The best little shops in Paris

This blog is about bouquinistes – the best places in Paris to find a gorgeous, unique souvenir. One that you’ll treasure forever.

The word “souvenir” smacks of tacky plastic Eiffel towers and ashtrays, and that’s not what I’m talking about. I like hand painted ceramic bowls, coffee table books and local spices…

I hunt for souvenirs that are more cultured. (Confession: I do have an ashtray from Cuba of a big bottomed lady with a hole in the back of her skirt so she puffs smoke out of her mouth).

I love browsing art markets (where I found the aforementioned Cuban lady) and little galleries where local artists show their work. I don’t mind if a painting was done by a four-year old, as long as it speaks to me of the place I bought it.

So you can imagine my delight when I was wandering along the banks of the River Seine, right at the Pont Neuf near Notre Dame Cathedral, and I discovered the bouquinistes.

This little 3km section of the Seine river walk is an institution in Paris and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the Portobello Rd of Paris, a treasure trove of vendors selling antique books, prints and paintings.

Bouquinistes (used book sellers) have been plying their trade along this portion of the Seine since the 16^th century. Their little green kiosks, just two metres long by one metre wide, are fixed to the stone walls and have played a big part in local history. From distributing Protestant ‘propaganda’ to hiding messages in their books during the World Wars, they’re your ordinary bookstore.