Stroll along the Seine River in Paris on days of tolerant weather, near to the Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame cathedrals by Point Neuf, and you’ll see many vintage dark green book stands set atop the centuries old riverbank walls.

Each little stand holds many books mixed with magazines, graphic novels, posters, postcards, music, and much in ephermera mostly vintage in French language. You’ll find much treasure within, of wonderous literature and art of historical variety in these antiquatiarian stalls.

These are The Bouquinistes of Paris, a long-standing tradition of used indie booksellers in operation dating back to the 16th century.

Each stand regulated with the city of Paris, limited to four “boxes” with strict size and placement regulations. There are over 200 stands, holding hundreds of thousands of mostly vintage French language books of every subject. You’ll find much in modern day creative works as well.

Personally, The Bouquinistes of Paris is among my favorite features of this great city. I love book and magazine stands, and sadly I feel these are vanishing in the big cities I frequent. To see the many here in the most beautiful of city walkways, preserving history much like the surrounding architecture, sculptures, museums Paris is known for, is refreshing.

I bought two thin small books , and an old photograph, something I would like to share in a separate found treasures post for another day.

I shall certainly return and set aside more time to browse. You should too!

Pictures:

– Orion T