Les bouquinistes

I don't know that I've purchased a book here but have found some lovely vintage prints for myself and gifts for family and friends. Always worth a slow stroll.  

Les cartes postales

You know where this is.

So Many Books...

ALWAYS too little time.  I always seem to be zipping by these stalls at breakneck speed. I should devote an afternoon to just browsing.

Les Bouquinistes - All Lined Up

I really need to spend more time here. I've found some great prints etc., but always get overwhelmed at the selection and don't take the time to really have a closer look. When reading this link, I found that there are over 240 bouquinistes that share 900 of the "green boxes", selling 300,000 books, magazines, prints, cards ( and some tacky souvenirs).  I love the fact that these stalls have been here, unchanged,  along the Seine for so long.  Isn't that what we love about Paris........

Tour de Livres

The Paris Flea Market is THE place to go for wonderful old books. When I had a second look at this photo, I laughed as I imagined this scenario: "Bonjour Monsieur, may I see the book that is third from the bottom, s'il vous plait?" What do you think my chances would have been?

Les Bouquinistes

I struck out on street portraits here!

Stroll along the banks of the Seine and you will find the famous Paris bouquinistes. They offer an amazing selection of vintage books, magazines, prints, posters, records and of course, the usual tourist fare from their tin roofed green boxes. Unlike the obnoxious souvenir sellers around the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre Coeur, these vendors have a very French, "take it or leave it " attitude! I LOVE that attitude. Let me look, and I'll let you know if I want to buy! Plan to spend some time here, but don't be disappointed if you come away without any street portraits. The booksellers tend to be a bit camera shy.