France
Annecy
Antiope librairie-café
4 Pass. Gruffaz, Annecy
Tucked away in the Passage Gruffaz, just off Rue Royale and overlooking the Canal du Vassé, lies a little gem I might never have discovered had I not gone searching for it with the exact address in hand. More than just a bookshop, it’s also a café, a concept still relatively new to Annecy, and it makes the place feel both modern and timeless at once.
The interior has the quiet charm of an old library, complete with a tall wooden ladder that instantly caught my eye and seemed to give the whole shop its character. The shelves are well stocked, though I noticed the selection leans a little more toward younger readers. What it may lack in variety, however, it more than makes up for in atmosphere.
The café is an inviting addition, with tables both indoors and out on the passageway, perfect for lingering over a coffee while you leaf through a new book or simply watch the world go by. The staff are warm and welcoming, which only adds to the sense that this is a place worth seeking out. Even if you come just to soak in the ambiance, it’s a stop in Annecy not to be missed.
Book i bought:
Richard Powers: Un jeu sans fin
Librairie Joie de Livre
14 rue Royale, Annecy
Just a short walk from Annecy’s train station toward the city centre, you’ll come across a little bookshop that’s easy to miss, but absolutely worth stepping into. True to its name, Joie de Livre calls itself a Librairie Positive, and the moment you enter you’re greeted by a warm, uplifting atmosphere.
The shop itself is shaped like a narrow corridor, with only a little natural light, yet it somehow feels airy and bright, the beautifully patterned floor certainly helps. The shelves are devoted mainly to themes of well-being: health, yoga, nutrition, nature, and sport, along with a thoughtful range of psychology and self-help titles. A small but welcome fiction section greets you right at the entrance, inviting a quick browse before you wander further inside.
Though the selection isn’t vast, the spirit of the place more than makes up for it. Joie de Livre is the kind of shop where you can lose track of time, discovering unexpected titles and enjoying the positive energy.
Book i bought:
Èric de Kermel: L'archipel de Claire
Librairie Le Vieil Annecy
3 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Annecy
This bookshop enjoys a truly privileged location, with two entrances: one opening directly onto the Quai de l’Île, just behind Annecy’s most photographed landmark, the Palais de l’Île, and the other on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Each side offers its own character: from the quay, you step into a section devoted largely to Christian works and products, while the entrance on Rue Rousseau welcomes you with shelves of fiction. Inside, the space feels almost overflowing with books, every inch cleverly put to use.
I’ve often found Christian bookshops somewhat limited in scope, but this one is an exception. Its selection is thoughtfully curated, rich and varied enough to appeal to a wide range of readers. The interior itself is a delight, with an atmosphere that recalls an old-world pharmacy with wood, detail, and history woven together to create a space worth lingering in.
If you do stop by, I’d suggest treating yourself to a purchase. Not only will you always find something new to read, but buying a book helps ensure places like this continue to thrive. With its charm and character, this shop feels perfectly at home in Annecy, the elegant capital of Haute-Savoie.
Book i bought:
Martin Baldysz: Cairns
Colmar
Librairie Feuilles d’Encre
Cour Waldner Stephen, 5 rue des Marchands, Colmar
In the heart of the charming Alsatian town of Colmar sits Feuilles d’Encre, a bookshop with a name as poetic as its setting. Chosen around a family table, the name evokes both the written word and the natural world, a perfect fit for the trees outside, whose branches cast shifting shadows across the façade and sign, like ink leaves dancing in the light.
Step inside, and you instantly know you’re in France. The shelves are lined with rows upon rows of livres de poche — those unmistakable French paperbacks with their soft covers in shades of white and cream. The shop is immaculate, almost overly so, with every spine neatly aligned and displays carefully arranged. While this order gives it a polished look, it does come at the cost of a little warmth and spontaneity.
That said, the selection itself is wide-ranging and generous, with books displayed not only upright but also face-out across the shop. The building and its interior atmosphere are beautiful, full of quiet character, yet I left feeling that something indefinable was missing — that spark that turns a visit into a coup de cœur.
