St. Genevieve Library Paris
Amazing place to see
The library of St. Genevieve is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. When I visited it, all the places for reading were taken by university students working on their studies, which makes it very much liveable and active. The building is an amazing structure of iron beams that sustain the roof under which there is a traditional wooden library with two levels of book corridors and a lot of ancient tables with their green lamps for reading.
The nice thing is that any tourist visiting the area of the Sorbonne university in Paris can simply pop in and ask for a short touristic visit. As it's very little known, you may be doing the visit on your own. A member of staff of the library will accompany you through the hounour staircase and then into the reading room, where a small area is restricted to visitors.
The place has this mixture of ancient classical temple of wisdom and the modernity of all those youngsters studying their university exams, wearing the most modern outfits and apparel. I really enjoyed that view of the architecture, statues and nice environment. Contrary to other cities in Europe, where the use would be restricted to scholars or the building dedicated to some official use, the nice thing here is that local students prefer it as the place where they can find peace and silence to focus on their studies.
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Shakespeare and Company
Charming English bookshop
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Doll House
Erotic accessories
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
MOKUS Pizzeria
Pizza champion
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Au Metro
Best tartar steak in town
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Le Bistrot de Longchamp
Portuguese restaurant
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Venus sur Cour
Ancient erotic shop
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Les Mots à la Bouche
LGTB bookshop
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
La Belle Iloise
Canned fish, top quality
"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Nomade
Beyond just great coffee
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
Paul
Wright
Music Avenue Paris
The music drugstore
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Paul
Wright
Le Silence de La Rue
A visual and sonic palace
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Paul
Wright
Les Brutalistes
Architectural leather accessories
Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
by
Paul
Wright
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
