When we talk about English bookshops, we inevitably think of one of the most charming in Paris: Shakespeare & Co. But did you know that 100 years before it opened, another 100% English-speaking bookshop was inaugurated in Paris? Nestled under the arcades of the very chic Rue de Rivoli, this sumptuous Belle Époque bookshop will transport you to another era… Welcome to Galignani bookshop.
Galignani: a Belle Époque bookstore over 200 years old
For nearly two centuries, this magnificent shop has enchanted bibliophiles and English speakers visiting Paris. A pioneer in its field, it was the very first bookstore dedicated to Anglo-Saxon literature in the capital (and even in France). Its reputation quickly attracted intellectuals, from Stendhal to Simone de Beauvoir and Hemingway… They all loved to visit and soak up the unique atmosphere of the place.
Belle Époque Paris Bookstore
With its sublime Belle Époque wood paneling, glass roofs, and lush plants, there is a very special atmosphere here that makes you want to spend hours browsing the shelves. Among the bookstore’s 50,000 titles, you will find books dedicated to the fine arts, beautiful editions, and the latest best-selling novels. all in the language of Shakespeare, of course! Its unique and well-preserved decor has remained unchanged over the years! It’s no surprise that the greatest artists regularly take over its windows to transform them into veritable ephemeral paintings! Dior, Chanel… the biggest fashion houses and artists have left their mark here.
Belle Époque Paris Bookstore
Although the bookshop offers a mainly English-language selection, you can also find a few French titles! Whether you’re looking for a novel in its original language that you can’t find anywhere else or simply seeking a timeless escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris, there’s always a good reason to step inside this historic gem in the heart of Paris!
📍Location: 224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris