The most unusual bookshops in Paris await your discovery
A floating bookshop, a print on demand service, a hidden bookshop and an English literature enclave in the heart of the City of Light; the booksellers of Paris have many surprises in store for you. In the same way that each room of our Hotel Passy Eiffel corresponds to a particular style, each of the most unusual bookstores in Paris will take you into its own literary universe. Let's discover the capital’s havens for bibliophiles.
Unusual concept bookshops
Water and dreams… A barge that has been transformed into a bookshop and café awaits you at its mooring on the Quai de l'Oise of the Canal de l'Ourcq. So relaxing! Discover its selection of books on nature and travel, then enjoy tea or a brunch in the barge’s café-restaurant.
Situated in the Latin Quarter, the Presses Universitaires de France (PUF) bookstore offers an innovative concept combining technology and book printing. Browse the digital tablet catalogue of more than 3 million books, make your choice and they’ll print out the book while you wait.
Unusual cutting-edge bookshops
When you visit the Libraires Associés, don’t look for a display window or storefront as this cosy-chic bookshop is very well hidden. To enter, ring the bell and push open the porte-cochère at 3 Rue Pierre l'Ermite in the Goutte d'Or quarter. There, you’ll find books from small publishers and works of all styles and eras. In the basement, beautiful and fascinating exhibitions on literature and literary culture are presented.
Shakespeare & Company: this legendary half-bookstore, half-library is filled to bursting with English language works. Rare, old and contemporary books welcome you in a so British space. You can even take a relaxing break in the English-style café.
Of course, Paris wouldn't be Paris without its bistros. A few delightful places combine good eating with literature and philosophy, including the bistro-bookshop La Belle Hortense, 31 Rue Vieille du Temple, and the Café Livres, 10 Rue Saint-Martin.
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More information:
- L'eau et les rêves
- Librairie des PUF
- Chez les libraires associés
- Shakespeare & Co
Hotel Passy Eiffel, a 3-star hotel in the heart of the 16th arrondissement