When it comes to literature, the Quartier Latin is the place to be in Paris. A student and intellectual quarter par excellence, it's home to a whole host of addresses dedicated to culture in all its forms, and above all to bookshops. Whether generalist or specialist, second-hand or not, these stores are each unique in their own way, and you'll find plenty to fill your days browsing in each one.
Novels, comics, mangas, essays, antiquarian books, and other more unusual products, the Quartier Latin is full of nuggets, and we can only encourage you to take a trip to one of these bookshops. We bet you won't come away empty-handed, since the best bargains are also to be found in this historic district of the 5th arrondissement. Yes, most of these bookshops sell many second-hand books.
L'Ours et la Vieille Grille: poetry-filled café-library and wine cellar in a former theater
In the Latin Quarter, the history of the capital meets literature in the bookshop de l'Ours et la Vieille Grille. Formerly a theater in the 1960s, the place is now a haunt for poets and book lovers, as well as for fine dining, as it boasts a soulful café! [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]
Shakespeare and Company, the most English-speaking bookstore in Paris
Opposite Notre-Dame de Paris, the Shakespeare and Company Café adjoins the historic English-language bookshop founded by George Whitman. Gourmets and literary souls, you've found your paradise! [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]
La librairie de l'inconnu: esoteric store in Odéon
In the run-up to Halloween, we're off to the Odéon district to discover Librairie de l'Inconnu, one of the best-stocked esoteric stores in Paris. [Read more]
Aaapoum Bapoum, the second-hand bookshop specializing in comics, manga and graphic novels: photos and reportage
Aaapoum Bapoum is one of the essential second-hand bookshops for all comic book readers. On the shelves of Aaapoum Bapoum, in the Latin Quarter, you'll find franco-belge, manga and comics at knock-down prices, as well as rarities, antiquarian books and first editions. [Read more]
Librairie Compagnie: an intellectual boutique opposite the Sorbonne - Photos and reportage
Whether you're a student, a researcher or just curious about everything, the Compagnie bookshop is the place for you! Located between the Sorbonne and the Collège de France, you'll find general literature, but above all intellectual and scientific literature. [Read more]
Album Comics: the historic bookshop for comic book fans in the Latin Quarter - Photos and reportage
For over 20 years, Album Comics has been the reference address for all fans of American comics. Since 2021, the address has also had an annex dedicated to manga. To the delight of residents of the Latin Quarter. [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]
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]
Paris: Les Grands Caractères, France's first bookshop dedicated to the visually impaired
Paris is home to a new bookshop with a concept never seen before in France. Located in the Latin Quarter, Les Grands Caractères offers books adapted for the visually impaired. It's the perfect place for literature fans whose passion for books was previously compromised by their sight problems. [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]
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]
And if you'd like to discover more bookshops, take a look at our other guides
Bookshops: where to buy second-hand novels and essays in Paris?
Attention literature fans! Paris is bursting with second-hand bookshops, full of bargains. If you want to fill bags with novels or essays for a handful of euros, these are the stores for you. [Read more]
With the start of the new academic year just around the corner, many students need to stock up on back-to-school books, often at excessive prices. That's why we've put together a selection of bookstores in Paris where you'll find a wide range of books for students, academics and researchers. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 8, 2023 to December 31, 2027
Bookshops: where to buy second-hand novels and essays in Paris?
Literature: student bookshops in Paris
