The Best Independent Bookstores in Geneva

On the road to Carouge you’ll find the Librairie du Boulevard, a self-managed cooperative that offers books at a lower price than most, following their philosophy that a book is not quite like any other product that is for sale. They’ve a great range of books on offer, mostly in French, that you can browse through on their website too.

Part bookshop, part café, Les Recyclables is a haunt on the road to Carouge. There a several shelves of books, the majority in French or German, with a small English section and a smattering of other languages. The food is good but overpriced, but nevertheless Les Recyclables is a good place to pick out a new novel and chill with a coffee in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Opening the door of La Librairie Ancienne, tucked away in Geneva’s Old Town, is like walking back in time and the first thing you’ll notice is that musty smell; the familiar scent of old books. The shelves are packed with books that span the ages, covering almost every topic you can imagine: travel, science, literature, history and fiction. A rake through here is well worth your time and you may well discover a hidden gem. Before diving in, you can browse some of the rare books on their website.

Payot is a renowned Swiss bookstore chain, and their flagship store in Geneva is a must-visit for book lovers. Located in the heart of the city, near the Geneva train station, Payot Libraire offers an extensive selection of books in various languages, including French, English, German, and Italian. The store features a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent place to browse and discover new titles.

Le Rameau d’Or is a quaint bookstore nestled in the Carouge district of Geneva. This charming independent bookstore specializes in second-hand and antique books. The cozy ambiance, coupled with the distinctive smell of old books, creates a nostalgic atmosphere that draws book lovers in search of unique and rare editions.

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