I'll be looking for used books in Paris this week, especially academic history books ... in French. My googling has led me only to English-language 2dhand shops.

Is there a good area or street to start looking, especially in the 5th?

Both Gibert Jeune and Gibert Joseph on Boulevard Saint-Michel sell second-hand books. These are usually found alongside new books but are labelled as second-hand.

There's also a shop on rue de l'Ecole de Medecine that I believe sells used books.

Being as the Quartier Latin is in the fifth that is your best hunting ground for books. Try the Shakespeare and Company also. It has a lot of everything.

Here is a list of exhibitors from the 2009 Paris International Antiquarian Book Fair. If you search the page you'll find many in Paris, often with a link to their website:

http://www.salondulivreancienparis.f...s.php?artID=14

Happy Hunting!

In addition to the shops on Boulevard St-Michel, you can browse the bouquinistes at their stalls along the Seine.

I would go to Gibert Joseph on boulevard Saint Michel. Also there is a huge used bookstore at the Clignancourt flea market, but you have to hunt around to find it!

There is a secondhand/remaindered bookshop facing Place St-Sulpice. Unlike some shops in Paris, the stock is easily accessible.

On Sat mornings there is a big used book fair along the 95 bus route toward Porte de Vanves. You can see out the right side of the window

Thanks so much to you all. I really appreciate your responses, and I'll be thinking of you fondly as I browse!

There's a great book market on Saturdays and Sundays at the Parc Georges-Brassens in the 15ème arrondissement.

I spent a few lovely hours browsing (& buying) at Book-Off, a used book store which was very reasonably priced. It's located at 20 rue St. Augustin in the 2nd, not far from the Opera and the Palais Royal. EJ

With about 24 hours to go before I leave for the airport, it always pays to check back with Fodors.

Thanks for your recs., too, StCirq and elsiejune.

Look for the Mona Lisait chain with shops scattered around; they carry remaindered books in all genres, though largely focused on art books.

Pavot, keep me updated. I also have an interest in french history.

I would also go to Gibert Joseph, that's my favorite and they have lots of used books. I wouldn't waste my time going to Shakespeare and Co. for something like that, as I don't think they even have French books, let alone something that esoteric. Of course, if you want to go there anyway and it's not out of your way, but if pressed for time, I wouldn't think it likely.

Yes, Shakespeare & Co. is only good for dusty books in English.

Oh ye who blaspheme Shakespeare & Co. Out! Out!

Forsooth, thou dost protest too much, english kanigit

I'm topping this with an update; we're back from Paris with a bunch of books.

Gibert Joseph turned out to be the best source for us, excellent selection, easy browsing, and great prices. Ended up buying new books rather than used, though -- couldn't resist the seletion.

Thanks so much to all who responded; you made a real difference to our trip.