Top 5 online indie bookstores for francophiles +1 bonus
The ceiling of Albertine bookstore in New York City modeled after the Villa Stuck in Munich, Germany.
Explore your world, expand your vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of cultural context by reading in French! We have compiled a list of our favorite online independent bookstores in the US and France that offer a variety of books across genres and proficiency levels. Most of these bookstores have also partnered with platforms to offer the convenience of ebooks and audiobooks. Improve your language skills and support small business owners by shopping at these recommended French-focused indie bookstores.
BY Cōzette
1. LECTURES DE FRANCE
Number one on our list is Lectures de France. The vast array of French books for children, teens, and adults offered online at Lectures de France reflects their motto, “French Books For All”. Their collection of 1,500+ titles is warehoused in Charleston, SC, and the books are available for immediate shipment to your home, school or business. Tip: make sure to set up a customer account to earn points in their reward program and for referring a friend.
2. LIREKA
Lireka is an online-only bookstore that helps “spread culture and ideas by shipping books around the world.” Their aim to serve and support the global Francophone community is evident from their catalog of over a million books. Lireka offers lower prices and convenient and affordable shipping options. Practice your French by reading their blog updated with current and seasonal book buzz. Take advantage of Lireka’s referral program - when your friends use your special code, you will receive 10% of their purchase to spend on a future order. Use the promo code to get 10% off your first purchase: PAR-7JQATTW.
3. RENCONTRE DES AUTEURS FRANCOPHONES
More than an online book vendor, Rencontre Des Auteurs Francophones is a cultural hub for promoting French books and French-speaking authors. Not only do they hold in-person events around the globe, but their site also promotes a strong virtual community. Check out ‘Les Émissions’ for a peek at interviews with French-speaking authors. These discussions provide an opportunity to practice French listening skills in a question/answer format while also learning about Francophone writers and their literary works. In addition to carefully curated book lists organized by genre (including bilingual English/French books), Rencontre also offers a second-hand space. Click on ‘Livres D’Occasion’ under ‘Librairie’ where you can purchase donated books at a discounted price.
4. FRENCH BOOKS ONLINE
French Books Online is a small family business that operates out of Meredith, NH, and imports books directly from France. Check out their informative blog, written in English, to learn about popular French book series, updates on book-based film and art projects, and interesting news regarding French literacy initiatives around the globe. Customers receive free shipping on orders of $89 and up to anywhere in the United States.
5. ALBERTINE
Albertine, a project of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, is found inside the historic Payne Whitney mansion. As the only bookshop in New York devoted solely to books in French and English, Albertine houses more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from 30 French-speaking countries. Check out their staff recommendations for both popular and lesser-known picks. If you find yourself in NYC, this is definitely a destination bookshop. If ordering online, you will need to pay by phone to have the order shipped to you.
+ 1 BONUS: BOOKOTROC
The goal of BookOTroc is to promote a “sharing economy”. How does it work? If you are located in the United States, you begin by creating an account on BookOTroc. Next, you describe and take photos of your used French books or magazines that you wish to market for exchange and post this information on BookOTroc. Another member of BookOTroc will then express their interest and you will mail the book directly to this customer. Once the book or magazine is received, you will receive points that can then be used to purchase ‘new’ books and magazines in French. This exchange provides an eco-friendly and inexpensive way for Francophone readers in the United States to gain access to a wider variety of books in French without having to spend on high shipping costs.