Book i bought:
J.P. Donleavy: La dame qui aimait les toilettes propres
Ruc Librairie-Papeteri
6, Place de la Cathédrale, Colmar
Beautifully located right on the cathedral square, this bookshop is a joy to explore. Spread across four floors, it invites you to wander from level to level, connected by an industrial-style staircase that spirals up through the centre of the space. Overhead, the exposed wooden beams add character, though their bright white finish does give them a slightly artificial look, almost reminiscent of polystyrene.
As its name suggests, the shop is not only dedicated to books but also to fine stationery, making it a tempting place for both readers and writers alike. The selection is excellent, with an especially impressive range for children and a large section devoted to comics. The staff are exceptionally welcoming, which makes the browsing experience all the more enjoyable.
One thing I love about good bookshops is the chance to discover staff picks, those little coups de cœur that often lead to unexpected treasures. Here, I didn’t even need to deliberate between several options; the very first recommendation caught my attention. To my surprise, it was a non-fiction title, a section I usually skim past, as I find comparisons harder there, but this time, curiosity won.
Book i bought:
Benoît Gallot: La vie secrète d'un cimetière
Évian-les-Bains
Librairie 47 Baker Street
47 Rue Nationale, Èvian-les-Bains
The elegant town of Évian-les-Bains is just a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Geneva from Lausanne, a journey so pleasant that it feels like part of the experience itself. Famous above all for its mineral water, Évian offers visitors the chance to taste it fresh at the Cachat Spring, and believe me, it is infinitely more refreshing straight from the source than from a plastic bottle.
Just a short stroll from the fountain lies a gem for book lovers: 47 Baker Street. The name nods both to its street address and to the shop’s specialty — crime fiction. The selection of detective stories and thrillers is excellent, but what surprised me most was the diversity of the fiction section: I found almost as many international authors as French ones. Toward the back, shelves are devoted to comics and manga, rounding out an already well-balanced collection.
The atmosphere struck me as slightly masculine in character, yet in a way that suited the range of titles perfectly. The space itself is bright, welcoming, and tastefully arranged, with a cozy café set at the front near the entrance. It’s the ideal spot to settle in with a new purchase and a cup of coffee. Add to that the warm friendliness of the bookseller, and it’s clear that 47 Baker Street is more than just a shop, it’s a place to linger and to browse.
Book i bought:
Christophe Molmy: Comme un papillon
Librairie Muratore
2, rue de la Source de Clermont, Évian-les-Bains
Climbing up from the lake toward the old town, you’ll come across this charming little bookshop. Its inviting exterior is perfectly matched by the warmth and friendliness you’ll find inside.
Though the space is compact, it stretches over two levels. A staircase just beyond the entrance leads downstairs, where a delightful children’s section is tucked away. The ground floor, meanwhile, is devoted mainly to fiction, though the selection spans an impressive range of subjects from travel and art to nature and beyond.
Yes, the shop is tight on space, and a few touches of design flair could make it feel more polished, but the shelves are arranged with real cleverness. The result is a place brimming with personality and atmosphere. Small as it is, it has buckets of charm and is absolutely worth a visit.
Book i bought:
Hadrien Klent: Paresse Pour Tous
Nancy
Fnac
2, avenue Foch, Nancy
Anyone traveling through France will eventually come across a Fnac, the country’s ubiquitous chain for books, music, electronics, and more. In Nancy, the branch is housed in the same building as Le Printemps department store, just a short walk from the train station.
To reach it, you ride a long escalator up to the second floor, where the familiar Fnac aesthetic greets you: cool, somewhat stark lighting, distinctive carpeting, and a checkout system that feels a bit like queuing at an airport.
True to form, the store offers everything from electronics and games to records and CDs. A generous section is dedicated to books, with shelves covering non-fiction, children’s and young adult titles, and a fair selection of fiction. One noticeable change, compared with years past, is the growing presence of international authors alongside the traditional dominance of French-language literature, a sign of shifting tastes and trends. Whether that makes the store more appealing is debatable, but it does mark an evolution.
In the end, Fnac is rarely an extraordinary experience — it is, after all, a chain, but it remains a reliable place to browse, discover something new, and perhaps leave with a book (or record) you hadn’t planned on buying.
