I'm posting this question to the helpline since many of you have traveled to Paris and hopefully some will be able to help me. I am looking for a store or a bookstore that has a very good collection of graphic novels. It can be written in English or French. This is considered serious literature in cartoon form but not necessarily written about serious topics. A good example of this is Maus by Art Spiegelman. I've been told it is very popular in Europe. I am not looking for Japanese style anime. Any suggestions because I won't have the time to check out every bookstore in Paris? I'll only be there for a few days.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
What you are actually looking for (I think) is called Bandes Dessinées. Not really serious literiture, but truly a step above what most Americans consider comics. They vary between silly, political, and serious.
Any major book store in France and most small ones will have them. You might even be able to find some minor ones in magazine stores. You can even find them used.
For major stores look for Virgin, Fnac
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
JC -
While in Paris you will be looking for the Librarie.
My favorite here is this Gilbert Jaune at Place St. Michel. One because it is in a fabulous location and it has many different selections. Just to help you as well should this not meet your needs while in Paris - the 6eme arrondissment is the location of most publishers in town. Thus it is easy to wonder the area and find many librarie.
Gibert Jeune
Address: 10, place St-Michel, 75006 PARIS
Phone: 01 43 25 91 19
Métro: St-Michel (line 4, RER B), St-Michel Notre-Dame (RER C). Bus: lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 85, 96.
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Three million books sold every year (one in three is second-hand). Started as a bouquiniste in 1886 on the quai St-Michel; retail store was founded in 1888.
Posted by
Ridgefield, WA, USA
160 posts
You should check out the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore. It's a landmark that shouldn't be missed if you love books - very colorful place. Here's a website for it:
Posted by
OP
NYC, USA
219 posts
Thank you all for the info. I will definitely check out Gilbert Jaune. Btw, Trotro, Spiegelman received a Pultizer and also a Guggenheim fellowship for his Maus work: major accomplishments that serious writers would even give up their "left eye teeth" for. I have been told that the Europeans treat graphic novels as works of art. I'll find out very soon.