Le Monte en l’air, Bookshop in the 20th arrondissement, Paris
Le Monte en l'air is an independent bookshop on Rue de la Mare in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. Its shelves hold a hand-picked selection of novels, non-fiction, poetry, comics, manga, and illustrated books.
The bookshop has been part of the Belleville neighborhood for many years, accompanying several generations of local readers. As an independent shop, it has always built its own selection rather than following major publisher catalogues.
Le Monte en l'air regularly hosts author readings, book presentations, and informal discussions, often on social or political topics. These events take place inside the shop itself, giving visitors a chance to engage directly with writers.
The shop sits on a quiet street in the 20th arrondissement and is easy to reach on foot from the Pyrénées or Jourdain metro stations. It is worth visiting when you have time to browse without rushing.
The name «Monte en l'air» is an old French expression meaning both «to lift into the air» and a slang term for a pickpocket. This double meaning hints at the playful spirit that has shaped the shop from the start.
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