The best bookstores in Paris

For those chic intellectuals who love stacking books on their bedside table, we’ve got the ultimate list for you. Whether you're delving into a fascinating topic or seeking a peaceful reading spot, our editorial team has selected the best specialized bookstores in Paris. Here’s a look at the coolest and most niche bookshops to find beautiful art books, empowerment essays, highly kawaii manga, and iconic feminist works to boost your general knowledge.

The Place: Founded in 1974 originally in the 7th arrondissement, this bookstore quickly moved to the 6th, becoming a bookstore-gallery. In 2007, it opened Espace des femmes and Les éditions des femmes - Antoinette Fouque. La Librairie des femmes is an inclusive, engaged safe space that brings together works written by, for, or about women. Here, sorority reigns, and you’re likely to meet allies for discussion and debate.

What You’ll Find: A selection of feminist books, from novels to essays, comics, and children's books. The bookstore also hosts thematic talks (such as "feminism and anarchism" evenings) and events to highlight women's creations (like the Spring of Poetesses) or celebrate women writers who made history (150th anniversary of Colette's birth, tribute to Françoise d'Eaubonne). Expect a girl power ambiance!

Staff Picks: "L’Art de la joie" by Goliarda Sapienza, "Saisons des feux" by Naná Howton, and "Zaatar" by Sofía Karampali Farhat.

La librairie des femmes, 35 rue Jacob, Paris 6th, 01 42 60 93 76, Monday from 1pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

@librairie_des_femmes

The Place: Known for its art, architecture, design, prints, and especially photography books, TASCHEN’s Paris store, designed by Philippe Starck, is a cultural hub in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It attracts photo lovers, casual passersby, and curious tourists alike.

What You’ll Find: A diverse collection of photo books covering cinema, fashion, architecture, pop culture, and erotica. Their XXL collector editions are notable for their rarity and high-quality images. Highlights include the Great Escapes collection for travels to Italy, Greece, or Africa, 90s advertising best-ofs, and Peter Lindbergh’s fashion photography.

Staff Picks: "Plant Magick. The Library of Esoterica" by Jessica Hundley, "The History of Graphic Design" by Jens Müller, and "Small Houses" by Philip Jodidio.

Taschen, 2 rue de Buci, Paris 6th, 01 40 51 79 22, Open daily from 11am to 8pm

The Place: An ambitious project by Ramdane Touhami, this bookstore in the chic 7th arrondissement combines militant works and literary classics in a vintage pharmacy setting. It aims to heal through words, offering a welcoming space for discovering new books.

What You’ll Find: Contemporary releases from extra-European authors on anticolonialism and feminism, numerous essays from Divergences publishing, alongside classics by Camus, Françoise Sagan, and Aimé Césaire. The bookstore regularly hosts thematic evenings or writer meetings to promote contemporary creation and debate.

Staff Picks: "Sex Detectives" by Noa Y. Lions, "The Ways of White Folks" by Langston Hughes, and "Magnumb" by Arthur Jafa.

La Pharmacie des âmes, 25 rue Vaneau, Paris 7th, 01 43 06 53 98, Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

The Place: The go-to spot for Anglo-Saxon culture enthusiasts. Founded in 1989 by Canadian Brian Spence, this cozy bookstore in the Latin Quarter boasts an eclectic storefront and over 35,000 titles, making it a must-visit for anglophiles in Paris.

What You’ll Find: Books from the entire English-speaking world, both new and used, including rare finds. From Jane Austen to Patti Smith, Roald Dahl to Viet Thanh Nguyen, Sylvia Plath to Carol Shields, this bookstore appeals to book lovers and Sunday browsers alike. The passionate Abbey family is always ready to provide recommendations.

Staff Picks: "The Magus" by John Fowles, "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt, and "White Noise" by Don DeLillo.

The abbey bookshop, 29 rue de la Parcheminerie, Paris 5th, 01 46 33 16 24, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm

The Place: Located near Jussieu University, this charming bookstore with a blue facade is a haven for otakus. Its floral wallpapered interior is a treasure trove of Japanese culture, perfect for readers of all ages looking to dive into the world of manga.

What You’ll Find: All the volumes of cult manga series (Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Fruit Basket, Nana…) to complete your collection. Popular picks include the oenological manga "Les Gouttes de Dieu" by Tadashi Agi and Haruki Murakami’s fantastical novels. The shop also offers geek culture accessories (Funko Pop figurines, Nanoblocks), cute Japanese items (Ghibli plush toys, adorable stationery), and home decor (Rice dishes, posters). Plus, they sell Japanese-inspired teas in collaboration with Instants Botaniques. Saikō!

Staff Picks: "La Papeterie Tsubaki" by Ito Ogawa, "Minuscule" by Takuto Kashiki, "Kamakura Diary" by Akimi Yoshida.

Le Renard Doré, 41 rue Jussieu, Paris 5th, 01 42 02 14 85, Monday from 2pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm.

The Place: Let's talk about sex, baby… The only erotic bookstore and publisher in France and the Francophonie, La Musardine has been boldly promoting sensual, committed, and pornographic literature since 1995. It's an open space that now combines its well-loved erotic books and films with new works addressing diverse desires and representations. The bookstore even features a section dedicated to feminism and sexuality, with a strong emphasis on female authorship.

What You’ll Find: Fiction, essays, comics, art books… A selection of French erotic literature to warm up your nights. Favorites include the unabashed books by Maïa Mazaurette, the sultry works of author and filmmaker Ovidie, classic erotica by Guillaume Apollinaire, and the Marquis de Sade’s works. For the visually inclined, there's "Itinéraire d’une garce," scripted by Céline Tran with stunning illustrations by Grazia La Padula.

Staff Picks: "Il est 14h, j’enlève ma culotte" by Zoé Vintimille, "Indécentes," a collection of erotic short stories by various authors, and "Mots fléchés érotiques" by Matthieu Vergote (@mondoigtdanstarue).

La musardine, 122 rue du Chemin Vert, Paris 11th, 01 49 29 48 55, Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm

We also love the feminist bookstore Un Livre et Une Tasse de Thé. This space is designed as a place for living and sharing, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake amidst a selection of engaging books. They also offer monthly literary boxes with books, teas, and goodies, all with a girl power theme. Wow!

Un livre et une tasse de thé, 36 rue René Boulanger, Paris 10th, 07 77 07 18 48, Monday from

Explore also TRAM, the café bookstore that’s captivating trendy Parisians,