Paris For Book Lovers: Writers, Bookshops & Literary Legends
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Discover iconic literary spots on a guided Left Bank Paris tour! Stroll past classic riverfront bouquinistes, explore legendary bookshops, and trace the history of famous writers who shaped the heart of the French capital.
Begin your literary journey at the green stalls of the Seine's bouquinistes, where books have been sold from boxes on the riverbank for centuries. From there, head to the cafés and squares where authors argued, wrote, and fell out with each other in the 5th Arrondissement.
Listen as your guide tells the stories behind the names on the plaques: the friendships, rivalries, and scandals that shaped writers like Hugo, Hemingway, Sartre, and de Beauvoir. Along the way, pass famous bookshops, step into quiet corners most visitors miss, and learn where to hunt for secondhand finds afterwards.
You don't need to have read them all. You'll leave with a reading list and a new way of seeing these streets.
Meeting point
Jussieu Station
Before you go
- Length
- About 2h 15min
- Languages
- English, French
- Usual start times
- 10:00, 13:00 (Paris time)
- Coming up
- 120 departures in 3 months, 16 this week
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 2h 15min.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Jussieu Station. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in English and French. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
120 departures are listed in the next three months, 16 of them in the next 7 days, usually at 10:00 and 13:00. Times are local to Paris.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Is it accessible?
The tour provider has added accessibility information for this tour. Check the details with them when you book, and tell your guide about any needs on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
The tour provider lists this tour as pet friendly.
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Accessibility information availablePet friendly
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