How difficult it is to satisfy the acute collectoritis of literature lovers, when you lack the means. Reading books is one of France's favorite pastimes, and tens of millions of novels are sold every year in France. But this figure does not include the second-hand market, which grows in importance every year. On average, one in three books sold is second-hand.
And Parisians won't disagree! The French capital, known the world over for its culture and love of literature, is brimming with second-hand bookshops of all kinds. Whether generalist or specialist, small or large, well-known or not, here's a selection of our favorite stores, where you can stock up on culture at low (or even very low) prices.
In this guide, you'll find mainly bookshops selling second-hand novels and essays, all over Paris. And we guarantee you won't come away empty-handed. If you're more into comics and manga, we've got another guide dedicated to the 9th art.
Antique and second-hand book market, every weekend in Parc Georges Brassens - Our photos
For over 35 years, the halles du parc Georges Brassens have been transformed into an open-air bookshop every weekend, for the antique and second-hand book market. [Read more]
Book Off, the best second-hand bookshop in Paris: photos and report
With its three stores dotted around Paris, the Japanese brand Book Off is well established in the capital. And with good reason: it's one of the best second-hand bookshops, with its vast selection and ultra-affordable prices. [Read more]
Gibert Joseph, an entire building dedicated to culture in the heart of the Latin Quarter: report
With its wide selection of new and second-hand products, Gibert Joseph is a long-established address for Latin Quarter regulars, selling books, CDs, DVDs and much more. [Read more]
Boulinier: the second-hand bookshop with unbeatable prices in the Latin Quarter
One of Paris's best-known bookstores, Boulinier was founded in 1845 and has seven locations in Paris and the Paris region. The best-known is, of course, the one in the Latin Quarter, on boulevard Saint-Michel. [Read more]
Librairie Philosophique J.Vrin: the best deal for students opposite the Sorbonne - Photos
A veritable temple for students and philosophy enthusiasts alike, the J. Vrin has been a historic bookshop in the Latin Quarter for over a century. New and second-hand essays are available. [Read more]
"Quinze.bis": the Gibert bookstore concept store in Paris
The historic Gibert bookstore chain, despite difficulties in recent years, is hoping to capitalize on the second-hand boom and is inventing new bookstore concepts with the opening of its "Quinze.bis" store from September 30, 2021 in Paris. [Read more]
Vignes used bookshop, specializing in first and rare editions: photos and reportage
It's a discreet bookshop a stone's throw from the Collège de France, in the 5th arrondissement. Here you'll find rare books, genuine museum pieces that will appeal more to collectors than to readers. [Read more]
La Sirène, a second-hand bookshop full of rare books at Bastille - Photos and reportage
Rare book lovers and collectors will find what they're looking for at La Sirène, a second-hand bookshop in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. [Read more]
Bouquinistes des quais de Seine: a historic institution for art lovers - Photos
Constantly threatened with closure, the kiosks on the quays of the Seine have been part of the Parisian landscape for over a century and a half, and are a treasure trove of culture and art at low prices. [Read more]
Librairie Jousseaume: a historic store in the heart of the Galerie Vivienne - Photos and reportage
This listed bookshop has been open since 1826 in the Galerie Vivienne. [Read more]
Salon International du Livre Rare et des Arts Graphiques 2023 at the Grand Palais Éphémère
An exceptional book fair will be held at the Grand Palais Éphémère from September 22 to 24, 2023, the only one of its kind in the world to bring together rare and antiquarian books, accessible to all budgets, for collectors and novices alike. [Read more]
Recyclivre opens an ephemeral second-hand bookshop in Paris, selling books for as little as €2.
To take advantage of hundreds of books for as little as 2 euros and literary events, head to Pop'hope helios, in the 2nd arrondissement, from October 13 to 15, 2023, to immerse yourself in Recyclivre's ephemeral second-hand bookshop! [Read more]
Re-Read: a second-hand bookshop with books for 4 euros, accessible to all, in the 11th arrondissement.
Among the few second-hand bookshops in the capital, a newcomer is trying to make its mark: Re-Read. It offers books at a single price of 4 euros, accessible to all literature lovers! [Read more]
L'Amour du Noir, the second-hand bookshop that celebrates bad genres - Photos and reportage
Thrillers, pulps and noir novels take pride of place at "L'Amour du Noir", a wonderful second-hand bookshop with shelves overflowing with treasures. It can be found on rue du Cardinal Lemoine, a stone's throw from the Institut du Monde Arabe. [Read more]
Braderie de la Bibliothèque du Musée des Arts Décoratifs: fashion, design & deco books at low prices
The Bibliothèque des Arts Décoratifs is organizing another edition of its famous braderie on Friday, December 1, 2023. Come to 111 rue de Rivoli to pick up books at low prices on the themes of decorative arts, design and fashion, just in time for your Christmas gift ideas! Don't forget your bags and boxes for transporting your future paper roommates! [Read more]
Librairie L'Odyssée: the ideal place to buy second-hand books in the 10th arrondissement
Located on Avenue Parmentier, in the 10th arrondissement, L'Odyssée bookshop awaits you with a huge selection of second-hand books and comics. [Read more]
