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Bouquinistes Collection

The bouquinistes of Paris Quais have been a beloved part of the city's culture for centuries

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: Bouquinistes, Paris Quais - Book and Print Sellers

Bouquinistes, Paris Quais - Book and Print Sellers
The bouquinistes whose stalls form a permanent book and print market lining the Quai de la Tournelle on the banks of the River Seine, Paris, France. Date: circa 1930s

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: Fashionable man walking past bouquinistes on the Seine, 1913

Fashionable man walking past bouquinistes on the Seine, 1913
Man in suit, bowler hat and cane walking past bouquinistes on the Seine. Tenue du matin. Handcoloured pochoir (stencil) etching after an illustration by Bernard Boutet de Monvel from Tommaso

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: Browsing among the bouquinistes - Paris quais and Notre Dame

Browsing among the bouquinistes - Paris quais and Notre Dame
Browsing for treasures among the bouquinistes of the Paris quais, with Notre Dame Cathedral in the distance. The Cathedral was badly damaged by fire on 15th April 2019. Date: circa 1960s

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: French soldiers and Bouquinistes along the Seine, WW1

French soldiers and Bouquinistes along the Seine, WW1
French soldiers and Bouquinistes along the Seine, Paris, watercolour by Mary Ethel Hunter, First World War. 1917

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: BOOKSTALLS ON PARIS QUAY

BOOKSTALLS ON PARIS QUAY
Bouquinistes on the Paris quay with Notre Dame in the background Date: circa 1912

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: PARIS BOUQUINISTES

PARIS BOUQUINISTES
Browsing among the bouquinistes along the Paris quais Date: circa 1870

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: The famous cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris with the Bouquinistes in the foreground

The famous cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris with the Bouquinistes in the foreground, Paris

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: Paris Quais

Paris Quais
A fair number of the pictures in our files were purchased from the bouquinistes whose stalls form a permanent book and print market lining the quais of Paris. Date: 1930s

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: Windy Day on the Quais

Windy Day on the Quais
A windy day on the quais of the Rive Gauche : the bouquinistes aren t doing much business at their bookstalls, but les messieurs enjoy the lifted skirts of the ladies

Background imageBouquinistes Collection: Booksellers, Paris Quay

Booksellers, Paris Quay
Selling books out of trunks and suitcases on the Paris quay


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The bouquinistes of Paris Quais have been a beloved part of the city's culture for centuries. These book and print sellers line the picturesque Seine, offering a treasure trove of literary delights to locals and tourists alike. In 1913, a fashionable man strolled past these iconic bouquinistes, showcasing their timeless appeal. The scene was one of sophistication and intellectual curiosity, as people browsed through the vast selection of books on display. During World War I, even French soldiers found solace among the bouquinistes along the Seine. Amidst the chaos of war, they sought refuge in literature, finding temporary escape from their harsh reality. The bookstalls on Paris Quay became synonymous with knowledge and enlightenment. They were not just places to buy books; they were cultural hubs where ideas flourished and conversations sparked. Today, Paris bouquinistes continue to enchant visitors with their charm. As you wander along the quais near Notre Dame Cathedral, you can immerse yourself in history while perusing through old manuscripts or modern bestsellers. The juxtaposition between ancient architecture and bustling book stalls creates an atmosphere that is uniquely Parisian, and is no wonder that artists and writers have drawn inspiration from this scene for centuries. Whether you are searching for a rare first edition or simply want to soak up the ambiance of literary heritage, browsing among the bouquinistes on Paris quais will transport you into a world where imagination knows no bounds. So next time you find yourself in this magical city by the Seine River, take some time to explore these hidden gems - who knows what literary treasures await your discovery?