Librairie Galignani

Hard to find a bad bookshop in Paris in my opinion. However, it’s tough to find such a good one on Rue de Rivoli. This bookstore is the exception. Wide choice of French and foreign literature. A haven of peace and quiet. The only problem is managing to keep your book purchases to a minimum to fit them in your suitcase. Recommended.

Really pretty bookstore well-known for its selection of English books. Very fun to peruse and well-organized. Best to go during warm weather so that if you do pick up a book you can go to the Jardin to read it.

They have EVERYTHING I WAS LOOKING FOR IN THIS BOOKSTORE! 🤍🤍🤍 I had a challenging time looking for some of the titles though they way it was arranged, but staff wad amazing at helping you! A book lovers dream!

One of the oldest English-language bookshop in Europe. It has tall bookshelves from the 1930’s, large windows and the books are well displayed all over the library 😍 you must come in and see it.

Galignani Bookshop, located at 224 Rue de Rivoli in Paris, is the oldest English-language bookshop on the European continent. Its history began in 1520 with the publishing activities of the Galignani family in Venice. 1597. Publication of Ptolemy's Geography, a bestseller of the time. In 1801, Giovanni Antonio Galignani opened a bookshop and reading room in Paris, and began publishing the daily newspaper Galignani’s Messenger, which became an important source of news for the English-speaking community in Europe and attracted literary figures such as Byron, Wordsworth, and Thackeray. In 1856, the shop moved to its current location on rue de Rivoli, where it remains to this day. The store is divided into three main sections: an English-language section with literature in English, a French-language section with literature in French (including literature, history, essays, and books on current issues, as well as the La Pléiade collection, which contains works by great literary figures), and a visual arts section with books on art, fashion, and photography. Galignani is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors. The store collaborates with leading museums, luxury hotels (such as the Ritz, Crillon, and Le Meurice), and fashion houses (including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier) to help them create private libraries and select books for their needs. In addition, Galignani regularly hosts events, including book presentations, conferences, author meetings, and private evenings. Galignani's displays are updated every two weeks to showcase books on current topics and cultural events, making them a sight in themselves. The store's atmosphere is vibrant and elegant. With tall wooden shelves from the 1930s, large windows, and beautifully displayed books.

I loved the library, the books, the order and organization... and all the staff served me with kindness and respect.

amazing bookshop, so cute with a little indoor balcony has books in both english and french, distinctly labelled and very organised staff were also really helpful in helping me and friends find next reads. managed to find me books about lesbianism in french and english 10/10 would go again

One of the oldest English bookstore in European, it’s written in the entrance walls. The ambience is very warm and inviting, all the staffs are informative and kindly explaining regarding the books you searching for. The bookstore also very well managed in every sections they have kinda pic to assist the customers. But unfortunately I cannot found the new arrivals book that I wanted to buy. Will try my luck and visit again later.

This is a beautiful bookstore with a respectable selection of English and French books. However, I agree with the sentiments of another visitor in that the price markup is extreme. With the availability of Amazon, it is difficult to justify a purchase from here when you know you can get the same product online and delivered to your home for less. Unless it truly is a book you cannot find on Amazon, then by all means, it's worth the buy. But if you can find it, just get it online. Why waste luggage space and money? The staff are indeed a bit standoffish and prefer not to socialise or try to assist you unless they know for certain that you can speak French fluently. But it is also an advantage in that you won't be hassled to get something.

There is a great selection of books here, many are out of print and quite fantastic. With this being said, the employees I have spoken with are very rude (even for Paris). Try somewhere like Comme un Roman or Comptoir de l'Image if you would like help finding a book. If you do not speak French try Shakespeare and Co.

Galignani is a wonderful, old money bookstore in Paris located on the rue de Rivoli. They cater to well heeled clients and carry an enormous selection of books including luscious coffee table books with an emphasis on the arts, culture and fashion. There is also a large English language section in the latter half of the store which is fascinating to peruse. I often see books there which I've never heard of in the USA, especially ones related to European history and royalty. Should you have misplaced your Almanach de Gotha, look no further. In short, it is always a sheer pleasure to get lost in the unhurried world of Galignani.

I remember the last time I was in Paris I was wandering around the place looking for a bookshop where I could buy a French edition of either Tintin or Asterix. I remember wandering into a bookshop along this road and being told, in rather uncertain terms, that I had wandered into an English bookshop and that if I wanted to by a book in French then I best look elsewhere. Well, I was in France and I was somewhat hoping that elsewhere was quite close because I was under the impression that the best place to buy a book in French was France. Anyway, I'm not sure if it was this shop because it seems as if this shop had both a French and an English section, and half the reason I came here was to get a copy of A Moveable Feast. Well, it turned out that I was out of luck since the book is so popular it is actually really hard to find a copy of it in Paris. As for this shop, it wasn't bad, but there are certainly much better ones about the place.

The self-proclaimed "oldest English language on the continent" did not disappoint. There is a great English language children's section in the back where picked up some unique books to bring home as gifts. There are also many books in English about touristy things to do in Paris with kids, and I wish we had picked one up earlier in our trip. The location is right near the Roue de Paris (the giant ferris wheel) and steps from Angelina's (famous hot chocolate), so it is easy to work a quick stop into your itinerary.

My wife and I had a very negative experience here. We are American and expect a bit of flack in Paris, but this was too much. At entry, an employee tried to confiscate my wife's medical scooter until he realized it was for her injury. We were constantly given aggressive glances by employees. When we decided to leave, an employee followed us every step of the way to the door. Quite an uncomfortable experience. As we left, we said 'merci' to one of the employees who sat behind a desk with a face of disgust. Additionally, their prices were outrageous. Over 2.25 times the cost of Amazon. I don't mind paying a little more than Amazon to purchase from a physical location, but that mark up is well beyond reasonable.