Are you a solitude seeker looking for libraries in Paris? I have jotted down the five best Parisian libraries. Starting off with the most famous one, Bibliothèque Mazarine. The tremendous history of this library speaks for itself.
Later, if you’re worried that you won’t find any English literature while in Paris, let me tell you about “The American Library” in Paris. American expats in Paris can take benefit from this marvelous library. It is the most prominent English language library on the European continent, and you won’t want to miss that.
There are plenty of paces for students in Paris where they can study in peace.
Meanwhile, if you’re hoping for silence to study, look no more because at Bibliothèque Mazarine there are separate study rooms. It is known to be from one of the best Parisian libraries.
Furthermore, you can explore the vast building for its peaceful ambience, if you need a break. I always remind myself of the quote by Walter Savage Landor “Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library.”
Top 5 libraries in Paris
Paris is known for its rich culture; therefore, many researchers and history students visit the city to study the French literature available in many libraries in Paris.
Although, there are quite a few best Parisian libraries with the best collection of books that you would absolutely enjoy. I have picked out the best Parisian libraries for you.
Here are the top five picks for the most beautiful libraries in Paris:
The Mazarine Library
Let me start with “the Mazarine library”. It is one of the most beautiful libraries and one of the best libraries in Paris. You can find it within the Palais de L’Institut de France at 23 quai de Conti in the 6th arrondissement.
It is near the famous tourist attraction, the Louvre Museum, so if you are visiting the museum do visit the library as well. Moreover, this library is important because it is the oldest library in France.
Furthermore, the Mazarine library is a peaceful meeting place for all those students that want to study. They can discuss the rich French literature that is available in the many manuscripts which can be found within the library.
- The Mazarine library is open from Monday to Friday from 10 Am to 6 PM.
Remember that the library is closed on the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Forney Library
Next in line is the “Forney Library” which is considered to be one of the best Parisian libraries. The library looks like a painting which is why it’s so popular. It is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.
Moreover, if you are at the Notre Dame Cathedral, you can easily visit the library as it is located just a few steps away from the cathedral.
I have some good news for all those who love graphic arts; the Forney library contains a stunning collection of graphic arts. Therefore, wait no more and visit one of the best Parisian libraries.
The opening hours for Forney library are different for each day. However, the library remains close on Mondays and Sundays.
Timings:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
- Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 1 PM – 7:30 PM
The Richelieu Library
Why would you want to visit a bookstore when you have the “La Bibliotheque Richelieu”. Let me tell you why this library is Famous as the most beautiful library in Paris.
Let’s start off with how this library is located in the heart of Paris, which makes it far more popular as compared to the other top libraries in Paris. Furthermore, the Richelieu library is on the list of the Top libraries in Paris because it is one of the four libraries that make up the Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris.
The library was built decades ago. Hence, it is widely popular because of its architecture. It has mesmerizing views which you can enjoy while studying.
Aside from this, the library has gigantic gardens built for the purpose of relaxing and has an impressive collection of books from almost every genre, so do not hesitate to visit one of the best Parisian libraries.
- The library is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Therefore, you will have enough time to admire the beauty of this library and study!
The Sorbonne Library
How can one discuss the Top beautiful libraries of Paris without mentioning the “Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne”, located inside the famous Sorbonne university, it has managed to make its way in the list of the best libraries in Paris.
The Sorbonne Library is famous for its beautiful and unique architecture. This library was built a century ago. Therefore, the old architecture makes the library so much more interesting to visit. Many tourists from around the globe describe this library as one of the best Parisian libraries.
Furthermore, this library has a stunning collection of French literature and human sciences. It will only cost you €15 to visit this stunning library but take my word for it, you will not regret visiting one of the best libraries in Paris.
- The Sorbonne library opens from 10am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
- 12pm to 7pm on Thursday
Like many other libraries, it remains close on weekends.
Library Film François Truffaut
The last library on my list of the top libraries in Paris is “Bibliothèque du cinéma François Truffaut”. This library is located in Westfield Forum des Halles. It is known to be one of the best Parisian libraries due to its aesthetically pleasing building and architecture. For all my cinephiles out there, this library is the one for you.
It has more than 20,000+ books on cinematography, videography and television. Moreover, you can choose to borrow DVDs from the impressive collection of more than 16,000 DVDs.
Do you now understand why this library is famous as one of the Best Parisian libraries? Aside from the basics, the Library Film François Truffaut has a cozy interior with aesthetic lighting, which makes the environment so much more comfortable to study in.
- The library is open from 12pm to 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 1pm to 7pm on Sunday.
However, do keep in mind that this library stay close on Mondays.
There you have it, I have mentioned all that you need to know about the Best Parisian libraries. Personally, my favorite is the Mazarine library not only because it is one of the best libraries in Paris but also because of the variety of books it has!
Do give feedback on which library you liked and its reasons