Many barges line the quays of the Seine, the Ourcq canal or the Saint-Martin canal, but this one has something unique. L'Eau et les rêves is a real little refuge for literary and plant lovers, who wish to settle down in a quiet place to discover botanical books, while enjoying a home-made cake. The only barge to offer a botanical bookstore in the region, the place has a magical feel to it, amidst the plants and the sun's rays reflecting on the water. Don't panic, no seasickness to be deplored!
If books and water rarely go well together, literature has its place here, and gives pride of place to nature. Previously a maritime bookshop, this atypical barge with many lives was taken over by Cyrille, who transformed it into a welcoming refuge. A small cosy café-restaurant accompanies the place, with a covered terrace, ideal to have a drink, work on the water or enjoy a brunch on weekends. Everything is homemade, and you will find fish and seasonal vegetables on the menu, to honor the past of the barge!
Here, the main theme is nature, with books about gardens, ecology, or forests, with a shelf dedicated to children, to approach the subject from a young age. There are also Do It Yourself books, to create your own natural cosmetics, to learn about zero waste or permaculture! While browsing the shelves, the curious reader can enjoy the diversity of the fields covered, from travel to shamanism, through health, cooking or ecological construction.
Moreover, meetings with authors are regularly organized, with dedications, but also exhibitions, workshops around ecology, festivals, plant sales and bartering!
Location
Water and Dreams
9 Quai de l'Oise
75019 Paris 19
Access
Metro Riquet (line 7) or Ourcq (line 5)
Official website
www.penichelibrairie.com