Book i bought:
Louise Mey : 34m2
Hall du Livre
53/55 rue Saint Dizier, Nancy
Nancy’s largest bookshop, HDL, stands proudly in the very heart of the city, spread across three inviting floors and offering a selection that truly spans every genre. Even before stepping inside, you sense that something grand awaits and the reality doesn’t disappoint.
The ground floor is devoted mainly to fiction and magazines, with a sprinkling of non-book items. Climb to the first floor and you’ll find a vibrant children’s and young adult section, along with an impressive array of manga. The top floor houses non-fiction, including a particularly rich collection of art books. Fittingly for Nancy, a city renowned for its architecture, there is an emphasis on Art Nouveau and Art Deco, echoing the elegance found in the streets outside.
The interior itself is carefully designed, modern yet welcoming, with a soaring bookcase along the staircase that immediately catches the eye. Founded in 1925, HDL has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life and the fact that it is open seven days a week makes it all the more accessible.
For anyone visiting Nancy, this bookshop is an absolute must.
Book i bought:
François Sureau : Les Enfants Perdus
Librairie Didier
6, rue Gambetta
Just three doors down from one of the four grand gateways into the magnificent Place Stanislas, this bookshop enjoys what can only be described as a dream location. It sits among elegant clothing boutiques and a charming macaron shop, the very picture of French refinement.
Founded in 1924 and run since 1986 by Marc Didier, the founder’s grandson, the shop remains very much a family affair. When I visited, Monsieur Didier was unfortunately absent, but his presence is clearly felt in the atmosphere of the place.
From the outside, the bookshop looks almost English, with its striking red-painted façade. Inside, it has the endearing feel of a second-hand shop: books stacked in piles, spilling from tables and shelves, creating the sense that the shop is alive, brimming with stories. You can feel its soul in every corner, though for me, it lacked just a touch of magic to make it unforgettable.
Most of the customers I saw were older, suggesting a loyal and long-standing clientele. Alongside a solid fiction section, the shop also carries an extensive range of works on architecture and medicine, making it as much a specialist resource as a place for casual browsing.
Book i bought:
Bernard Minier : Les Effacées
Librairie L’Autre Rive
19, rue du Pont Mouja
Librairie L'Autre Rive sits at the heart of a lively pedestrian zone, surrounded by shops and restaurants. At first glance, it seems to have everything a book lover could want, yet, somehow, it didn’t quite win me over.
The interior is strikingly designed, with warm wood tones paired elegantly with black accents. From the back window, the view almost feels like a scene from Stéphane Plaza’s Maison à vendre.
The book selection struck me as rather serious and mature, and the atmosphere inside was unusually hushed. That’s why it was such a surprise to discover a spacious children’s corner tucked away at the back.
All the same, L'Autre Rive is undeniably beautiful, worth a visit, and holds great potential to become even more inviting.
Book i bought:
Patrick Modiano : La Danseuse
Paris
Au Pied de la Lettre
5, rue Tardieu, Paris
Located opposite the Montmartre Funicular and the charming carousel below Montmartre, this bookshop–stationery store undeniably benefits from a prime location.
While the setting is exceptional, the shop itself proves more challenging. The space is narrow and somewhat dark, which limits its overall appeal. In the front section, this issue has been partially addressed with three identical lamps positioned above the sales counter, an effective and visually pleasing solution. Additional card displays have also been incorporated to activate the space.
Fiction titles are tucked away in the far corner of the store. The selection is fairly modest and focuses mainly on established French authors such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Stendhal, and a handful of other well-known literary figures.
With such an outstanding location, the store has clear potential. Capturing more of the quintessential Parisian charm, through atmosphere, lighting, and a more distinctive assortment, could significantly enhance its success.
Book i bought:
Louis Nucéra: Les Contes du Lapin Agile
Chantelivre
13, rue de Sèvres, Paris
Nestled in one of Paris’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this bookstore mirrors its surroundings in both elegance and care. The space is immaculately maintained and thoughtfully organized. Fiction and crime novels welcome you at the front, followed by non-fiction in the central area, while the rear of the store opens onto a charming, dedicated space for children.
