American writer in Paris

American writer in Paris Barbara Pasquet James says "Happily, one-of-a-kind bookshops are alive, well and thriving in Paris, and everyone seems to have their favorites. More than just stop-offs to find a good read, these three are slightly off-the-radar and provide just enough zip and zing to keep me coming back..." Librarie Alain Brieux It is no accident that Librairie Alain Brieux is located almost around the corner from the College of Medicine Paris Descartes on rue Jacob. More than a bookshop, the librairie is a portal to the past that feels like you’ve walked onto a Harry Potter film set. Besides its formidable selection of antique medical books, it is the cabinets of curiosities and objets packing their shelves that will grab your attention: stuffed animals, skeletons and skulls, cringe-worthy scientific, medical and dental instruments, other-era globes, fossilized eggs, antique maritime brass telescopes, engravings, parlor games... In short, a place guaranteed to ignite your inner adventurier. More good news is, everything you see - save for the enormous crocodile hanging from the ceiling in the front room - is for sale. Browsing is encouraged and one does not have to be in the medical profession to appreciate this easy-to-walk-past gem. 48 rue Jacob, 6th Arr; www.alainbrieux.com; Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés/ Mabillon

Halle Saint-Pierre Coffee, art, and seriously funky art books co-mingle in this “concept space” that used to be an enormous covered market. An unexpected oasis known to induce gasps in first time visitors, Halle Saint-Pierre is a world away from the nearby tourist hordes at the foot of Sacre Coeur. On the left as you enter is an inviting café with a healthconscious array of baked goods, light salads and quiches on the countertop at lunchtime. If you get lucky as I did one morning you’ll be kept company by macabre papier-mâché sculptures while nursing a grand crème. Wander behind the black curtain into the Musée d'Art Naïf where works by heavy hitters such as New York enfant terrible Warhol protégé Jean-Michel Basquiat might be on exhibit. The can’tmiss light-flooded bookstore with its fringe art-related titles - many in English - makes this destination truly exceptional. 2 Rue Ronsard, 18th Arr; www.hallesaintpierre.org; Metro: Anvers