Assouline, The Mindblowing Parisian Bookstore Split In Two

A local’s guide to visiting the Assouline bookstores in Paris, two beautiful shops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés close to Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore!

I remember the first time I saw an Assouline store; it was Maison Assouline on Piccadilly in London, which is one of the most beautiful bookstores you can see in that city.

Recently, as I was walking through the 6th arrondissement of Paris – specifically in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you’ll find the magnificent Maison Sauvage, Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore – I stumbled upon Assouline.

I wasn’t actually looking for it, but was rather searching for another world-famous bookstore for design, fashion, photography, and travel on Rue de Buci – Taschen.

I eventually found myself on Rue Bonaparte which, like Rue de Buci, is located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and that is where I found Assouline.

Assouline, The Mindblowing Parisian Bookstore Split In Two

It is one of the most beautiful and luxurious bookstores you can find in the city, and the brand is particularly famous for their massive books in the Ultimate Collection.

Their books are often limited editions that can cost several hundred euros, which makes Maison Assouline quite an interesting – and posh! – place to visit.

What makes it especially unique is that you will find two different spaces just one door apart from each other.

When I asked the staff why Assouline was split in two, they told me it was simply a matter of logistics, as the shop couldn’t secure two adjacent spaces to make one large store.

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This actually makes Assouline more interesting in the end because in one of the two boutiques, you’ll find a very vintage, sophisticated atmosphere.

It features sculptures, a James Bond collection, a tiny coffee shop space and objects that are a delight to look at if you love anything related to antiques.

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The other Assouline boutique, located just three or four steps away, showcases more everyday lifestyle items like travel-themed candles and classic collections on fashion, interior design, and travel.

Looking back at the history of Assouline, the brand was born in 1994, founded by Prosper and Martine Assouline.

Their very first book was dedicated to their favorite hotel, La Colombe d’Or.

A few years later, Assouline moved to New York, and in 2014, Maison Assouline was born in London in a very special shop that mixes coffee table books, a gallery, and a café-bar where you can even have afternoon tea.

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Assouline Bookstore, Rue Bonaparte – The Antiques and Vintage Literary Vibe

Assouline Bookstore, Rue Bonaparte in Paris – The Fashion, Travel and Design Literary Vibe

Assouline, The Mindblowing Parisian Bookstore Split In Two

Once you have visited both Assouline boutiques on Rue Bonaparte, you will find many other interesting places in the 6th arrondissement.

For example, there is Place Furstenberg or the Officine Universelle Buly 1803, located a bit further up the street closer to the banks of the Seine.

Even if you don’t wish to drop several hundred euros on one of their magnificent books, Assouline is a wonderful place to visit in Paris.

You can also find beautiful gifts like candles that smell like paper or unique bookends, and even take part in one of the many events regularly organized by this Parisian literary institution.