Discover the Bouquinistes of Paris, Classified as UNESCO World Heritage

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Discover the Bouquinistes of Paris, Classified as UNESCO World Heritage

A fundamental part of the “paysage parisien,” the bouquinistes are booksellers (used and antiquarian books) whose stalls line the Seine river. As important symbols of literary and historic patrimony, the bouquinistes were recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. You find them both on the right and the left banks of the Seine, occupying some three kilometers (close to two miles) around some of the city’s major attractions like the Louvre museum and Notre-Dame cathedral.

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

There is a several centuries-old tradition of selling second-hand books in Paris, however it originally met a lot of resistance, especially as the authorities had a difficult time enforcing the then-prevailing censorship rules (like during the Nazi occupation of the city). Originally the sellers were found on the bridges; nowadays their charming stalls line the river banks.

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

Questions remain about the origin of the word bouquiniste, but the word appeared in L’Académie française dictionary as early as 1762.

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

In 1859, the basic rules were established for the bouquinistes— which, of course, have been modified since. You have to apply to get the right to set up your stall – today there seems to be some 100 requests to get one of the roughly 20 concessions which are opened each year. Each bouquiniste can install four boxes. The standard boxes have a regulated size (length 2 meters = 6,5 feet) and must be in the specific green colour. There are ongoing discussions about modernizing the boxes, but nothing seems to have been decided.

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

Today there are some 220 bouquinistes and some 900 boxes on the banks. There is no fee to pay, but there are obligations, like staying open at least four days a week – however bad weather is an accepted excuse for closure.

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes are authorized to sell second-hand books, magazines, newspapers, ancient engravings, and postcards, but a limited amount (1 out of 4 boxes) can be devoted to purely tourist objects (like key chains). These in-demand souvenirs probably help the vendors achieve acceptable revenues.

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

It’s not likely that you’ll find a real, undervalued discovery here, but you’re bound to find some lovely second-hand books at a very attractive price- even recently published ones. If you are looking for 18th or 19th century books or beautiful engravings, there’s also a large choice; get ready to start bargaining!

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

The bouquinistes of Paris by Peter Olson

Lead photo credit : The bouquinistes of Paris. Photo credit: Peter Olson

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Peter Olson is a retired Swede who has lived in Paris since 1974. An expert on the city of Paris, his photos and insights can be found on his blog- which he's updated for over seven years. Peter also volunteers as a "greeter" for tourists in the city of Paris (http://www.greeters.paris/?lang=en).

Comments

  • Thomas L Cathey
    2021-05-06 09:38:35
    Thomas L Cathey
    I am an artist living in New York City. Publishers use a lot of my art for their prints...........which are often sold in the book stalls. Sometimes the sellers rub my prints with brown stain to make them look antique. I also do a New York BLOG https://tomseyeview.wordpress.com

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  • joanna
    2020-04-23 21:14:15
    joanna
    Peter Olson's photography and his knowledge of Paris,,, is fantastic,, worth taking a look at his wonderful blog(s)

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  • Brian Lee
    2015-08-28 00:00:52
    Brian Lee
    My wife & I are in love with the City of Lights; we'll be returning for our 12th time next October. One of our favourite pastimes in Paris is strolling the Seine, so picturesque, photogenic & romantic! Les Bouquinistes add a charm & colour to the banks of the river which we embrace; we've had our Parisian artist/friend in Montmartre, Luc Cossier dit Walles, depict them in 2 paintings. I collect modern first editions, primarily mystery/crime/thriller. Unfortunately for an English collector (or reader for that matter) the only items you're likely to buy from a bouquiniste are a key-fob, post-cards, coasters, etc.; books in English, collectible or not, are extremely rare.

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