Bookshops of Paris

Every weekend I take it upon myself to discover a new bookshop in this lovely city. However, today I will share my favourite shops that I keep going back to because I love the aura and aesthetic of them.

The first few photos are of Librairie Galignani on the famous Rue de Rivoli. It stands out to me due to a few reasons but the most obvious being the shops vintage interior. It has a wide selection of fashion, art, and gardening books. It is not common to see that variety of books amongst shops here. Another section is the classical collectors edition books, which have beautiful and unique covers. They offer certain editions that I have not seen before and the display always looks so appealing. The back section of the shop (the first image) is all english books. Literature on the ground level and fantasy on the second level. Asides from looking so pleasing, I always end up seeing novels I have not heard of before. Most books in the shop are in english but the back is specifically catered to only english fiction novels. I could keep talking about this shop because I truly love it as you can tell by now….but nonetheless we will move on.

The second shop is no other than Smith & Sons. It is an English bookshop with two locations in Paris. Rue de Rivoli is the main one that I visit often. Seasonally, they change the theme and display of the storefront depending on holidays, celebrations and more. Composed of two floors, you could be in there for a few hours…They have a cafe on the second floor that I’ve yet to dine in, but I do love that concept. Another cool section is the teas & treats that are only found in England, they sell a range of snacks, drinks, condiments & more. However, my favourite section in the shop has to be the magazines in the back. They have a huge selection of fashion magazines that are not commonly found everywhere. I always end up grabbing a few on my way out…

Third on my list is the Abbey Bookshop. It is a Canadian based shop & as a Canadian, I approve.Despite being a small shop, they have a classical section for novels with the most unique covers. They carry a good range of books that are currently circulating around online. I’ve also seen some more rare books that I have not seen in the other shops, especially for philosophy books. Lastly, during the winter months they offer complementary tea. Trying to be unbiased but it has a very cozy-home feel to me, as though I’m looking through a friends home library. 

If you only had time to visit one shop…it needs to be this one..Shakespeare &Co. I do not have any photos of the shops interior as it is sadly forbidden. The shop is in an old building with a great vintage interior. It is also composed of two floors, & the second floor offers a seating area for readers that faces the famous Notre Dame of Paris. Upon entering the shop, there is a section for classical english authors that lived in Paris, such as Hemingway & Fitzgerald. Compared to other shops, this one offers the biggest selection of novels by those authors. Another section unique to this shop is the classic french literature shelf. With lovely covers and prints the books are also well priced. Opposite to that shelf, they have a variety of books all about Paris’ history, food, famous figures, metros, and more. A great way to learn random facts about the city. Shakespeare &Co offers merchandise such as tote bags, pouches, and their own little book editions. These books range from history of the shop, poems or letters by famous authors. It’s an incredible concept for a bookshop and gives people a more meaningful & practical souvenir. Every few weeks the shop hosts all kinds of events that are open to the public, I’ve yet to attend so stay tuned! Right around the corner is the Shakespeare &Co Cafe for those who wish to dine.

If you love and value books as much as I do, I truly hope you get a chance to see all these wonderful bookshops.

Thank you for making it this far & I hope this was helpful! 

DK.