Location: Paris
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What to do and see in Paris, Ile-de-France: The Best Libraries
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Extra Life Cafe
2. Bibliotheque de l'Arsenal
3. Bibliotheque Forney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
Once the Hotel de Sens. The building dates from the end of the 15th century was was intended to be the home of wealthy archbishops - starting with Salazar the archbishop of Sens. It took so long to build he never actually lived there and many noblemen used the property over the centuries. At one stage it was held by the Royal family until it was confiscated during the French Revolution (there’s even a canonball still lodged in the facade - we love these little details). After that it was neglected and was even used by the Saint James Marmelade Factory of all things. Eventually it was purchased by the City of Paris in 1911 and the last of it’s ad hoc tenants left in 1928. It has had some very famous guests over the centuries including, most famously, Nostradamus. He was invited to Paris by Queen Catherine of the Medicis in 1555 and lodged at the Townhouse of Sens as it was known. The living was fine at the townhouse, so fine he was struck down with an attack of gout and confined to bed, surrounded by people keen to hear his predictions. The Forney library moved here in 1929 when it outgrew it’s old premises. In its current incarnation of library focussing on decorative arts, it was hosting a fascinating exhibition about feeding Paris - including great photos of our neck of the woods, Les Halles. There was also a lot of memorabilia from restaurants and bistros and great vintage advertising items.
4. The American Library in Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Founded in 1920, the American Library in Paris is the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. Members have access to a print collection of 100,000 books, e-resources, newspapers and periodicals, study spaces, weekly children's activities, and adult programs, including author talks and book groups. Non-members may purchase a Day Pass.
Reviewed By JSSAmber - Cambridge, United Kingdom
This place has a history stretching back to the Lost Generation, but their newly updated space gives you the best of a modern library. It costs about 10 Euros for a day pass or 100 for a year membership, and the catalog is outstanding: my father went in and said that they had every single one of his favorite sf/f writers. There's also an incredible archive of fashion magazines, so if you're in Paris doing research on fashion history, this is your place. They also do extensive programming for young people and have two librarians (with library degrees) for young people on staff. Great place!
5. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,921 reviews
Famous bookstore located across from Notre Dame features several floors of books and Paris literary history.
Reviewed By hello_im_vale - Province of Trento, Italy
In 1951 a small Parisian bookshop opened it was called Shakespeare and Company a magical place where authors of the time could go and share their ideas with any restrictions. Still today in 2018 you can feel the friendly vibe of the place and spend hours inside just looking at all the books from Sylvia Beach’s collection while enjoying the lovely and vintage vibe of the very special place that is Shakespeare and Company.
6. National Archives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By Ivisitedtheplace - Israel, null
This was a really surprisingly good understated and modest museum. As everything in Paris/ amazing structure and architecture- both inside and out. There were many historical old maps and many historical documents and many descriptions of stuff like that. But the most amazing for me was stumbling into a model true-to-scale replica of the notorious Bastille prison. And then in the display glass next to that, I was thrilled and l stopped in my tracks to witness the original keys to the place. What a fantastic piece of history to see!! In addition to photos of the model and the keys, I have about six other photos
7. Centre Culturel Irlandais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
8. Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve
9. Merle Moqueur
10. Bibliotheque Mazarine
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