The Bouquinistes de Paris - a historical institution for book lovers
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The Bouquinistes de Paris are antiquarians who sell their wares along the banks of the Seine in Paris. The tradition of the Parisian bouquinistes began in the 16th century - back then as peddlers. The more than 200 bouquinistes offer around 300,000 books, as well as stamps, magazines, art prints, old postcards, etc. at almost 900 French boîtes.
The Bouquinistes de Paris operate around 900 "green boxes" (boîtes) along approximately three kilometres of the Seine, in which around 300,000 used books and a large number of magazines, stamps and collector's cards are on display. Although the sale of books remains the official mission, the boîtes have always offered other items as well: various art prints, historical stamps and coins, smaller antiques; souvenirs.
Like any merchant, they have to be registered in the trade register. Each bouquiniste then occupies an 8 metre-long section of the riverbank, where up to 4 boîtes can be set up. The boîtes must be open four days a week, unless the weather is not favourable.
Only one of the four boîtes per bouquiniste may contain souvenirs, toys and small items. In 2009, the Paris city council began issuing warnings to bouquinistes who sell more items than books and engravings.
On 6 February 2019, the French Minister of Culture decided to add the Bouquinistes to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the ulterior motive that they could become a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Meta The Bouquinistes de Paris are antiquarian booksellers who sell books, stamps, magazines, art prints and old postcards along the banks of the Seine in Paris.
