A Review of Boulinier

18 Bd Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France

In my recent trips to Paris, I’ve stayed in my favorite neighborhood in the 6th Arrondissement, the stretch along the south bank of the Seine between Saint-Michel and Norte Dame, where you’ll find such classic bookstores as Shakespeare and Co. and Abbey Bookshop. Both incredible, but both cater a bit more toward English-speaking visitors and ex-pats than French locals. So on my most recent visit I wanted to explore a shop for locals. And Boulinier is exactly that. Sure, this used bookshop has a nominal selection in English, but unless you read French, Boulinier might be a quick visit for you. Although there’s plenty of reasons to pop in for a look regardless.

The shop’s bright red signage stands out along Boulevard Saint-Michel, as do their red wheeled carts (reminiscent to Strand in NYC) filled with paperbacks, a few hardcovers, and magazines. There were a few bins of English novels and translations, mostly classics and bestsellers from not too terribly far back in time, and I certainly saw some favorites I already owned, so if you’re a English-speaking reading in need, this could do the trick if you’re nearby. Most of the rest are in French, predictably, and I enjoyed browsing through to get a feel of what French paperbacks are like, the variations in covers from English versions. The prices seemed fair as most looked gently used (nothing too worn, thankfully).

Inside was much the same. Nothing fancy here, wide spaces with rows of bins and displays all brimming with books under drop-ceiling lights. Among the older edition paperbacks were plenty of newer versions, some sets in hardcover, a few real throwbacks bordering on vintage editions, but again, all in decent shape. The selection included vinyl, CDs, and DVDs in English and French, though I imagine the regions for these are likely set for Europe so double check that. The shop reminded me more of a record store, with people flipping through the rows of paperbacks peering at covers before edging down to the next bin. But again, for an English-only reader, my time here was short, but if your reading capabilities go well beyond, this could be a real goldmine of a shop for you.

Atmosphere — Catering to locals, this shape trades fancy vibes for volume, with bins and tables lining the sidewalk and filling the rooms inside, smooth cement floors and drop-ceiling lights, shelf-lined walls and the flip-flip sounds of browsers sifting through bins much akin to a record shop.

Quality — Some new, some newish, and most used, but all in solid shape.

Quantity ­­— There’s a lot here, and of all varieties, but for English readers, only a few bins and shelves.

Diversity — Pretty good mix, plenty of paperbacks, books for youngsters, DC and DVDs and records.

Affordability — Good prices for used books. No complaints.

Amenities — You’re here to browse but there are plenty of shops and cafes nearby.

Location — A couple blocks south of the Seine on Bd Saint-Michel, a short walk from Shakespeare and Co.

Customer Service — There were a few clerks behind plexiglass counters along one wall.

Overall — A straightforward bookshop that’s all about browsing the bins to see what they have, aimed at locals and French readers with a solid mix of DVDs and music options. It’s a great way to spend a little time standing on the sidewalk, casually flipping through, and watching life walk by on the streets of Paris. How can you go wrong?