Which bookshops in Marseille are not to be missed?

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Whether you’re looking for scientific works, historical books, school textbooks or romance novels, bookshops are part of life for literature lovers. Each bookshop has its own specific features that give it its charm. Whether you’re looking for a must-see or an independent bookshop, discover our selection of bookshop addresses in Marseille.

Maupetit bookshop

The oldest bookshop in Marseille, the Maupetit bookshophas been located on the heights of the Canebière since 1919. Bought by Ernest Maupetit, to whom it owes its name, it was originally called Librairie des Allées and was located at 56 allée de Meilhan. Its name was officially changed in 1928, when the Canebière was extended to the Réformés. The aim of the buyer was to create a large multi-specialist bookshop on Marseille’s main thoroughfare, with school, university and medical sections. In 1998, Editions Actes Sud acquired the bookshop. Today, the Maupetit bookshop – which has been awarded the LIR label by the French Ministry of Culture – organises a range of events, workshops and meetings on its premises. In its 850 m², you can find classic French literature, school books, comic strips and stories specially designed for children and teenagers. Don’t hesitate to ask a member of the team for advice on finding the book you’re looking for!

Address: 142 La Canebière – 13001 Marseille

      Jeanne Laffitte bookshop

      Also known as Les Arcenaulx, the Jeanne Laffitte bookshop is both a general bookshop with an exceptional range of books on Marseille and the surrounding area, and an antiquarian bookshop with books and engravings that are a collector’s delight. With its mix of old and new books, Les Arcenaulx is a place steeped in history, as evidenced by the stone walls and exposed beams that were originally dedicated to goods from the commercial port and housed the galleys of the Arsenal. In this charming setting, you’ll have access to a selection of new titles andbacklist works, ranging from literature to the humanities, from the fine arts to children’s books, and even gastronomy.

      Address: 25 cours d’Estienne d’Orves – 13001 Marseille

      Pantagruel bookshop

      Independent and generalist, the Pantagruel bookshop opened in 2016 and is open to all, young and old, fans and regulars of the 5th art. This local bookshop is a place to exchange and share ideas about culture and literature. With a floor space of 70 m², the 8,000 items on offer include novels by French and international authors, comic books, essays, art books, detective stories… Pantagruel also has a strong focus on children’s literature. The watchwords here are conviviality and diversity.

      Address: 44 rue Paul Codaccioni – 13007 Marseille

      L’Odeur du Temps

      Located just a stone’s throw from the Old Port, L’Odeur du Temps is an independent general bookshop offering French and foreign literature, philosophy, sociology, poetry, theatre and many other themed novels. The bookseller (and his cat) are demanding in their choices, because they want to favour the creation of writing rather than the production of books in order to offer readers an alternative to the media prescription that dominates the literary world.

      Address: 35 rue Pavillon – 13001 Marseille

      L’Attrape-mots

      L’Attrape-mots is a local general bookshop in a former bakery, with a strong focus on translated literature and thrillers. There’s also a large area dedicated to children’s books and comics, so everyone can make their own choices. The booksellers’ expert advice is always welcome. The bookshop also organises a range of events, including readers’ meetings, debates and author talks.

      Address: 212 rue Paradis – 13006 Marseille

          Histoire de l’Œil

          Histoire de l’Oeil isn’t just a local bookshop. It’s also a gallery, a children’s corner and a café with a veranda. The bookshop specialises in contemporary literature and art. The literature section offers a wide range of theatre and poetry, as well as detective stories and classic novels. The art section includes artists’ monographs, exhibition catalogues, art writings, etc. The bookshop favours lesser-known publishers in order to offer a varied choice ofquality works. It also organises meetings, readings and other events to share its passion for literature and art.

          Address: 25 rue Fontange – 13006 Marseille

          Mazette bookshop

          In the heart of the Vauban district, the independent Mazette bookshop welcomes readers young and old. A lively and friendly place, it offersworkshops, readings and meetings with authors. In front of the shop, there’s a terrace where you can enjoy a coffee and some madeleineswhile leafing through a book. French and foreign novels, works in English, humanities, fine arts, tourism, children’s books, comics and manga: all worlds are represented here.
          And if a title is missing from the shelves, you can reserve it or order it easily.

          Address: 69 Bd Vauban – 13006 Marseille

          Specialist bookshops

          If you want to find new works on particular themes, here is a list of specialist bookshops:

          • Librairie Maritime La Cardinale: Located in the Old Port, Librairie Maritime la Cardinale boasts authentic maritime charm and a vast collection of books dedicated to the fascinating world of the sea. As soon as you enter, you’ll be transported into a world of nautical knowledge, tales of maritime adventures and accounts of great explorations. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a sailing enthusiast or simply curious and looking for a literary escape, this bookshop invites you to explore shelves brimming with literary treasures, where each book tells a captivating story.

          Address:26 Quai de Rive Neuve – 13007 Marseille

          • La Librairie de la Bourse: Right next to the Centre Bourse, this bookshop specialising in maps, tourist guides and plans will delight adventure and travel enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traveller eager to explore the world, a historian looking for old maps or simply a curious geography enthusiast, this bookshop will meet your expectations.

          Address:8 Rue Paradis – 13001 Marseille

          • La Librairie Musicale Internationale: Specialising in music, LMI offers a vast selection of sheet music, books on music and even accessories. Whether you’re a professional musician or a passionate music lover, this is the bookshop for you! Its team of enthusiasts and experts will be able to advise you in your search.

          Address:2 Rue des trois Mages – 13006 Marseille