The interior features several striking design details, including a distinctive cashier’s booth and a cozy children’s room complete with a fireplace surround and seating arranged on a vibrant, colourful carpet. Books are generously spaced throughout the store, allowing each title to breathe, and the entire space is bathed in natural light from a large skylight above.
While the assortment could benefit from a more distinctive identity, the bookstore remains a delightful place to browse and linger.
Book i bought:
Julie Duchatel: Hôtel Louisiane
Gibert Joseph
26, 30, 34 Bd Saint Michel, Paris
This bookstore is enormous, reportedly the largest in Paris, and also the city’s biggest seller of second-hand books.
With its six floors, the sheer scale of the place felt a little overwhelming. The selection is vast, mixing new and used books of every genre imaginable. And yet, instead of the charm I usually associate with bookshops, the atmosphere reminded me more of a bargain department store.
The stark white-tiled floors and poor lighting don’t create the most welcoming setting. Still, with such an extensive range, there’s truly something here for everyone.
That said, Paris offers many wonderful alternatives for second-hand treasures like the Bouquinistes along the Seine or the atmospheric Librairie Jousseaume. The selection may be narrower, but the experience is far richer.
On a practical note, the checkout line was dauntingly long, so I was grateful for the self-service option.
Book i bought:
Manon Jouniaux: échappées
L’ATELIER 9
59, rue des Martyrs, Paris
Librairie L’Atelier 9 is located in the 9th arrondissement, close to Pigalle Metro Station. It is a classic neighbourhood bookstore, clearly oriented toward local residents rather than the tourists drawn to nearby Montmartre.
The interior lives up to the shop’s name. Even the address itself, with its telling “L’”, carries a certain artistic resonance. Yet despite this aesthetic sensibility, the presentation of books and decorative elements feels natural and unforced, never staged for effect.
The selection is impressively diverse, offering ample opportunities to discover titles unlikely to be found in more commercially driven bookstores. There is also something distinctly masculine in the atmosphere, subtle, but noticeable.
The space undoubtedly holds the potential to become even more remarkable. However, such a transformation would likely come at a cost: it might dilute the bookstore’s role as a true neighbourhood fixture and attract a clientele at odds with its original purpose.
Book i bought:
Joseph Incardona: Le monde est fatigué
L’Eau et les Rêves
3 Quai de l’Oise, Paris
In this quiet corner of the 19th arrondissement, bookshops are rare. The streets are mostly lined with market stalls and small immigrant-run shops, not exactly the setting where you’d expect to stumble upon a refined literary haven. And yet, along the Quai de l’Oise, with people drifting leisurely by the water, something remarkable appears.
Walking toward the legendary Zénith concert hall, you suddenly find yourself before a barge. At first glance, nothing unusual, Paris has plenty of restaurants on boats. But this one holds a secret: a café and a bookshop sharing the same floating home. The idea alone is irresistible; the reality, even more so.
On deck, a few tables invite you to linger in the open air. A narrow staircase then draws you below, where the murmur of conversation and the scent of coffee rise up to greet you. To the left, hidden in the belly of the boat, lies the bookshop. Dark wooden shelves hug the curves of the hull, and small lamps, glowing like lanterns, lend the space a ship-like intimacy. On a grey November afternoon, the warmth of it all felt magical.
The collection is modest but purposeful: books on nature, animals, gardening, and environmental themes form its heart, with a scattering of novels carefully arranged by country. What it lacks in range, it makes up for in coherence and soul. The staff, too, radiate the kind of quiet friendliness that makes you want to stay.
This is not just a place to buy books, it’s a space of imagination, of creativity, of atmosphere. A floating refuge where literature and life intertwine. Simply wonderful. Perfectly Parisian.
Book i bought:
Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd, the fight of a lifetime
L’Écume des Pages
174, Boulevard Saint Germain, Paris
L'Écume des Pages is located directly next to the historic Café de Flore, which means the area around the store is almost always bustling with people.
