du Thur is more suitable for those who like ancient books. Their choice is fairly limited, yet you will enjoy walking around this charming and atypical place that will give you the impression of a Tim Burton movie.

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Location and Phone Number:

Librairie Maldoror, 57 Rue du Taur, Toulouse, France, +33 (0) 5 61 22 63 46

Librairie Bédéciné

Bookstore

To all the fans of comics, sci-fi, and fantastic literature, this is for you! The Librairie Bédéciné offers a wide range of cartoons, comics, mangas, and sci-fi novels and is considered by many locals as the best in town. If you are new to the genre, don’t worry, the friendly and helpful staff will take the time to advise and guide you to make sure you are fully satisfied.

Terre des Légendes

Bookstore, Store

If you didn’t get enough comics at the previous store, go to the city center and spend some time at Terre des Légendes, another excellent bookstore in Toulouse specializes in comics, mangas, and science-fiction. This is a great occasion to discover new authors and perhaps add albums to your collection.

Le Loup Bleu/Blue Wolf

Shop, Bookstore

People who like to find hidden gems in cities will surely love le Loup Bleu, located in the Saint-Aubin neighborhood near the church. You will appreciate the attention from the staff to only curate rare books and promote less renowned but excellent writers. In this wonderful shop, you will be able to buy some fantastic poetry, thrillers, or foreign novels.

Librairie Atmosphères

Bookstore

The Librairie Atmosphères is a pure haven for people who are fond of cartoons. Whether you are a specialist or a neophyte, you will be pleased by the choice of albums displayed throughout the store. If you need guidance, the staff, whose passion for this genre is contagious, will give you all the information you need to pick the right album.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.