Bouquinistes & Berthillon
Today we are back to Madame Guiliano’s Top 20 To Dos in the City of Lights. So far we are 2 for 2 she and I. Today makes it 3 for 3 as we journey along the banks of the Seine from the Pont Neuf and spend time browsing through the vintage books and magazines sold by the bouqinistes, who also stock an array of art prints and knick-knacks that are a bit touristy but fun. These vendors have been a fixture along the river since the 1500’s, initially pushing wheelbarrows filled with their goods and setting up shop on a daily basis. Over time, storage evolved into what you see today–locked green boxes attached to the stone embankments. Each bouquiniste is given 4 boxes, all the same size and they pay rent for the stone wall that they are built on. There are 250 spots available and a waiting list of 8 years for one to open up. Take a look for yourself……
After you have spent some euros to purchase goodies for your loved ones back home, walk past Notre Dame, cross over to Ile St-Louis and treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at the celebrated Berthillon.
So, there you have what would amount to a pretty fabulous afternoon in Paris.
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