The bookstore leaves a mixed but ultimately intriguing impression. On the one hand, it is undeniably strong in character; on the other, there is something slightly strange about it, perhaps due to its highly idiosyncratic interior design. The reddish-brown shelving runs throughout the entire space, giving the store a distinctive and memorable atmosphere.
The selection feels mature, wide-ranging, and thoughtfully curated. Browsing the staff recommendations is particularly exciting: there are many of them, and they highlight titles you would be unlikely to see promoted in other bookstores. The assortment is remarkably broad and even extends to children’s books.
It was surprising to learn that the bookstore has only existed since the mid-1980s, especially given its literary reputation, something that may be influenced by the nearby literary cafés and the area’s long intellectual tradition.
The opening hours are equally impressive: apart from Sundays, the bookstore remains open until midnight, making it a rare and welcoming destination for late-night readers.
Book i bought:
Fernando Aramburu: Le Petit
Les Abesses
30, rue Yvonne le Tac, Paris
As its name suggests, Librairie des Abbesses sits just steps from one of Paris’s most beautiful Art Nouveau metro entrances, Abbesses Metro entrance, in the heart of Montmartre.
The bookstore occupies a building typical of the old artists’ quarter. Outside, postcard racks and tables stacked with books spill onto the pavement, while small chandeliers glowing in the windows irresistibly draw you inside.
Once you step through the door, you won’t be disappointed. The space is quite dark, but beautifully so. Wooden floors, carefully chosen lighting, and a wooden ladder at the back of the room lend the shop a distinctive, intimate charm. The sales area is arranged in a slightly wider area next to the entrance and long, narrow areas, which can feel a little cramped when it’s busy. But this is a small price to pay for the atmosphere.
The selection itself could be more adventurous, and the recommendations tend to skew heavily toward women. Still, the mood of the place more than compensates. I’m also fond of the bookstore’s philosophy, which echoes Charles Baudelaire’s notion of “cherchérie.” That is exactly how the shop feels: not commercial, not disposable, but a place with a soul, meant for lingering, searching, and discovery.
Book i bought:
Florence Seyvos: Un perdant magnifique
Librairie Compagnie
58 Rue des Écoles, Paris
Tucked between the Sorbonne and the Musée de Cluny in the 5th arrondissement lies a bookshop whose modest entrance conceals its true size. Step inside, and you discover that the space extends around the corner to the back of the building, where the art section unfolds. A staircase leads you further down into the basement, where shelves of crime novels and scientific works await.
The selection is broad yet thoughtful, offering a little of everything without losing coherence. What struck me most, however, was the atmosphere: despite its location in the heart of a tourist district, the voices around me were all French. This lent the shop an authenticity and intimacy I found refreshing.
The space itself is impeccably kept—almost too immaculate, in fact. While I admired its order and care, I missed the touch of character, the hint of imperfection, that gives a bookshop its soul. Still, it remains a fine address, generous in its offerings and certainly worth a visit.
Book i bought:
Frédéric Boyer: Si petite
Librairie Galignani
224 rue de Rivoli, Paris
In the 1st arrondissement, just steps from the Tuileries Garden, lies a bookstore whose elegance mirrors its prestigious surroundings. Its location already hints at its character: this is a place shaped, in part, for visitors from abroad.
At the entrance, a modest corner of French literature greets you, but the emphasis soon shifts. A vast art section dominates the shop, while at the back a large English-language collection unfolds. There is also a smaller gallery devoted to crime novels and related genres.
According to its website, the bookstore was founded in 1801, a fact that surprised me. I would have guessed a later date, perhaps toward the end of the 19th century, given its aesthetic. Inside, a glass roof filters natural light into the space, with a hint of Art Deco in its lines. This canopy of glass bathes the shop in a soft, luminous glow. Tall wooden shelves, complete with sliding ladders, rise around the room, while pyramid-shaped display tables stand elegantly at its centre.
The result is a setting that feels both stately and welcoming. Refined without being austere, it is a thoroughly beautiful and stylish bookstore, one that lingers in the memory as much for its atmosphere as for its selection.
