Nat Geo Day Tour: Paris, the City of Book Lovers

Paris has had a long love affair with books. The evidence is most visible along stretches of the Seine, where for centuries booksellers have traded in second hand, rare or antique books from their distinctive green stalls. This tour is designed for anyone with a passion for books, as your National Geographic-trained guide takes you on a voyage through Paris's literary history and some of its most notable book-related sites.

First, we'll visit the Bibliotheque Nationale Française, one of the finest libraries in Europe. This renowned space, famous for its wonderful architecture and vast collections, has three main sections: the readers' rooms, the Salle Ovale, and the Museum and Galerie Mansart. You will enjoy a private visit to all of these areas while your guide shares insights and fascinating stories about each one.

Next, take a stroll through the city, passing places linked to French history and literature, such as Place Colette, where your guide will reveal the story behind “Colette” and how she became a literary icon in Paris. You'll also see the Comedie Française and learn about French dramaturgist Molière. Pausing by the famous Pyramide outside the Louvre Museum, you will have the opportunity for further discussions with your guide about books that were written in Paris such as Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.

You'll then take a break for refreshments in a special coffee-library named Café Livre where you can relax over a drink and talk books. A serene Seine River cruise follows, offering great views of the Notre Dame Cathedral, before disembarking to visit Shakepeare and Co, an iconic independent bookstore in Paris's 5th district. Established in the 1920s, it became a hub for influential writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, and Ernest Hemingway. Your historian guide will share insights about the Lost Generation writers connected to this bookstore as you take a look around the fantastic selection of books.

Lastly, you'll meet a "Bouquiniste", an exclusive experience for National Geographic travelers. These historic riverside booksellers have been a staple in Paris since the late 19th century, and have now been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn from one of the booksellers the story of their occupation, the range of items they sell, and their significant role in the Parisian landscape.