Best Bookstores and Libraries in Paris

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is an iconic English-language bookstore located on Paris's Left Bank. It's known for its bohemian atmosphere, historical ties to famous writers, and cozy reading nooks.

Website: www.shakespeareandcompany.com
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

Librairie Galignani

Librairie Galignani is the first English bookstore established on the continent. It offers a wide selection of English and French literature, as well as fine arts and fashion books.

Website: www.galignani.fr
Address: 224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

La Hune

La Hune is a legendary bookstore and art gallery, known for its selection of photography, art, and design books, as well as literary works.

Website: www.lahune.com
Address: 16-18 Rue de l'Abbaye, 75006 Paris, France

Librairie des Abbesses

Librairie des Abbesses is a charming neighborhood bookstore with a carefully curated selection of books and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Address: 30 Rue Yvonne le Tac, 75018 Paris, France

Librairie Delamain

Librairie Delamain is one of the oldest bookstores in Paris, located near the Palais Royal. It offers a vast array of literature and a rich history dating back to 1708.

Website: www.librairie-delamain.com
Address: 155 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris, France

Bibliothèque nationale de France - Site François-Mitterrand

The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) is France's national library, with an impressive collection of French and international works, and a modern architectural design.

Website: www.bnf.fr
Address: Quai François Mauriac, 75706 Paris, France

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a historic library with a vast collection, serving as a general university library and a national repository of books since the 15th century.

Website: www-bsg.univ-paris1.fr
Address: 10 Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France

Bibliothèque Mazarine

Bibliothèque Mazarine is the oldest public library in France, with a rich history and an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Website: www.bibliotheque-mazarine.fr
Address: 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France

Bibliothèque de l'Hôtel de Ville

Bibliothèque de l'Hôtel de Ville is a public library located in the city hall of Paris, offering a wide range of resources and a serene reading environment.

Website: www.paris.fr/equipements/bibliotheque-de-l-hotel-de-ville-bhvh-1757
Address: 5 Rue Lobau, 75004 Paris, France

Bibliothèque Forney

Bibliothèque Forney is a specialized library focusing on the decorative arts, fine arts, and crafts, housed in a beautiful historic building.

Website: www.paris.fr/equipements/bibliotheque-forney-1759
Address: 1 Rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris, France