Have you ever wondered what happened in France – and the rest of the world – on the day you were born? In the heart of this charming little bookshop , you’ll be able to discover it without a doubt. Here, old press is king. This is the perfect gift for a lasting memory with the power to move.
Europe’s largest collection of vintage presses is in Paris, in the 12th arrondissement
No, a piece of paper isn’t nothing. It can even mean a lot to us, especially when that paper features a very specific date. In Paris’s 12th arrondissement, discover La Galcante, an authentic French store specializing in “yesterday’s and today’s”press . At the corner of rue de Charenton and rue Moreau, a store with a navy blue front is intriguing. As you approach it, you discover piles of newspapers on the shelves. A small store full of manuscript treasures, run by long-time owner Jacek Kuzma. An enthusiastic janitor. The story is already beautiful.
La Galcante: newspapers from 1920 to 2015
But in addition to his fervor, Jacek Kuzma can be proud to be at the head of the largest collection of old press in Europe, with almost 5 million newspapers in stock. In this Ali Baba’s cave, newspapers rub shoulders with magazines of all kinds. What makes them special? They were all published between 1920 and 2015. The smell of aged paper, fading ink stains, old press images, huge archive files… The setting is set and the charm is there.
In this bookshop: the anniversary journal as a souvenir
But the magic happens when paper has the power to transform itself into a gift. The beating heart of La Galcante? The “birth diary” is what keeps the store running. Jours de France, Libération, L’Équipe, Le Monde, Le Parisien, Le Canard Enchainé… In addition to choosing the newspaper that appeared on the day of your birth, you’ll be able to choose the press you prefer. A beautiful kraft pouch, a journal, a souvenir for yourself or to give as a gift… This bookshop with a little extra soul lets you take home a meaningful present.
La Galcante 38 rue de Charenton, 75 012 Paris