Paris books and bookstores weave magic and show you a wonderful place to visit and even to stay

Before you visit Paris books will open up a whole new world of possibilities - "My French Life" by Australian Vicki Archer is an amazing story with stunning photos [you can read my review here], and the Peter Mayle series of books about Provence had us all dreaming of far off vineyeards and sun dappled afternoons drinking wine or pastis on the patio [you can read my review here]. 

Paris France Book

As well as reading books ABOUT Paris, you can visit a multitude of fabulous book stores when you're actually visiting Paris.

French Bookstores I recommend

Shakespeare and Co

When I first moved to Paris and heard about Shakespeare and Co., I simply had to go visit and see what everyone was talking about. I wasn't prepared for the overwhelming amount of books in this charming little place, or the giant sofas where people got comfy and read to their heart's content. Whilst it might be difficult to find exactly what you want because of the sheer volume of books available, you'll soon forget about that and enjoy yourself anyway, possibly even striking up a conversation with a fellow bookworm.

Abbey Bookshop

While you're at Shakespeare & Co, you might as well pop over to one of the other well-known French bookstores I came across -- the Abbey Bookshop which is very close by. This is the Canadian bookstore and Paris, and with a great selection of French and English-language used and new books, Paris books etc, you'll spend hours and days here. Contact them to find out if they have any book readings scheduled.

29, rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 PARIS Phone: 01 46 33 16 24

Tea and Tattered Pages

For used English-language books, you must pop over to Tea and Tattered Pages, run by a former Californian. Visit the cute little café out the back of the shop for simple refreshments.

11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day
24, rue Mayet, 75006 PARIS
Phone: 01 40 65 94 35
Métro: Duroc (lines 10, 13)

Village Voice Bookshop

This is a great spot to meet many American ex-pats [those living in Paris].

hile you're in town you might even be lucky enough to attend one of the book readings on Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons.

6, rue Princess
Left Bank
http://www.villagevoicebookshop.com

The American Library

One of my Italian friends used to love to visit the American Library, and it is certainly worth an afternoon of browsing.

10, rue du General Camou

W.H. Smith : only British-owned bookstore in Paris

I spent many an hour in WH Smith in the early days of my life in Paris. You can find everything from literature, guides, magazines and excellent teaching resources upstairs.

248, rue de Rivoli, 75001 PARIS
Phone: 01 44 77 88 99
Métro: Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12)
Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m
Sunday 1:00 to 7:30 p.m.

More on books about France and French travel books

To read about some of the books about France which I've read and enjoyed, please visit my next book page.  I've also read a lot of French travel books, and will be writing reviews about them very soon.

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