While the famous green boxes were only installed in 1859, the bouquinistes on the quays of the Seine have been selling second-hand books for much longer. The quays were first occupied by bouquinistes at the beginning of the 1st Empire, in the early 19th century. Still present today, the 900 or so green boxes make up the richness of the quays of the Seine and symbolize the love the City of Paris has shown for literature throughout its history.
In recent years, however, the booksellers have been hit hard. Successive confinements have weakened their market, and the various calls for tender have attracted few takers. In 2023, a new scandal hits them. To ensure the smooth running of the Olympic Games in Paris, the Prefecture of Police asked booksellers to remove nearly 60% of their boxes. A decision denounced by many Parisians, and by the booksellers themselves, who refuse to budge.
Yet these boxes are home to a veritable treasure trove. Second-hand books, old and rare editions, period magazines and even artists' drawings- you'll find it all here, often at very affordable prices. Nearly 300,000 books can be found in the various boxes scattered along thebanks of the Seine, from Pont Marie to Quai Voltaire .
Now's your chance to get back out there, and maybe find that rare gem! And if nothing else, you'll have had a nice stroll overlooking the Seine and Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. Not bad, eh?
Bookshops: where to buy second-hand novels and essays in Paris?
Attention literature fans! Paris is bursting with second-hand bookshops, full of bargains. If you want to fill bags with novels or essays for a handful of euros, these are the stores for you. [Read more]
If you're having trouble finishing your series of One Piece or any other river manga without jeopardizing your purse, this guide is for you! Discover our selection of Parisian bookshops for second-hand comics, manga and graphic novels. [Read more]
Bookshops: where to buy second-hand novels and essays in Paris?
Bookshops: where to buy second-hand comics and manga in Paris?
