Paris hides many beautiful treasures. Little-known cafés, remarkable secret gardens, romantic châteaux… Among the capital’s unsuspected nuggets, we’ve unearthed an absolutely marvellous library: the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève. This 500-year-old building is a treasure trove of literature and the humanities. Closed for the summer season, the library reopens its doors on August 18. A listed masterpiece to be admired free of charge all year round!
A sublime free library in the heart of Paris
The Sainte-Geneviève library, whose building is over 500 years old, contains inter-university and public encyclopedias . In this superb library, you’ll find between 1.5 and 2 million documents covering a huge range of subjects: from philosophy to psychology, religions, social sciences… In short, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for! Completely free of charge, all you need to do is register and be of legal age. All you need to do is show proof of identity, and you’re in business.
The Sainte-Geneviève library takes its name from the abbey of the same name, part of which it occupied until the XVIIIᵉ century. With the passage of time and the taking of war, the latter acquired over 20,000 books, and had to move to a brand new location. This is how the library as we know it today came into being. In fact, it was the first library in France not to be attached to a school or abbey.
Listed as a historic monument, this exceptional library is best appreciated for its Labrouste reading room, designed by the architect of the same name. With its stone-sculpted arches, cathedral ceiling and metal structure, it’s quite simply sublime. The same architect also designed the new neo-Gothic library. A true paradise for students and academics in search of peace and quiet.
Literary events and exhibitions are held here regularly throughout the year. No longer a student? You can still enter these magical places to consult books, just by showing your ID card. And if you’re interested in visiting the library, you can book a tour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. And the best part? They’re free! A magnificent library to see at least once in Paris.
📍Location: 10 Place du Panthéon 75005 Paris
🕒Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm – Currently closed for the summer, reopening August 18
🎟️Prix admission: free