This is a quite unique book store and it makes the list though it has almost entirely French books on the shelves. It’s the only book shop in Paris, perhaps in France that opens until 2 o'clock in the morning - with a wine cellar! It's a great place to stop off for an aperitif and a snack or a late night/early morning coffee or glass of something else. It’s a literary haven with a cosy, friendly atmosphere and it’s very French!
La Belle Hortense; 31 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 4th Arr; www.cafeine.com; Métro: Hôtel de Ville, St.Paul, Pont Marie; Open daily 5pm - 2am.
La Belle Hortense
Berkeley Books of Paris
Berkeley Books of Paris opened for business in May 2006 when three Californians who had worked together at a nearby bookstore decided to team up and open their own place. Popular especially with American visitors, it has a great range of used books (English language), you can swap, buy, stroke the shop’s cat and enjoy concerts, readings and exhibitions that take place here on a regular basis.
8, rue Casimir Delavigne 6th Arr; Metro: Odeon; berkeleybooksofparis; Open 12am - 8pm Tues – Sat, 2pm - 8pm Sunday.
© Robert Hunter