GUEST AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER: Giovanna Thomaz, Spotahome Student Ambassador

Besides the croissants, the sunny days by the Seine and the delicious wine, one of my favorite things about living in Paris are the libraries and bookstores. Home to many of the world’s greatest writers and artists, Paris is well known for being a cultural center, specially when in comes to literature.

Walking around the streets of Paris, the many bookstores at every turn of a corner are always a delightful sight.

Do you want to know which ones you should not miss?
Here’s a list of some of the most charming, original and interesting bookstores not to miss while in Paris, - all in a close range to the Quartier Latin (or the universities neighborhood). As a busy student, you will not have to venture far away to find your next read. From the all-time classics to the modern hits, these bookstores have you covered.

La Mouette Rieuse

Inside this little bookstore located in the heart of Le Marais, you will find a nice surprise on every one of its three floors On the the first floor, besides a great collection of art and culinary books, you will find a cozy cafe where you can sit comfortably to eat a muffin and read a book. Going upstairs you will find the pocket books collection along with the newest editions of the current favorites. And finally, on the third floor, La mouette usually hosts events such as art exhibitions or book readings with authors. Can you think of a nicer combination than coffee, books and art?
17bis Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris
Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm

Demain, nous serons ouverts à horaires normaux, de 11h à 20h ; venez donc passer le lundi de Pâques avec nous ? . . . #lamouetterieuseparis #librairie #conceptstore #bookstore #bookshop #paris #paris4 #marais #lemarais #maraisparis #cafe #restaurant #paques #paques2018 #lamouetterieuse

Una publicación compartida de La Mouette rieuse (@lamouetterieuseparis) el Abr 1, 2018 at 8:29 PDT

Le Dilettante

Besides being a traditional publishing company, Le Dilettante offers a mix of back issues of lesser-known authors and up-and-coming ones, but it is also a bookstore, with a catalog specialized in 20th century and rare books. Not really an ordinary bookstore, wouldn’t you agree?

If you feel like discovering new writers and exploring new stories, this is certainly the place for you. You will for sure  find something new and exciting at every visit.
7 Place de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 7:30pm

Berkeley Books of Paris

If I were impartial, I would maybe say this is my favorite. Founded in 2006 by three Californians, there is something in the vintage blue facade and the warm interior that makes me feel at home. Some say “home is where the heart is”, I say “home is when the heart is surrounded by many books”.

At Berkeley, that's how you'll find yourself: not only surrounded by a large collection of English books but also with culture - for this bookstore also hosts readings, art exhibitions and concerts. Forget about your regular Friday night plans.
8 Rue Casimir Delavigne, 75006 Paris
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 1pm to 8pm (sundays 2pm to 7pm)

Shakespeare & Co.

This one you have probably already heard of, but it could not be left out of a list of great bookstores. Besides a huge amount of English books, a piano on the second floor and a lovely cat, you will also find that this place was once a meeting point for writers such as Ezra Pound, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Ford Madox Ford. Long story short, you can’t miss visiting a place that is at the same time full of history, offers a great selection of English books and great coffee.
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Open everyday from 10am to 10pm

#Repost @muralfiction ・・・ Paris, France #mural #muralart #murals #paris #shakespeareandcompany #shakespeareandco

Una publicación compartida de Shakespeare and Company, Paris (@shakespeareandcoparis) el Feb 10, 2018 at 3:15 PST

Gilbert Joseph

So this option may not have the glamorous French touch you are looking for but definately worth a visit. Gilbert Joseph is basically a department store for books, it has 6 floors filled with books from all over the world in as many languages as you can imagine. In terms of choice and variety it is probably your best bet. I am sure you will find anything you are looking for in this gigantic Eden for book lovers.
26 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris
Open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 8pm

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