Book i bought:
J.M. Coetzee: The Pole and other stories
Librairie Halle Saint Pierre
2 Rue Ronsard, Paris
This bookstore is housed within the wonderful Halle Saint Pierre in the 18th arrondissement, sharing the space with a museum and a café. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels deeply conducive to creativity and artistic exploration.
Art is very much at the heart of the bookstore’s identity. Alongside well-known figures, such as André Breton, who once lived in this area, the selection is notably bold and unconventional. The range spans from contemporary art to Art Brut, reflecting a curatorial confidence rather than a commercial mindset.
Art prints are displayed prominently at the entrance, while postcards and smaller items can be found at the cash register. Novels are also part of the assortment, and here too the focus is not on bestsellers but on more idiosyncratic choices. Browsing takes time and attention, but it is well worth the effort.
Although much of the selection did not align with my personal taste, this did not detract from the experience. On the contrary, the bookstore’s strong atmosphere, shaped by the carefully balanced symbiosis between bookstore, museum, and café, makes it a compelling and memorable place to visit.
Book i bought:
Marcel Bénabou: Jette ce livre avant qu'il soit trop tard
Librairie Le Piéton de Paris
58 Rue de l’hôtel de ville, Paris
The name of this bookshop could not be more fitting. Like a true piéton, any wanderer through Paris will eventually find themselves crossing the bridge toward Île Saint-Louis, where this little gem awaits.
Even before stepping inside, the small table set out front sparks curiosity, almost beckoning you to pause and enter. The selection within is modest, yet what the shelves may lack in quantity, the bookseller more than compensates for with passion. Warm and attentive, she engages each visitor with genuine interest.
When I chose a book, she leaned in and explained, almost conspiratorially, that I should not begin at the first page. “Start with the back,” she advised, “where in chapter XVII the author speaks to you directly, as if offhand, in conversation. Only then should you read the novel.”
Her words carried such conviction that, of course, I will follow her advice. It was not merely a recommendation, but a glimpse into the secret intimacy between reader, writer, and bookseller. In that moment, the shop felt less like a store and more like a confidante.
Book i bought:
Jacques Yonnet: Rue des Maléfices
Librairie Nordest
34 Bis Rue de Dunkerque, Paris
Librairie Nordest is located near Gare du Nord, in the 10th arrondissement. Despite the sidewalk in front of the shop being permanently occupied by a small army of motorcycles and Vespas, the bookstore itself manages to look surprisingly welcoming. Much of this is thanks to the carefully arranged lamps in the window, which glow bravely against the urban chaos.
Nordest is very much a neighbourhood bookstore and unfortunately, also a rather forgettable one. The book selection struck me as fairly average, and the atmosphere never quite rises above “perfectly fine.” Nothing is actively wrong, but nothing really lingers in the mind either.
Of course, it’s a good thing that local residents have a bookstore right on their doorstep. Still, the shop feels as though it’s missing a clear identity, some DNA. It’s one of many, rather than the one. Which is a shame, because the building and the location have real potential to become something special. But nice lamps alone do not a bookstore make. Perhaps a good first step would be a strict moped-free zone in front of the window, just to give the books a fighting chance.
Book i bought:
Yannick Haenel: Bleu Bacon
Strasbourg
Librairie Dinali
102 Grand’Rue, Strasbourg
Not far from the picturesque Petite France quarter stands this branch of the Dinali bookshop, a house of books that has been part of the city since 1972. Its specialty lies in literature for young readers and beautifully illustrated works. With decades of experience behind it, the shop offers both titles from its own distribution network and new books at reduced prices year-round
The store spreads across two levels. The ground floor holds a wide selection of fiction. As someone with a weakness for French literature, I found particular joy in lingering here. Yet it is the upper floor that left the strongest impression. A wooden staircase leads up to a space dedicated to music, film, non-fiction, and second-hand gems. The interior here feels especially charming..
The bookseller, too, added to the pleasure of my visit. Our conversation was warm and engaging; I even ventured to recommend one of my own favorites, Le carnaval sauvage by Pierre de Cabissole, in the hope she might someday include it in her collection. Naturally, she responded in kind with a recommendation of her own. After all, it would be a topsy-turvy world if a bookseller didn’t have the last word.
