The 9 Best Bookshops In Paris For Lovers Of Literature 

It makes sense that bookshops in Paris are some of the most iconic in the world. After all, our city has been renowned as a magnet for writers and creatives throughout history. 

Many of our historic bookshops date back centuries, and losing yourself in the aisles of these charming institutions is like stepping back in time. 

If you’re a bookworm and are eager to discover more literary gems in Paris, make sure to also check out our guide to the best libraries in Paris! 

But now, let’s turn the page and look at our shortlist of the best bookshops in Paris!

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1. Smith & Son

Address: 248 Rue de Rivoli, 75001

http://www.smithandson.com

Smith & Son is an independent English bookshop with a couple of Paris locations, but we love their flagship store on Rue de Rivoli. Established over a century ago, this enormous Paris bookshop is always busy, and even has its own on-site cafe. Their book collection is vast and if you’re in the market for the best range of English language books in Paris, you can’t pass up a visit here. 

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2. Boulinier 

Address: 20 boulevard Saint Michel, 75006

https://www.boulinier.com

Boulinier is one of our founder Kathryn’s favourite places to wile away an afternoon, and if you love finding hidden gems in secondhand bookshops, you’ll love it just as much. Boulinier currently has six stores across Paris, including their bustling store in the Latin Quarter. Almost 180 years of history has gone into making Boulinier what it is today, and its offerings don’t end just at books. They also sell preloved multimedia, including CDs, records and DVDs.  

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3. Gibert Joseph 

Address: 26 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 

https://www.gibert.com/stores/paris-vi-gibert-joseph-librairie

If you love a bookstore chain that is packed with every possible book you could be searching for – plus art supplies, records and stationary – look no further than Gibert Joseph. Its flagship stores on the Boulevard Saint-Michel (they are opposite each other) boast a huge range of items across multiple levels. Gibert Joseph was established all the way back in 1888, and now has dozens of stores across France. 

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4. The Abbey Bookshop 

Address: 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005

https://www.abbeybookshop.org

The Abbey Bookshop is an independent store selling English language books from its cosy confines in Paris’ Latin Quarter. This ramshackle hodgepodge of towering bookshelves sells tens of thousands of new and old books, and there’s something for everyone here. The Abbey feels like the best kind of bookshop, with so many stories and rare literary gems to discover. 

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5. Shakespeare and Company 

Address: 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005

https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com

Maybe the most famous bookshop in the world, the Left Bank’s Shakespeare and Company is a Paris institution that bookworms flock to from across the globe. This bohemian bookshop doesn’t just boast a great range of new and used English language books, but also a year-round calendar of writers events. The team behind Shakespeare and Co have been supportive of writers since the store opened in the 1950s, even housing them within its walls! This beautiful bookstore has been featured in many films, and is now a legendary spot in the city. It has a cafe, sells popular merchandise and its book selection spans everything from new to used. 

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6. Bouquinistes 

Address: Right Bank (from Pont Marie to Quai du Louvre) and Left Bank, (Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire)

https://parisjetaime.com/eng/shopping/les-bouquinistes-de-paris-p3737

No list showcasing the best bookshops in Paris would be complete without including the historic Paris Bouquinistes. These secondhand booksellers that hawk their goods from their boxes along the Seine are a famous city sight that date back to the 16th century. 

There are over 200 Paris Bouquinistes and these vendors carry on a tradition that Parisians are proud of. You could spend an entire day roaming these book boxes, and you’ll find a trove of literary treasures reasonable prices. 

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7. Librairie Galignani

Address: 224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 

https://www.galignani.fr

Nestled right near the Louvre in the heart of town, you’ll find one of the best bookshops in Paris – Libraire Galignani. The store touts itself as the “first English bookstore on the continent” and dates back to the early 1800s. Today, this chic bookshop is well organised, warm and light-filled, with an incredible selection of both English and French language books. 

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8. Librairie du Passage

Address: 48 Pass. Jouffroy, 75009

https://www.librairiedupassage.com

Open daily and in a quiet spot in Paris’ 9th, the Librairie du Passage is a treat for the senses and a treasure trove for secondhand book collectors. The old-fashioned style of this bookshop in Paris makes for an idyllic spot to lose yourself on a rainy afternoon. They have an enormous range of literary treasures, with many in French. 

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9. Librairie Delamain

Address: 155 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001

https://www.librairie-delamain.com

The Librairie Delamain doesn’t just have a brilliant central location – right near the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe – but it also has a loyal following who consider this one of the best bookshops in Paris. Its secondhand book collection is vast, and you have the chance to find rare first edition classics in its intimate confines. No matter what genre of book appeals to you, the Librairie Delamain is guaranteed to thrill you. They also sell a great selection of postcards and souvenirs.

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What are your favourite bookshops in Paris?

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