Paris has always been a city of great cultural significance, and over the years, it has established itself as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is the capital of France, the city of love, and a hub of art, fashion, and literature. For book lovers, Paris is an absolute paradise, with its plethora of independent bookshops, iconic literary landmarks, and charming cafes where famous writers have gathered to scribble their thoughts.
In this blog post, we will explore why Paris is the perfect bookish destination and what makes it so unique.
The Bookshops of Paris
Paris is home to some of the most beautiful and historic bookshops in the world. One such bookstore is Shakespeare and Company, which is a landmark of Parisian literary culture. This bookstore has been around since 1951 and has a rich history of housing famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The shop is full of classic and contemporary literature, with a great selection of English books. Besides Shakespeare and Company, there are several other bookshops that are worth exploring, such as the Librairie Galignani, which is the oldest English-language bookstore in Europe and the Abbey Bookshop, which specializes in used and rare books.
If you are looking for a books that will transport you in the bookshops of Paris, then The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher is the perfect choice.
The Literary Landmarks of Paris
Paris is a city of literary landmarks, with many of its streets and buildings steeped in history. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, which was the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Another significant landmark is the Montmartre neighborhood, which was once home to many famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. The Latin Quarter is also an essential part of the literary history of Paris, with its cobbled streets, ancient bookshops, and cafes.
The Cafes of Paris
Paris is famous for its cafes, which have been gathering places for artists, writers, and intellectuals for centuries. One such cafe is the Cafe de Flore, which is situated in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood and was a favorite of writers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus. The Cafe de la Paix, which is located near the Opera Garnier, was a favorite haunt of Emile Zola and Oscar Wilde. The atmosphere of these cafes is unique, with their charming decor, great coffee, and an abundance of inspiration for writers and artists.
The Museums of Paris
Paris has some of the most significant museums in the world, with a rich collection of art and literature. One such museum is the Musee de la Vie Romantique, which is a small museum located in the Montmartre neighborhood. It is dedicated to the Romantic era of literature and art and features collections of letters, manuscripts, and personal items belonging to famous writers such as George Sand, Victor Hugo, and Alfred de Musset. The Musee d’Orsay is another must-visit museum, which houses a collection of art and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The Libraries of Paris
Paris is also home to some of the most beautiful and historic libraries in the world. The Bibliotheque Nationale de France is the national library of France and contains over 14 million books, manuscripts, and documents. The library also has an extensive collection of maps, photographs, and prints. Another notable library is the Bibliotheque Mazarine, which is one of the oldest libraries in France, established in 1643. It has a collection of over 600,000 books, including rare manuscripts and incunabula. The library is named after Cardinal Mazarin, who donated his private collection to the library. It is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and is open to the public. The library is also a member of the Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne, which is a consortium of academic libraries in Paris.
Another significant library in Paris is the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, which is a public library located in the Latin Quarter. The library was established in the 15th century and has a collection of over 2 million volumes, including rare books, manuscripts, and periodicals. The library also has an impressive architecture, with its grand reading room and unique spiral staircase.
If you want to discover more about this library, don’t miss our blog post Exploring the Literary Treasures of Paris: A Journey to the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
The American Library in Paris is another notable library in Paris, which was established in 1920. It is the largest English-language lending library on the European continent and has a collection of over 120,000 books, including works of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. The library also hosts regular events such as author talks, book clubs, and writing workshops.
The Centre Pompidou, which is a modern art museum, also has a public library with a collection of over 60,000 books on modern and contemporary art. The library is open to the public and is a great resource for art enthusiasts and researchers.
In addition to these libraries, Paris also has several university libraries, such as the Sorbonne Library and the Sciences Po Library, which are open to students and researchers. Overall, Paris is a city that values its literary heritage, and its libraries are a testament to its commitment to preserving and promoting literature and knowledge.
The Literary Festivals of Paris
Paris also hosts a variety of literary festivals throughout the year. One such festival is the Festival America, which takes place every two years and celebrates North American literature. The festival features author readings, panel discussions, and book signings. Another notable festival is the Paris Book Fair, which is held annually and attracts over 150,000 visitors. The fair features book launches, author talks, and debates on current literary topics.
The Bookish Accommodations of Paris
Finally, Paris also has several book-themed accommodations that are perfect for book lovers. One such accommodation is the Pavillon des Lettres, which is a boutique hotel located near the Champs-Elysees. Each of its 26 rooms is dedicated to a different writer, and quotes from their works adorn the walls. Another option is the Hotel le Walt, which is situated in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood and has a literary theme throughout the hotel, with quotes from famous writers displayed on the walls.
And here are some perfect books to read while in Paris:
“A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway – This classic memoir chronicles Hemingway’s time as a struggling writer in 1920s Paris and offers a glimpse into the city’s bohemian culture and literary scene.
“Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo – Set in Paris during the 19th century, this novel tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his struggles for redemption in a society riddled with poverty and inequality.
“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” by Victor Hugo – Another classic novel by Hugo, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” is set in medieval Paris and tells the story of the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo and his love for the beautiful gypsy dancer Esmeralda.
“The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain – This historical novel tells the story of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson, and their life together in Paris during the 1920s.
“Paris to the Moon” by Adam Gopnik – A collection of essays that offer a witty and insightful perspective on life in Paris as an American expat.
“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown – This bestselling thriller takes place in Paris and centers around a mystery involving the Louvre Museum and the Holy Grail.
In conclusion, Paris is the perfect bookish destination with its plethora of independent bookshops, iconic literary landmarks, charming cafes, significant museums, historic libraries, literary festivals, and book-themed accommodations. It is a city that has inspired many great writers and continues to attract book lovers from around the world. So, if you are a book lover looking for a unique and engaging travel experience, then Paris is the perfect destination for you.