The following are selections from Nichole Robertson’s photographic tour of literary Paris. Click to enlarge and view the slideshow.
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“Paris is a veritable ocean. Take as many soundings as you like, you’ll never know the depths. Explore it and describe it with as much care as you like, but no matter how numerous the explorers of its waters, there will always remain unknown caves, flowers, pearls, monsters, something yet unheard of, left behind by the literary divers.”
–Honoré de Balzac
“We believe that books, instead of rotting behind an iron gate, far from curious eyes, are destined to wear out before the eyes of readers.”
–Jules Verne
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- The Abbey Bookshop: This Canadian-owned gem is a delight to explore in part due to the hidden walls and book-lined stone basement walls that always result in uncovering a unique title. Bonus: The owner will insist you take part in the free tea. Address: 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie
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- Librarie Farandoul
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- Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève: This stunning, light-flooded library has served both scholars and the general public for centuries. The lines to visit are often long, but it’s worth the wait. Address: 10 Place du Panthéon
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- Librairie Saint Paul
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- La Bibliothèque Idéale
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- Librairie Jules Verne: An entire bookstore dedicated to the works of Jules Verne. Address: 7 Rue Lagrange
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- Librairie Jousseaume: Browse and admire a seemingly infinite collection of old and rare books in this shop in Galerie Vivienne. Address: 45-46-47 Galerie Vivienne
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- Librarie Un Regard Moderne
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- Librairie Americaine
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- Shakespeare & Co: Founded by American George Whitman in 1951, this storied English-language bookshop invites writers and intellectuals to reside on small beds throughout the shop. To date, over 30,000 people have called Shakespeare & Co. their temporary home. Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie
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Excerpted from Literary Paris: A Photographic Tour. Used with permission of Chronicle Books. Copyright © 2019 by Nichole Robertson.
