Speciality & Gift Shops • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Odéon / Saint-Michel
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THE 10 BEST Paris Libraries
Libraries in Paris
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Traveller Resources
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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48 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Architectural Buildings • Libraries
Quartier de la Gare
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Libraries • Game & Entertainment Centres
Quartier Latin
Libraries
Tour Eiffel / Invalides
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Libraries
Javel
Libraries
Château d'Eau / Gare du Nord
Libraries
Belleville / Père Lachaise
Libraries
Le Marais
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Libraries
Bercy / Nation
Libraries
Val-de-Grâce
Libraries
Place d'Italie / Quartier Asiatique
Libraries
Saint-Merri
Libraries
Goutte-d'Or
Libraries
La Villette
Libraries
Place d'Italie / Quartier Asiatique
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Libraries
Saint-Lambert
Libraries
Opéra / Bourse
Libraries
Charonne
Libraries
Pont-de-Flandre
Libraries
Opéra / Bourse
Libraries
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Libraries
Père-Lachaise
Showing results 1-30 of 48
What travellers are saying
- Mary KTaos, NM8 contributionsWonderful historical bookstore. Lots of unusual books. 5 min wait in line on a busy Saturday. Great selections & merchandise! Friendly staffWritten October 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MidwestKathMDetroit, MI1,087 contributionsAs a book lover and a great user of libraries, it was a treat to visit the Oval Room at the Bibliotheque National Francaise. After clearing security outside the building, we entered and went right into the Oval Room, found a sofa to sit and take it all in. The central skylight is about 3 stories up. Around the top of the open Oval Room are oculi windows and mosaic designs. We read off the names of the world's great cities written around the top of the room, agreeing and disagreeing about the inclusion of some and what was missing. We enjoyed a 30-minute sit just looking! Meanwhile, the study carrels at the long tables in the center were filled. And it was quiet!Written June 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA17,780 contributionsA very important institution, a modern huge building on the banks of the Seine. It has spawned a new town built over the railroad tracks, lots of interesting architecture here. Important to note the commitment of the country to build a big library in modern times. I am not crazy about the design, which imitates an open book. And there are wild stories about the buildings dysfunction. But do come here for terrific temporary expos.Written February 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Edward GCairo, NY56 contributionsGreat library, only open in afternoon after 2:00 pm for public. Used in Harry Potter movies. We where there because of a book. Greatest libraries of the world. my wife is a librarianWritten September 19, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ArtheKailua86 contributionsFriendly and helpful staff
Clean cafe
Lots of manga books in a Japan inspired reading room
Some older arcade games and some home video games . It's fun to play on oldies but goodies. A place to play your favorite game when you don't have access to the play system anymore.
A dancing pad for two people that looked really fun. Sadly, the small group using it when we arrived, kept it for themselves the whole hour we were there. A little sharing would have been nice.
My favorite: a pinball. It's unfortunate it was awaiting the repair man when we visited. It will likely be repaired when you do visit. We will have to go back. Hey, when is the last time you got to play pinball? It's becoming more and more difficult to find.
Affordable. At last, a place where you can take your family or invite your friends without spending all your entertainment money at once.Written June 13, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HsteinmillerYorktown, VA947 contributionsI am a librarian myself, so of course I had to visit here! I showed up initially on a Thursday, and came back the following day for the presentation on the history of the library. Absolutely fascinating, and everyone is so warm and welcoming! It is now my dearest wish to come back and volunteer at this very special place!Written July 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kirk ESanta Fe, NM982 contributionsThe gilded-domed Mazarine Library (often mistaken at a distance for the nearby Invalides) merits a visit if only for its spectacular architecture, both in the monumental plaza and inside the library itself. Busts of philosophers -- including honorary Frenchman Benjamin Franklin -- line the long walls of the reading room, which remains a working library, with the occasional display of historical publications available for viewing by quiet visitors. A great place for quiet contemplation on a rainy day, directly over the Pont des arts from the Louvre.Written February 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JnVSydneyGreater Sydney, Australia21,361 contributionsOnce the Hotel de Sens. The building dates from the end of the 15th century was was intended to be the home of wealthy archbishops - starting with Salazar the archbishop of Sens. It took so long to build he never actually lived there and many noblemen used the property over the centuries.
At one stage it was held by the Royal family until it was confiscated during the French Revolution (there’s even a canonball still lodged in the facade - we love these little details).
After that it was neglected and was even used by the Saint James Marmelade Factory of all things. Eventually it was purchased by the City of Paris in 1911 and the last of it’s ad hoc tenants left in 1928. It has had some very famous guests over the centuries including, most famously, Nostradamus. He was invited to Paris by Queen Catherine of the Medicis in 1555 and lodged at the Townhouse of Sens as it was known. The living was fine at the townhouse, so fine he was struck down with an attack of gout and confined to bed, surrounded by people keen to hear his predictions.
The Forney library moved here in 1929 when it outgrew it’s old premises. In its current incarnation of library focussing on decorative arts, it was hosting a fascinating exhibition about feeding Paris - including great photos of our neck of the woods, Les Halles. There was also a lot of memorabilia from restaurants and bistros and great vintage advertising items.Written February 24, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andrew LBelfast, UK45 contributionsHad read about the centre online and yesterday my daughter (8) and I decided to give it a visit. Situated near the Sorbonne and the Pantheon, it’s in a quiet street and well off any tourist trail. Being a Sunday afternoon we were the only visitors and the tea room and reading rooms were shut (will know that for next time as I could have done with some coffee). Enjoyed the virtual reality art and speaking with the staff. What a lovely place to visit.Written January 28, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