Book i bought:
Gaspard Koenig: Humus
Librairie du monde entier (Gallimard)
31, Place Kléber, Strasbourg
On Place Kléber, at the very heart of Strasbourg, stands a bookshop devoted to foreign-language literature, works that connect the city to the wider world. The name Gallimard signals its identity immediately: one of France’s most important publishers, especially renowned for bringing international voices into French translation.
The selection here is strikingly diverse. A large section is dedicated to German books, unsurprising given Strasbourg’s history and proximity to the border, while Italian, Spanish, Swedish, and Russian titles also line the shelves. What stood out most, however, was the clientele: many of the visitors I saw were young, leafing through volumes with an eagerness that gave the place a lively energy.
The shop’s design takes inspiration from Piet Mondrian, with splashes of his geometric colour concept on the floor, recommendation cards, and even the website. Personally, I found it more distracting than beautiful, but it certainly gives the shop a distinctive identity.
This bookstore is also a partner of the great Librairie Kléber nearby, and together they form an important cultural anchor in the city’s literary life.
Book i bought:
Hiromi Kawakami: Dragon Palace
Librairie Kléber
1, rue des Francs Bourgeois, Strasbourg
Rising above Place Kléber, this multi-storey bookshop is nothing short of a literary paradise.
The ground floor alone could hold you for hours. To the right, rows of French literature stretch beneath bright shelves, each title illuminated by its own spotlight, as if the books themselves were on stage.
Upstairs, the first floor bursts with colour and imagination, children’s books and comics, everything to delight both the young and the young at heart.
The second floor offers yet another discovery. Here, non-fiction reigns, alongside a wonderfully original room devoted to Asian themes, painted in vivid hues. Cosy seating areas invite you to linger, while tables highlight the works of individual authors, giving each their moment of attention. A corridor leads you further still, through shelves of esoterica, before winding back to the central staircase.
It is a world within a world, layered with surprises at every turn. Truly, a paradise for book lovers.
Book i bought:
Guillaume Lebrun: Ravagés de splendeur
Librairie Oberlin
22 rue de la Division Leclerc, Strasbourg
This bookshop stands on Rue du Général Leclerc, not far from the bridge crossing the River Ill. At the entrance, a small display of fiction greets you, but the heart of the collection lies elsewhere: religion. True to its name, the shop is deeply anchored in spiritual and theological works.
The atmosphere, however, felt somewhat heavy to me. The silence inside was not the inviting hush of a sanctuary, but rather a stillness that bordered on uncomfortable. The interior, with its dark brown and deep green tones, recalled the 1980s, an aesthetic that weighed the space down rather than enlivening it.
And yet, behind this impression lies a venerable history. The bookshop was founded in 1817 and is also home to the Oberlin publishing house. Its name does not refer to an owner but honours Jean-Frédéric Oberlin, the Strasbourg pastor of the 18th century who became known as the pioneer of organized childcare in Europe.
A place of tradition and gravity, it carries the weight of history, though it left me wishing for a touch more warmth.
Book i bought:
Lucas Belvaux: Les tourmentés
Quai des Brumes
120 Grand’Rue, Strasbourg
From the outside, this bookshop, founded in 1984, blends quietly into the street, its façade giving little away. But stepping inside is like opening a hidden door into Strasbourg’s literary soul.
At the entrance, French literature takes pride of place. The furnishing is classical and stylish, the atmosphere calm yet inviting. On large tables, the booksellers’ favourites are displayed, an eclectic mix of voices and themes that sparks curiosity with every glance. Along the high shelves, one discovers an excellent selection, including French translations of English-language authors.
And then comes the true surprise. As you move toward the rear, the shop suddenly reveals its hidden splendour. The architecture opens up with grace and light, and in that instant the bookshop feels less like a store than a cultural sanctuary. Wandering through it, I felt as though I had stepped into a museum where books were the masterpieces on display.
In the heart of Strasbourg, it is a place of quiet wonder, a reminder that behind modest façades, the city often hides treasures of unexpected beauty.
Book i bought:
Fabrice Caro: Fort Alamo