Have you ever wondered what happened in France – and around the world – on the day you were born? In this charming Parisian bookshop, history takes on a whole new meaning. A veritable ode to the old press, this typical place invites you to take a real trip back in time. Best of all, you can find the original diary of your birth – or that of a loved one. A unique gift, full of emotion, to give or to treat yourself.
This 12th-century Ali Baba’s cave is home to , Europe’s largest collection of vintage newspapers.
No, a simple piece of paper isn’t nothing. It can even be of immense value, especially when it bears a precise date. In the 12th arrondissement of Paris, discover La Galcante, an authentic store specializing in press from the past and present.
At the corner of rue de Charenton and rue Moreau, a navy-blue storefront catches the eye. As you approach, you can make out, through the windows, stacks of newspapers piling up on the shelves. Run by Jacek Kuzma, a passionate owner and long-time custodian of the premises, this small bookshop is brimming with manuscript treasures. The story is already beautiful, even before you step through the door…
Newspapers from 1920 to 2015
But in addition to his fervor, Jacek Kuzma can be proud to be at the head of Europe’s largest collection of old press, with almost 5 million newspapers in stock. In this charming store, 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 newspaper as a souvenir
But the magic happens when paper is transformed into a gift. The beating heart of La Galcante? The “birth diary”, that’s what keeps the store going. 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 have plenty of time to choose your press. A beautiful kraft pouch, a newspaper, a souvenir for yourself or to give as a gift… This bookshop with a little extra soul lets you leave with a meaningful present.
La Galcante, 38 rue de Charenton, 75 012 Paris