Librairie Jousseaume the ancient bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris
Librairie Jousseaume is an ancient bookstore in what is considered one of Paris' loveliest covered passageways, Galerie Vivienne. Galerie Vivienne was inaugurated in 1826 and with its neoclassical decor, mosaic floor and cupola it quickly became Paris' loveliest covered passageway. Located in the central 2nd arrondissement, the gallery is 176 metres long and just 3 metres wide and has been listed as a historical monument since 7 July 1974.
Librairie Jousseaume, Galerie Vivienne, Paris 1905
When the passageway first opened, the bookstore (librairie) was one of the original tenants. The name of the initial store was Librairie Petit-Siroux and you can still see this original name above the store's window. Librairie Jousseaume is in fact made up of two shops which face each other at the point where the covered passage changes direction.
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François Jousseaume - Owner of Librairie Jousseaume
In March this year I met the current owner of the store, François Jousseaume who was very happy to share his passion of books and the store's history. His great-grandfather acquired the business in 1890 and it has been loved and operated by his family since. He has great childhood memories filled with books and people revolving around the store.
I spent time in both stores (which are separated only by the passage width of a few metres) and could not help but gaze through the windows immersing myself in what I consider to be literary heaven.
What You Will Find at Librairie Jousseaume
Today the store stocks thousands of used books, antique and more modern, postcards and gift cards. It is where you will just as easily find a first work with its original cover, a more recent edition of a well-known poetry book or a stylish card to send to your best friend.
Librairie Jousseaume book shelves, Galerie Vivienne, Paris
The smaller of the two stores feels like an elderly gentleman's study (see above photo) with shelves brimming with books, worn ancient furniture, a glowing chandelier and the scent of wood and old books. There is even a narrow spiral wooden staircase that leads to the mezzanine which overflows with an impressive collection of paperbacks. This is just the sort of secret space I can get lost in for hours.
Discovering the wonders of Librairie Jousseaume and the other unique boutiques in Galerie Vivienne makes this a Parisian covered passage that you must visit when next in Paris.
Galerie Vivienne address: 5 Rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris, France
Librairie Jousseaume address: 45-46-47 Galerie Vivienne, 75002 Paris (+33 1 42 96 06 24)
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