Want to feed your mind and your stomach? Paris is full of traditional or unusual literary cafés, which will take you around the world, but while staying in the capital, to enjoy good sweet or savory dishes, around a book of your choice. Because it's common knowledge that avid readers love to immerse themselves in their favorite adventures with a little coffee and a pastry!
Whether you are a big or small reader, of manga, feminist or contemporary literature, Paris and its region will always have something to offer you! The French capital, which has been home to many writers for centuries, is home to many literary cafés or tea rooms, sometimes even bookstores associated with a place to eat! We recommend you some of these unusual places around 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]
Café Pli: an inspiring coffee shop where you can send yourself a letter in the future
Café Pli is an intimate concept straight from Korea, offering you the chance to put your thoughts on paper for your future self, who will receive a letter in one, ten or twenty years' time, and will undoubtedly have a nice surprise! Rendezvous in the 11th arrondissement for a moment with yourself, over a drink and a sweet treat. [Read more]
Le Comptoirs des Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Près, the literary café on the go
Discover Comptoir Les Deux Magots, the new takeaway café in the 6th arrondissement of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris. On the go or to take away, the place offers homemade recipes based on local produce, with sandwiches, croques-monsieur and salads on the menu. [Read more]
Café Mirette, the excellent bistronomic restaurant with hidden terrace in Saint-Lazare
Café Mirette is Le bon plan hidden behind the Saint-Lazare train station in a sheltered, little-known passageway. There you can lounge, sheltered, in the middle of 8ᵉ, enjoy fresh, seasonal cuisine and, as a bonus, very affordable. Housed within the Pernod Ricard Foundation, which continually offers free exhibitions, this is the literary café you'll love to go to. [Read more]
Maison Constantine, an exotic mix of Mediterranean cuisine, bazaar and beauty salon
Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean in the heart of Paris? Head for Maison Constantine, a warm and inviting hybrid of Mediterranean restaurant, artisan bazaar and beauty salon! [Read more]
Les Deux Magots: legendary café in Paris's Saint-Germain des Près district
At Les Deux Magots, you'll discover a place steeped in history and an ideal setting for a gourmet break on the terrace. Since 1885, this legendary café has welcomed gourmets and art lovers alike. [Read more]
Manga Café V2: a literary café for reading and playing video games in the 13th arrondissement
It's a must for all manga fans. Manga Café V2, just off Avenue de France in the 13th arrondissement, combines bookshop, relaxation and video arcade terminals. [Read more]
La Belle Hortense: intimate literary bar and wine cellar in a bookshop in the heart of the Marais district
Are you a lover of good wine and books? Taste the classics in the Marais at La Belle Hortense, a curious literary bar that mixes books and bottles of vintage wine in a warm, intimate space, surrounded by black-and-white photos. [Read more]
Reopening of the famous feminist and LGBTQI+ bookshop Violette and Co, in the 11th arrondissement.
After closing in early 2022, the 11th arrondissement literary institution is back, thanks to the determination of feminist activists. More modern, the bookshop now houses a small café, which you can try out from October 13, 2023! [Read more]
La Régulière: independent bookshop, coffee shop and art gallery in the 18th arrondissement
In the Goutte d'Or district of Paris, you'll discover a true hybrid of independent bookshop specializing in graphic arts, coffee shop and small art gallery, where you can find little nuggets like nowhere else! [Read more]
Majo, the feminist bookshop with a small vegan café near the Pantheon
Between Jussieu and the Panthéon, you'll find a pretty, cosy bookshop in violet tones, where you'll find feminist, children's and contemporary books, and a vegan café to relax in. [Read more]
Le Bar Perché: a literary bar & terrace with a view rises to the 7th floor of Printemps Haussmann
Printemps Haussmann continues to surprise us with the opening of the Bar Perché, a hot new literary spot where you can relax and enjoy a good cup of coffee accompanied by delicacies. A veritable cocoon for book lovers and unusual addresses, it's the perfect place to nibble on a snack throughout the day, or to enjoy the terrace with its privileged view of the Eiffel Tower. [Read more]
Storyboard, the bookshop-café a stone's throw from the Puces de Saint-Ouen
A concept store, a coffeeshop and a beautiful hybrid bookshop with a whole collection of graphic novels, comics, mangas and children's books: that's the idea Bess and Julien had when they opened Storyboard in October 2021. Since then, the bookshop has become a place where you can pop in for a coffee, spend hours leafing through the books, or just drop in for a snack. [Read more]
Water and dreams, the botanical barge-library on the Canal de l'Ourcq
On the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq, you'll find an unusual barge that holds treasures of lush greenery and literature. A small café-restaurant hides away in this unique botanical bookshop with its feet in the water, the ideal place for good ideas to germinate! [Read more]
Books'n'Brunch, the free literary brunch at the Maison de la Conversation
If you like literary cafés, where you share your reading recommendations of the moment, head to the literary brunch at the Maison de la Conversation, in the 18th arrondissement, on Sunday afternoons! [Read more]
Un livre et une tasse de thé, the feminist and committed bookshop in République
Just a few steps from the Place de la République, a pretty and colorful bookstore with feminist and committed books and programming is nestled in a small, warm and vegan-friendly tea room. [Read more]
Le Petit Ney, the associative, literary and playful café where you can go with your children
Porte de Montmartre hides a beautiful navy blue window with lots of books on display: it's the Petit Ney, an associative café in the 18th arrondissement, which offers workshops for families, a café area, books but above all, a space for the little ones. [Read more]
Bonjour Jacob, a concept combining artworks, magazines and a coffee shop
To discover a surprising and inspiring place, head for Bonjour Jacob, near Place de la République. On the menu: art exhibition, coffee shop and a selection of the best magazines from around the world. [Read more]
Used Book Café, the literary coffee shop
The Used Book Café is the coffee shop library of the Merci Concept Store. A coffee shop like no other since it offers you the possibility to read while enjoying a simple and home-made menu. [Read more]
Book Nook, the elegant coffee shop home to Beta Publisher
Book Nook, or BKNK to its friends, is a coffee shop and a publishing house! BKNK is home to Beta Publisher and a cosy café, where you can enjoy a good book over a hot drink. [Read more]
To discover more literary news in Paris and Ile-de-France, it's here!
Not-to-be-missed literary events in Paris and the Île-de-France region in January 2025
Readers of all ages, Paris and the surrounding region always have something to offer! The French capital, which has been home to many writers for centuries, is hosting some not-to-be-missed literary events in January 2025. [Read more]
Have a nice reading!
Not-to-be-missed literary events in Paris and the Île-de-France region in January 2025
