bouquinistes-paris

In the early 16th century, peddlers known as ‘libraires forains’ wandered along the river Seine’s banks selling their wares. However, these traveling booksellers were soon banned after accusations that they sold pamphlets from the Protestants targeting the church and the government.

Later on, some of them were reinstated under approval, and allowed to display books in allocated stalls on the Pont Neuf – and that’s when the tradition of second-hand booksellers in France began. Today, the stretch of land where the booksellers are located has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Paris bouquinistes have also inspired booksellers in many other cities, including Beijing, Tokyo, and Ottawa.

The Importance of the Bouquinistes to the History and Tourism of Paris

The booksellers of Paris play a very important role in the history and tourism of France’s capital, but their activity is threatened by the advent and ever-increasing use of the internet. Old book sales continue to decline as fewer people take the time to read physical books and magazines these days.

In an effort to achieve acceptable revenue and ensure their continued survival, the booksellers have diversified their offerings to include various types of tourist merchandise, although this is limited to one out of four boxes allocated to each seller by the city.

Another explanation for the booksellers’ loss of revenue is the recent creation of the pedestrian precinct which is located along the river’s lower banks. In truth, the upper banks do have a lot of noise from cars, trucks, and buses that pass on the main road and that does make it less attractive than the quieter lower banks.

As you can see, the bouquinistes are important symbols of the historic and literary patrimony in Paris. Their massive ‘open-air bookshop’ is a big part of the Parisian landscape. But now these storied bookstalls are fighting for survival, and without them, a lot of the Seine’s charm will be lost.

The Bottom Line

It’s not by choice that the booksellers are peddling less lofty merchandise, but you’re still likely to find real, undervalued discoveries here including some interesting second-hand books from centuries past at extremely attractive prices. So on your next trip, take a stroll along the banks of the Seine and get ready to start bargaining!


You don’t have to jet off to the Caribbean to enjoy luscious, sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Many look outside of Europe when planning a hot beach holiday without giving it a second thought, but Europe is full of stunning beaches which give the Instagram-friendly beaches of Punta Cana a good run for their money, it’s just a case of knowing where to go. Here is our guide to the best beaches in Europe. Get your bikini ready!

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The Top Six Day Trips from Paris
Paris is the city of lights as it is famously known. The city has numerous beautiful places for one to see. Even more spectacular are the historical and magnificent sites one can visit during the day. The following are some of the day trips that are guaranteed to make your stay in Paris memorable.

1. Disneyland Paris

Are you taking the trip with your children or grandchildren? This is the ultimate destination for your children. Here, one can experience a real Disney-like experience through the amusement parks, recreational parks, restaurants, and much more. To get to Disneyland, one can simply take public transport or get there using a car.

2. Notre-Dame de Reims

This place is just a 45-minute journey with high-speed trains from Gare de l’Est. This historic building is famously known as the place where 33 French Kings, including Charles VII, were crowned. The building is covered with breathtaking statues which include a smiling angel. Additionally, the area is also famous for the champagne caves where people get to taste the champagnes.

3. Giverny

For the lovers of nature, this is one destination to look out for in your choices. The attraction site is the home of a renowned impressionist painter known as Claude Monet. This garden is famous for the beautiful Clos Normand garden, water garden, Japanese bridge, water lilies as well as the various flora and fauna attractions.

4. Versailles

This is a must-visit place for anyone visiting Paris. This historic attraction comprises of a spectacular garden, the Marie-Antoinette’s estate and the Grand Trianon. It is one huge destination, so for one to enjoy the guided tour, one is advised to create adequate time during the visit. The place is accessible by bus from Eiffel Tower all the days of the week except Monday.

5. Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Also known as the ‘Royal Town’, this place lies in the suburbs of the city of lights. One can get there by train from the city centre or take a 45 car-drive. Historically, this is the place where monarchs spent their lives and died. During a visit here, one gets a chance to walk in the beautiful streets and enjoy the delicacies.

6. Vaux-le-Vicomte

Southeast of the city of lights lies this historic attraction built back in the mid-17th century, being built by Superintendent Louis XIV. The landscape showcases the artistic and architectural work of Louis Le Vau.

 


February 5, 2016 in News by Yukie Ohta | No comments
Vol2cover

New York Bound Books is pleased to announce that Silver Connections Volume II by Philip Ashforth Coppola is now back in print in a limited edition!
448 pages, 8 1/2 x 11
includes appendices, bibliography, & index
Limited Edition, 100 copies
$175.00
To order email info@newyorkboundbooks.com
Read a recent article about Philip Ashforth Coppola by David Dunlap in The New York Times here.
myrtle avenueSilver Connections, Volume II

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NEW!
New York Bound Books is pleased to announce that Silver Connections Volume II by Philip Ashforth Coppola is now back in print in a limited edition!
448 pages, 8 1/2 x 11
includes appendices, bibliography, & index
Limited Edition, 100 copies
$175.00
To please can order, please email
info@newyorkboundbooks.com
Read a recent article about Philip Ashforth Coppola by David Dunlap in The New York Times here.

Read More