Paris has a serious love for coffee and literature, so it’s no surprise the city is packed with gorgeous book cafés.
Slow days, strong coffee, and a book in hand; that’s what it’s all about, and these Paris book cafés are where it all comes together.
Halle Saint-Pierre
You’ll be all over Halle Saint-Pierre in Montmartre if you’re into gorgeous architecture. The building’s elegant Baltard-style design, complete with metal walls and wide open spaces that let in loads of natural light, makes spending a few hours here a delight.
It’s part café, museum, gallery, and auditorium, with a vast book collection featuring art-focused reads and some nicely-made paintings that you can take home as a souvenir.
Address: 2 Rue Ronsard, 75018 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11AM - 6PM
- Saturday: 11AM - 7PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 6PM
Shakespeare and Company
Every bibliophile has likely heard of Shakespeare and Company, one of the most iconic bookstores in the world. Open since 1951, this English-language bookstore and lending library was one of the first of its kind in Paris, attracting some of the brightest minds to gather and discuss Anglo-American literature.
The café, which opened in 2015, has made a name for itself for its top-notch specialty coffee and a mix of Anglo and French sweet treats. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait; it’s a small space, and there’s often a line to get in.
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10AM - 8PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 10AM - 9PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 7PM
La Mouette Rieuse – Librairie
The popular La Mouette Rieuse – Librairie in the Marais neighborhood is the perfect hangout for those who are all about good caffeine and even better literature. From humor and well-being to cinema, La Mouette Rieuse – Librairie has something in English or French for you.
Their café serves up tasty dishes, including both meat and veggie options, plus the yummy quiche of the day. Need to get some work done? They’ve got a cozy coworking space ready to rent, starting at just €3 for 30 minutes.
Address: 17B Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11AM - 7:30PM
La Régulière
Drop by La Régulière in the Goutte d’Or neighborhood to check out their selection from independent publishers, with topics ranging from human sciences to graphic arts. The crew is always up for a chat about all things literature, and if you’re having trouble picking, they’ll happily recommend something.
Whether you’re popping in for one of their weekly workshops or just trying to escape the rain, don’t miss the chai lattes at the café. Not only does La Régulière shine in the reading department, but the bright, plant-filled space also makes it feel like a secluded little oasis.
Address: 43 Rue Myrha, 75018 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10AM - 7:30PM
- Sunday: 2PM - 7PM
Librairie Majo
Head over to Librairie Majo on Rue des Boulangers and show some love for the women of Paris at this fantastic feminist bookstore with its very own vegan café. The purple front of the building definitely grabs your attention, and the interior is incredibly cozy, with the brick walls, white shelves, and comfy seats.
They’ve got all the classic feminist topics covered through novels and essays, with many of them in French. Plus, there’s a little area for kids to hang out while you enjoy a slice of vegan cake from the café.
Address: 27 Rue des Boulangers, 75005 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30AM - 7:30PM
- Sunday: 2PM - 7PM
Storyboard
As you stroll down Rue des Rosiers, you won’t miss Storyboard’s eye-catching window display. With comics, manga, and graphic novels, this spot has only been around since 2021, but has quickly become a popular stop for people after they visit the nearby Puces de Saint-Ouen market.
Much of the furniture has been handmade by the owners, including some of the café’s tables. Don’t forget to check out their concept store; they’ve got some superb gift ideas, like the gorgeous literary-themed candles.
Address: 56 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9AM - 7:30PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 7:30PM
- Sunday: 10AM - 5PM
l’Ours et la Vieille Grille
L’Ours et la Vieille Grille is a beloved institution in the Latin Quarter, bringing together all the best elements of a fantastic book café. Spread across two levels, it’s filled with covers for both adults and children from independent publishers, plus a treasured section for poetry, and there’s even a wine cellar.
The terrace draws in plenty of visitors for the stunning views of the Grande Mosquée de Paris. Inside are plenty of inviting corners with giant windows, just begging you to curl up with a coffee and get lost in a story.
Address: 9 Rue Larrey, 75005 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday & Sunday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11AM - 10PM
Manga café V2
Step into the Land of the Rising Sun at Manga Café V2, where Japanese culture is evident everywhere you look. From the supermarket section stocked with bento boxes to the anime-themed magazines on the shelves and the fun arcade machines, it’s every manga fan’s dream.
At the café, you can order hot or cold drinks while savoring some delicious Tonkotsu ramen. Visitors can use the reading space for just €3 an hour, or make it a full day with a €20 pass for better value.
Address: 9 Rue Primo Levi, 75013 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday: 12PM - 7:30PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30AM - 7:30PM
- Sunday: 2PM - 7:30PM
Comptoirs Les Deux Magots
For those rushing through Paris’s 6th arrondissement, Comptoirs Les Deux Magots is a takeaway book café with a twist. One standout feature is the Financiers des Deux Magots, which are served in an adorable book-shaped box. If they’re not your cup of tea, you can still enjoy classic French bites like baguettes and croque-monsieurs while browsing a small range of books available for reading.
The small seating area outside is perfect for some people-watching with a book in hand, and be sure to send a postcard from their designated corner before you leave.
Address: 2 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:30AM - 8PM
Bar Perché
Atop of the Printemps Haussmann department store on the 7th floor hides arguably one of Paris’s best-kept literary secrets, Bar Perché. The plush aesthetics and treasure trove of second-hand books set the perfect tone for flipping through the pages.
The best spot in the building is on the balcony, where you can catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, weather permitting, of course. Alternatively, pull up a chair at the coffee bar, matcha latte in hand, and follow the words of your next novel.
Address: 70 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11AM - 7:30PM
Péniche L’Eau et les Rêves
Sip and read canalside on the Canal de l’Ourcq at Péniche L’Eau et les Rêves. As far as unique book cafés go, there’s nowhere quite like its floating location on a barge. Downstairs is the library, which focuses on books about all things related to the environment, like gardening and plants.
The outdoor section fills up as the sun shines, but the barge’s cabin area is always busy with hungry bookworms digging into the classic menu options like French toast and cheesecake.
Address: 9 Quai de l'Oise, 75019 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11AM - 7PM
Used Book Café at Merci Concept Store
The Merci Concept Store may be known for its fashionable clothing, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Concealed behind the walls surrounding the peaceful courtyard is a chic café, lined wall-to-wall with over 10,000 secondhand books.
Even though most of the covers are in French, the well-organized shelves and decorative light fixtures create a classy setting for a cup of tea, regardless of whether you understand the language of the books.
Address: 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday & Sunday: 10AM - 6PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 6:30PM
