10 Literary Locations in Paris that Book Lovers Need to Visit – Bookish Travel Tips
Ah, Paris! Famous for the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre.
But of course, we literary enthusiasts know that this capital city is also jam-packed with bookish spots and hidden gems.
As the former home of legendary authors and poets like Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde and George Sand, Paris is a book lovers paradise. Bask in the romantic atmosphere, delve into the Parisian culture and explore fantastic spots that warm your literary loving heart.
Take a look at the Top 10 locations for book lovers that you need to visit!
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FAMOUS LITERARY LOCATIONS TO VISIT IN PARIS
1. The Bouquinistes on the Seine River
Photo by Benh LIEU SONG
The streets next to the River Seine are packed with small bookstalls, selling secondhand literary diamonds. Feel the buzz of the Parisian book lovers as you're whisked away into the bookish heart of the city. Here, you can find every subject and genre at the tips of your fingers!
The Bouquinistes on the Seine River began in the 16th century, during the Wars of Religion. Many booksellers sold literature that advocated Protestanism, joining the French intellectuals and rebels that gave Paris its lively and avant-garde qualities. Join them today for a rich taste of literary history.
2. Maison de Victor Hugo
Photo by Md.altaf.rahman
"To love another person is to see the face of God" - Victor Hugo, Les Misérables.
Victor Hugo, the outstanding author of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables, resided in Paris throughout his life. His home is now a museum, which you can visit to explore the wonders of his life and work.
3. Musée de la Vie Romantique
Photo by Myrabella
This adapted French villa once belonged to the Dutch painter Ary Scheffer. The painter's gatherings would attract notable creatives from all over France, not least the famous romantic novelist George Sand (also known as Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin).
This fantastic museum has an entire floor dedicated to Sand, which explores her work, legacy and interesting personal life. Explore her beautiful jewellery, hand-written pages and learn about her intimate relationship with famous composer Frédéric Chopin.
The Musée de la Vie Romantique is essentially a bright and eccentric museum for all creatives to explore, buried at the bottom of Montmartre hill. Enjoy a full day discovering exciting artefacts and a gorgeous secret garden! It's also the perfect spot for a cup of tea and cake.
4. Le Procope
Photo by Jean-Marie Hullot
If you're a literature lover who also enjoys a bite to eat, then Le Procope is the perfect spot for you!
Sicilian Chef Procopio Cutò launched the restaurant in 1686, and it was soon to become the most popular meeting spot for intellectuals and writers in Paris. Le Procope is said to have been the dawn of the Parisian cafe culture we know today. This restaurant earned its status from its incredible food and legendary guests, such as literary masters Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Victor Hugo, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte and Benjamin Franklin are all said to have frequented this quaint spot. Enjoy classic French dishes while soaking in the glory of this restaurant's prestigious past.
5. Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris
The bar pays homage to Ernest Hemingway, the incredible American novelist, short-story writer and journalist. He was a frequent visitor to this bar, the Ritz, which just so happens to be one of the worlds smallest.
Pop in for a cocktail or two and escape from the busy Parisian streets. There are only 25 seats in this iconic bar, so make sure to book - it can be incredibly tricky to get a spot.
Nevertheless, it is worth it, not only for its rich literary past but for its world-famous bartender. Colin Field, the twice-named "Best Head Barman in the World", runs this bar, so you're sure to have a delicious time!
6. Shakespeare and Company
I created this bookstore like a man would write a novel, building each room like a chapter, and I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations. — George Whitman, Shakespeare and Company Website
Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookshop, launched by George Whitman, in the heart of Paris, situated opposite the glorious Notre Dame. It has been a meeting place for many writers and readers since opening in 1951 and is now a Left Bank literary institution.
This famous bookstore is bursting with rich literary life! Check out the Shakespeare and Company's 400-page book, which divulges the shop's historical beginnings and features more than 300 images and rare materials from the shop's archive.
A place for all literature lovers to assemble and explore, this iconic bookshop is not to be missed!
7. L'Hotel, 13 Rue des Beaux-Arts
The epitome of French style, L’Hotel was the world's first boutique hotel and last home of Oscar Wilde. – L’Hotel Website
Are you looking for a bookish place to rest your head? Then why not check into L'Hotel on 13 rue des Beaux‐Arts?! This five-star hotel is one of the smallest in Paris. It has a warm, glamorous charm, and guests can enjoy a luxurious pool and chic cocktail bar.
Of course, it's quite an expensive visit. But, if you're looking to stay in the same place that Oscar Wilde resided towards the end of his life, then 13 rue des Beaux‐Arts is the place for you.
Oscar Wilde made this place famously popular. The hotel has seen hundreds of famous guests over the years, such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Jim Morrison and Princess Grace.
8. Cimetière de Montparnasse & Cimetière du Père Lachaise
These two cemeteries are home to an abundance of artists, authors, poets and critics. Pay your respect to the legends that lay at Cimetière de Montparnasse & Cimetière du Père Lachaise.
A few of the graves graves you will find at Cimetière de Montparnasse:
Charles Baudelaire
Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir
Samuel Beckett
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
Pierre Larousse
A few of the graves graves you will find at Cimetière du Père Lachaise:
Peter Abelard
Eugène Delacroix
Jacques-Louis David
Georges Bizet
Frédéric Chopin
Honoré de Balzac
Marcel Proust
Oscar Wilde
Colette
Marcel Marceau
Richard Wright
9. Salle Richelieu
The home of Comédie-Française, the oldest active theatre company in the world! Founded in 1680, Comédie-Française was originally located at Salle de la rue des Fossés-Saint-Germain-des-Prés (opposite La Procope!).
Since 1799, the Comédie-Française has been housed in the Salle Richelieu (architect Victor Louis) at number 2, rue de Richelieu. Head over to the beautiful hall and explore plays past and present, and explore the work of famous playwright Molière.
10. Famous Literary Cafe's
There are so many literary famous cafe's in Paris to stop and get a bite to eat, or enjoy a rich Parisian coffee.
Check out urbansider’s top literary cafés in Paris, many of which have been visited by Oscar Wilde, Richard Wright, James Baldwin and more!
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Part 1 – 10 Literary Places in the UK Book Lovers Need to Visit
