Montreal is a city of culture, just like New York or Paris, and in the streets we pass – sometimes unknowingly – actors, writers, leading journalists, activists, athletes, musicians… With the characteristic detachment of jaded city dwellers, of course.
On the other hand, it’s sometimes hard to find a bookshop where you can hang out -artistically- during a lunch break or a weekend afternoon. Our favorite bookstores all have something secret and private about them, and even though everyone knows them, when you spend time there you feel like the main character in a romantic comedy or a French vacation movie…
Here’s a list of our 5 favorite bookstores in Montreal:
1.Librairie Bertrand
Librairie Bertrand is tucked away on a little street in the Old Port, and has had a cult following for over 70 years. It’s a small bookshop with creaky wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a super-comfortable atmosphere.
The book selection is exceptional, and you can find books in both English and French.
Where to go? Librairie Bertrand, 430 rue Saint-Pierre
When?
Monday to Friday – 9:30 am to 6 pm
Saturday – 9:30am to 5pm
Sunday – 11am to 5pm
2.bookstore Le Port de Tête
Le Port de Tête bookshop has two locations on Avenue Mont-Royal, one next to the other. In the first, you’ll find comics, romance, children’s literature and art books. In the second, you’ll find essays, literature and works of science.
It’s the perfect bookshop for hanging out and reading back covers with a coffee in hand for a few hours on a Tuesday afternoon…
Where? Le Port de Tête bookstore, at 222 and 269 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est
When?
Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday and Friday – 10am to 9pm
Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm
3.de Stiil Books
This English-language bookshop is for artists, it girls and those looking for inspiration for their next project. You’ll find art books, a selection of ultra-sharp literary fiction and beautiful design and fashion books.
Where: De Stiil Books, 351 Avenue Duluth Est
When?
Sunday to Wednesday – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday – 11am to 8pm
4.joy of books
At Joie de Livres, you lose track of time because of the huge selection of books (with a focus on romance and genre stories) and the café with its velvet banquettes in jewel tones… There are books in both English and French.
Where to find us Librairie Joie de Livres, at 5136 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When?
Sunday to Wednesday – 9am to 10pm
Thursday to Saturday – 9am to midnight
5.Librairie Gallimard
For literary purists, we visit the (French-style) Gallimard bookshop to leaf through the pages of the cult publishing house’s 40,000-title catalog.
Where to find us? Librairie Gallimard, 3700 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When?
Saturday to Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday and Friday – 10am to 7pm
Enjoy your reading!