This blog is about bouquinistes \u2013 the best places in Paris to find a gorgeous, unique souvenir. One that you\u2019ll treasure forever.<\/p>\n
The word \u201csouvenir\u201d smacks of tacky plastic Eiffel towers and ashtrays, and that\u2019s not what I\u2019m talking about. I like hand painted ceramic bowls, coffee table books and local spices\u2026<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
I love browsing art markets (where I found the aforementioned Cuban lady) and little galleries where local artists show their work. I don\u2019t mind if a painting was done by a four-year old, as long as it speaks to me of the place I bought it.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This little 3km section of the Seine river walk is an institution in Paris and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It\u2019s the Portobello Rd of Paris, a treasure trove of vendors selling antique books, prints and paintings.<\/p>\n