Dónde comprar libros, arte y artículos de papel en París

Paris, a city renowned for its artistic heritage and literary giants, is a haven for those who love books, art, and the tactile beauty of paper. Beyond the grand museums, there are countless shops and galleries that celebrate these passions, offering everything from rare first editions to contemporary prints and beautifully handcrafted stationery.

Here’s a curated guide to the best places to buy books, art, and paper goods in Paris, perfect for literary lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique Parisian souvenir.

Dónde comprar libros, arte y artículos de papel en París

1. Shakespeare and Company (Books in English)

• Why it’s special: An iconic English-language bookstore with a legendary history, serving as a hub for writers and intellectuals since 1951 (the current location). It’s a pilgrimage site for book lovers, known for its bohemian atmosphere, labyrinthine shelves, cozy reading nooks, and the famous “Tumbleweeds” (aspiring writers who sleep among the books).
• What to buy: New and second-hand English-language books (fiction, poetry, philosophy, history), literary gifts, branded tote bags, and unique literary-themed souvenirs. Don’t miss their adjoining café for coffee and pastries with a view of Notre-Dame.
• Languages: Primarily English.
• Ubicación: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris (Latin Quarter).
• Google Maps: Shakespeare and Company

2. Librairie Galignani (Books in English & French, Art Books)

• Why it’s special: The oldest English bookshop on the European continent, established in 1801. It’s renowned for its elegant, traditional atmosphere, beautiful wooden shelves, and extensive selection of both French and English-language books. It also boasts an impressive fine arts department.
• What to buy: New release fiction, classics, history, politics, and a particularly strong collection of art books (monographs, exhibition catalogs) from around the world.
• Languages: English, French, and a dedicated Fine Arts section.
• Ubicación: 224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (near Tuileries Garden and the Louvre).
• Google Maps: Librairie Galignani

3. Taschen Paris (Art & Photography Books)

• Why it’s special: The Parisian outpost of the iconic German art book publisher Taschen, known for its opulent, oversized, and visually stunning books on art, photography, design, fashion, film, and architecture. The store itself is a work of art, designed by Philippe Starck.
• What to buy: High-quality, often large-format, richly illustrated books that are themselves collector’s items. Perfect for coffee table books and gifts for art and design enthusiasts.
• Languages: Books are often multilingual or visual-heavy.
• Ubicación: 2 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
• Google Maps: Taschen Paris

4. Papier Tigre (Handmade Paper & Stationery)

• Why it’s special: A contemporary French brand that reinvents stationery with bold, colorful, and graphic designs. They emphasize local production, with notebooks handmade in their Paris workshop using recycled paper. It’s a vibrant, creative space.
• What to buy: Unique notebooks (including customizable ones), diaries, planners, greeting cards, writing tools, decorative objects, and accessories. Their designs are instantly recognizable and very “Parisian cool.”
• Languages: Products are universal design.
• Ubicación: 5 Rue des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris (Le Marais).
• Google Maps: Papier Tigre

5. L’Ecritoire (Traditional & Artisan Stationery)

• Why it’s special: A charming Parisian stationery shop established in 1975, dedicated to the art of writing and beautiful paper goods. It evokes an old-world elegance with its collection of inks, quills, wax seals, and exquisite papers.
• What to buy: High-quality notebooks, writing papers, notecards, wax seals, calligraphy instruments, and elegant pens. Many products are made in France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
• Languages: Products are universal.
• Ubicación: 10 Rue du Pont de Lodi, 75006 Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
• Google Maps: L’Ecritoire

6. Librairie OFR (Art, Fashion & Design Books)

• Why it’s special: A super trendy and influential bookstore in the Marais, known as a reference for fashion, design, photography, and architecture books. It also serves as a hub for art launches and cultural events.
• What to buy: Cutting-edge and rare books on contemporary art, photography, graphic design, and fashion. Also offers a selection of independent magazines.
• Languages: Primarily French, but many art books are visual or bilingual.
• Ubicación: 20 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris (Marais).
• Google Maps: Librairie OFR (Note: confirm exact location for latest details)

7. L’Art du Papier (Creative Paper & Printing)

• Why it’s special: Established in 1998, L’Art du Papier offers a unique collection of creative papers and specializes in printing services, allowing for custom announcements, invitations, or correspondence. It’s a beautiful place for paper lovers.
• What to buy: A vast selection of creative papers, beautiful notebooks, sketchbooks, and calligraphy blocks. They also offer personalized printing services.
• Languages: Products are universal.
• Ubicación: 25 Rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris (near Les Halles).
• Google Maps: L’Art du Papier

8. Librairie Jousseaume (Books in a Covered Passage)

• Why it’s special: The very first tenant of the gorgeous Galerie Vivienne, a stunning 19th-century covered passage. This bookstore exudes old-world charm, filled with both new and old books.
• What to buy: A general selection of French books, often with a good collection of art and history titles, and a unique atmosphere.
• Languages: Primarily French.
• Ubicación: 45-47 Galerie Vivienne, 75002 Paris.
• Google Maps: Librairie Jousseaume (Note: confirm exact location for latest details)

9. Artazart (Art, Graphic Design & Photography Books)

• Why it’s special: A vibrant bookshop located by the Canal Saint-Martin, specializing in books on graphic design, street art, photography, and contemporary art. It often has unique events and a strong focus on visual culture.
• What to buy: Comprehensive collections on contemporary art, design, photography, and urban art.
• Languages: Primarily French, but many visual books are universal.
• Ubicación: 83 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris (Canal Saint-Martin).
• Google Maps: Artazart (Note: confirm exact location for latest details)

10. Assouline Paris (Luxury Photo Books & Art of Living)

• Why it’s special: A publisher renowned for creating beautiful, captivating coffee table books on architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy, and travel. Their Paris bookstore is a work of art in itself, designed to evoke luxury and the art of living.
• What to buy: Exquisite, large-format photo books that are as much decorative objects as they are literary works. Perfect for gifts or personal indulgence.
• Languages: Multilingual and visual.
• Ubicación: 35 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
• Google Maps: Assouline Paris (Note: confirm exact location for latest details)

Affiliate Angle & Extra Tips:

• Art Prints: Beyond direct shops, consider online platforms that offer high-quality prints of Parisian scenes or classic French art.
  • Desenio (for stylish Paris prints)
  • Etsy (for unique, often artist-direct, prints)
  • Museum Shop websites (e.g., Louvre Museum Shop, Musée d’Orsay Shop) for official reproductions.
• Online Bookstores: If you find a book you love but can’t carry it, check if the bookstore offers international shipping or if you can find it on major online platforms.
  • Book Depository (for free worldwide shipping on many titles).
• French Journaling Supplies: Look for iconic French stationery brands like Clairefontaine, Rhodia, o Moleskine (often sold in these shops or larger stationery stores like Gibert Jeune). These make great gifts for writers and artists.
  • Search “French stationery brands” on Amazon.

Exploring these Parisian havens promises to delight any lover of books, art, and the enduring beauty of paper. Happy Browse!