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This new exhibition showcases the portrait of the booksellers along the Seine banks

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The Editor

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Until April 2nd, the 6th arrondissement town hall is hosting an exhibition by photographer Alain Cornu, dedicated to the booksellers of Paris. A poignant photographic narrative that you definitely don't want to miss! 

It undeniably forms part of the Parisian landscape. As you stroll along the banks of the Seine, you can't miss the various booksellers who, come rain or shine, or any time of year, open their boxes to offer a selection of diverse and varied books to passersby. These unique figures of the capital have been captured by the photographer Alain Cornu through his lens. The photographs have been on display since March 14th and are available until April 2nd, 2025 at the town hall of the 6th district, as part of the exhibition Portraits of Booksellers. 


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It's between 2021 and 2024 that Alain Cornu set out & to capture the booksellers of Paris from every possible angle. From the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th districts, there are men, women, older folks who have been around for decades, and younger ones who have taken up the torch… He has managed to shine a light on these iconic Parisian figures. The result is powerful snapshots, featuring an interesting play of light and shadow, a signature of the artist, that brings out the human element.


Over 300,000 books by the Seine 

According to the figures from the Paris Tourist Office, 226 booksellers are present in the capital. They work with 900 “boxes” holding over 300,000 literary works, both contemporary and ancient. 

This tradition dates back to the 16th century in Paris. Originally, mobile booksellers sold their books to an educated public and had to deal with censorship. It was actually in the 19th century that the true “bouquinistes” emerged and experienced a remarkable boom, especially due to the increase in literacy.

Literacy. Today, they occupy 8 meters of parapet and since 2019, they have been listed in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in France. You have two weeks left to discover this photographic story, go for it!

Portraits of Booksellers
City Hall of the 6th, Salon du Vieux Colombier 
78, rue Bonaparte — 6th
From March 14 to April 2, 2025
Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 5 PM
Thursday from 10:30 AM to 7 PM
Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM
More info