Quai Saint-Michel - "layers"

Layers seen along theSeine

Taken from the Pont Saint-Michel you can see layers from the buildings along the quai, the bouquinistes, the level under the street, the banks of the Seine, and finally the Seine herself.

How have I not noticed the walkway under the street level on this south side of the river?  What are those open spaces in the stone wall, and what lies beyond?  I am thinking of Jean-Valjean and M. Hugo.

Quai Saint-Michel et Pont Saint-Michel

75004, Paris

Les bouquinistes sous la pluie

The bouquinistes were open on this rainy October day

selling to the tourists who braved the weather.

The very old books, journals, and cards are kept in the back of the stall, 

protected from the rain.

Bouquinistes

Quai de Conti

75005, Paris

Livres anciens - Librairie Paul Vulin

Old books..

Beautiful, if slightly worn, old books can be bought in many places 

throughout Paris from the flea markets to the Passages de Paris.  

If they were not so heavy, I would have a larger collection.  

This photo reminds me 

that I need to bring back at least one with every trip.  

I no longer travel with a guide book, 

so there should be room for a single antique book in my carry-on.

livres de collection

Librairie Paul Vulin

Passage Jouffroy

75009, Paris

 

Livres - Rue de Seine

Bookstores in Paris are full of treasures:

stacks and stacks of beautiful books, some to be read 

and some just to be enjoyed.

This store is not much larger than you see right here, 

filled to the ceiling.

Rue de Seine

75006, Paris

Bécassine - the story

Bécassin is considered the first female protagonist in the history of comics. She is a young Breton housemaid created by Jacqueline Rivière and Joseph Pinchon in 1905. She is considered the birth of the modern bande dessinée inspiring Hergé (The Adventures of Tintin) in the 1920s.

These books were seen in the window of a bookseller in Passage Jouffroy, a covered arcade in the 9ième arrondissement.

I first encountered this heroine through collecting antique fêves, which is another story...


Librarie Paul Vulin
Passage Jouffroy
Métro Grands Boulevards

Les Bouquinistes

Les bouquinistes or used book sellers are seen all along the quais, particularly near Notre Dame. They have been an installation along the Seine since the 1500s and are now regulated by the city of Paris. It is estimated that it takes 8 years on a waiting list to be assigned one of these dark green boxes renting for about 100 Euros per year. Although there are many keychains, magnets and postcards, the city requires a balance of books and souvenirs and that the "green shop" be open at least 4 days each week.

I do love old postcards and greeting cards and the quais are great places to stroll and shop.