Les Bouquinistes

To continue with the nostalgic theme of the merchants of memorabilia, what better then sellers of old, antique books, first editions, signed copies, sepia postcards from the turn of the century, and other used manuals. 

Les Bouquinistes, the used-book sellers you can find along the Seine and around Notre-Dame, have been around forever. As a matter of fact, many impressionist paintings depict them. They have become an iconic fixture of the Paris landscape since the mid-1500s when shops and stalls lined most of the bridges in Paris. You cannot miss them, they are as important to the city's identity as is the Eiffel Tower or Sacre-Coeur. 

"After the Revolution, business boomed when entire libraries were liberated from nobles or clergymen and wound up for sale cheap on the banks of the Seine. In 1891, bouquinistes received permission to permanently attach their boxes to the quaysides. Today, the waiting list to become one of Paris' 250 bouquinistes is eight years. Each bouquiniste is given four boxes, all of a specified size, and rent is paid only for the stone on which the boxes rest (less than €100 per year). The most coveted spots are awarded based on seniority. Maintenance costs, including the required vert wagon paint (the green color of old train cars), are paid by the sellers. With little overhead, prices are usually cheaper than in most shops. Bouquinistes must be open at least four days a week. Wednesdays are best (when school is out), and warm, dry days are golden (notice that every item is wrapped in protective plastic). And yes, they do leave everything inside when they lock up at night; metal bars and padlocks keep things safe."

To read more in French make sure to visit this page, there is also an English language option in the upper right corner. Unfortunately, if you are not fluent in French, you won't be finding the next read for your flight home at the bouquinistes, but you might still enjoy the stroll along the seine, and a gander at this beautifully maintained tradition.