Looking for the best bookstores in Paris for kids? Discover my top three children’s bookshops in Paris that are perfect for finding both French and English books for young readers.
When I first moved to Paris, I kept confusing librairie and bibliothèque. After all, the word “librairie” looks so much like the English word “library.” In French, though, a librairie is actually a bookstore, while a bibliothèque is a library. As you wander through Paris, you’ll spot plenty of librairies — just remember, these are bookshops, not libraries!
1. Chantelivre
One of my favourite bookstores in Paris is definitely the Chantelivre. Tucked away on Rue de Sèvres, just a short walk from Le Bon Marché, this independent librairie jeunesse has been inspiring young readers since 1974. It’s often described as the go-to children’s bookstore in Paris and for good reason.
Inside, you’ll find shelves upon shelves of beautifully illustrated books for every age, from sturdy board books for babies to imaginative novels for teens. What makes Chantelivre special is the way it’s organized: the space is bright, colorful, and easy to navigate, with books grouped thoughtfully by age and theme. There’s even a cozy reading room where kids can flip through pages while sitting on a comfortable sofa.
Chantelivre also stocks English-language titles, particularly for younger children, alongside a wonderful selection of French picture books and early readers. If you’re in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and want to pick up something beautiful and meaningful for your child, Chantelivre is absolutely worth a visit.
And tucked away at the back of the bookstore is something truly special — La Maison des Histoires. This magical story world hidden behind the shop’s rear “cabin” doors is one kids would love to explore. Inside the 130 m² space, shoes come off and imaginations switch on as children aged 0–6 step straight into interactive play sets with plenty of story-telling.
Both spaces are indoor, stroller-friendly havens, perfect for hot or rainy Paris days. They’re also very popular, so it’s best to book a timed slot online before your visit.
Address: 13 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris
Opening hours: 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday
Smith & Son
Smith & Son is the largest English bookstore in Paris located just across from the Tuileries Gardens. The store was established in 1870 by the Neal brothers and later acquired by WHSmith & Son in 1903. Smith & Son regained its independence in 2020 and opened under a simplified name. The store was refurbished, emerging a year later as a revamped version of its former self.
Spanning two floors, the bookstore offers various English books across genres, neatly categorized for easy browsing. The ground floor hosts books as well as the latest international magazines, occasional deals, and curated staff selections. Beyond literature, the store features stationery, gifts, and a tempting selection of British and American confectionery. Upstairs, there is an adorable children’s section that’s organized by age groups. Apart from books, the store also sells soft toys corresponding to beloved book characters like the Little Prince or Peter Rabbit.
Just beside the children’s book section, you’ll find the Tea Room. This cosy little spot serves lunch and afternoon tea with freshly baked English scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream. It’s rarely crowded, making it a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a cuppa with your kids.
After visiting the store, head to the nearby Tuileries Gardens, where kids can around and play to the heart’s content. I have a separate article you can read about Visiting Tuileries Gardens with Kids.
Address: 248 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Opening hours: 7 days a week, 10am-7.30pm (Sundays and Mondays 12.30pm-7.30pm)
3. The Red Wheelbarrow
Located in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter, just opposite the Jardin du Luxembourg, is another one of my favourite English bookstores in Paris called The Red Wheelbarrow. It’s a charming independent bookstore established by Canadian Penelope Fletcher in 2001. Here you’ll find brand new English-language books spanning various genres, from classic and contemporary literature to poetry, history, and politics.
Inspired by William Carlos Williams’ poem “The Red Wheel Barrow,” the store initially found its home in Marais. After a temporary closure in 2012, it reopened its doors in 2018 in the Latin Quarter to the delight of its dedicated clientele. Notably, the location bears historical significance, once the last remaining second hand science bookshop in France before Fletcher and her associates revitalized it.
There are actually 2 separate bookstores just a few doors away from each other. The primary store is at 11 Rue de Médicis and boasts exquisite high ceilings and wooden floors. The second store at 9 Rue de Médicis caters specifically to bilingual French/English children’s literature. The children’s section is the smallest out of the three stores but it’s very well curated.
After choosing a book or two, you can cross the street to the Luxembourg Gardens, where the kids can sail boats or run around the playground. I have a separate article about Visiting the Luxembourg Gardens with Kids.
Address: 9 and 11 Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris
Opening hours: Every day from 10am to 7pm
Happy browsing and happy reading!
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