ICON
It is said that the Seine is the only river in the world that runs between two bookshelves, such is the importance of the bouquinistes (booksellers) of Paris. Caretakers of some two miles of forest-green boxes lining the river - containing over 300,000 second-hand, often out-of-print books, rare magazines, postcards and vintage advertising posters - the bouquinistes are as integral to the city as the Eiffel Tower.
PHOTOGRAPH: EDPICS/ALAMY
Books and other wares stay in place when the boxes are locked overnight
1 These used-book sellers have been in business since the 16th century. Back then, they were itinerant pedlars known as ‘libraires forains’ (travelling bookshops) operating on Paris’ bridges, often transporting their wares by wheelbarrow.