Paris Book Stores

For Bill and myself, shopping in Paris means books. Here are eight bookstores we would not miss.

 Yvon Lambert is at the top of our list because they are just so cool. And they stock items that you won't find anywhere else.

Their windows are always worth a look. On our last visit we found David Shrigley's "Ridiculous Inflatable Swan-Thing".

Last week's visit featured two nice Shrigley pillow cases. The little dish in the background was designed by Sol LeWitt.

Lambert specializes in small, independent art book publishers and has a special fondness for conceptual art titles (108 rue Vieille du Temple).

 Yvon Lambert recently opened a second location -- not far from the original store.

A much bigger selection of items -- still with a conceptual bent -- also great photography books, including some quite rare and expensive books and collectibles.

We dropped in last week and they were having a book launch. Robert Wilson was one of the authors and was in attendance. How cool is that? (Do you know Wilson? He directed Einstein on the Beach). (14 rue des Filles du Calvaire)

OFR is worth repeated visits because their stock changes regularly. Find new books, out of print books and magazines.

OFR specializes in art, architecture, design, photography and fashion.

The stock is very loosely organized which means to me that you might find underappreciated treasures. (OFR Paris, 20, rue Dupetit-Thouars)

La Chambre Claire, on the Left Bank, might be the best photobook store in Paris. 

I mentioned this to the owner and he replied, "The best in Europe." So there you have it. If you want to browse photography books or ask about hard to find titles don't miss La Chambre Claire (14 Rue Saint-Sulpice).

Bill and I discovered Librairie Photographique Le 29 by accident one day while walking from the Gare de l'Est metro station to the Canal Saint Martin. The owner is very friendly and helpful.

A great selection of photography books. If you are looking for photography books consider this store a destination (then have a stroll by the canal). Many books from smaller, independent publishers (29 Rue des Récollets).

Marian Goodman is one of the best gallerists in the world and her bookstore the Librairie Marian Goodman has a curated selection of the very best contemporary art books. It also has an extensive collection of all the books in print by the artists represented by her gallery.

A small shop, but with amazing books. It is next door to the Jewish Museum (mahJ) and a stone's throw from the Centre Pompidou (66 Rue du Temple).

Find second-hand literature and popular reading in English at San Francisco Books on the Left Bank. 

Hard cover books and trade paperbacks in the front -- literature, history, art, poetry,

pocket books in the back -- literature, mystery, science fiction, thrillers.

Galignani, on the Rue de Rivoli, steps away from the Tuileries metro station is one of the most elegant bookstores in Paris.

Just stepping in and browsing is a pleasure. French language books in the front of the store -- art, design, architecture, fashion, literature.

You will find a vast selection of books in English in the back.

The selection of English language books is so big they need a catwalk to hold them all (224 Rue de Rivoli).