The urban style, Bookshop in the 20th arrondissement, Paris, France
Le Genre Urbain is a small bookshop in the Belleville neighborhood of Paris's 20th arrondissement. The shelves are full but organized, the lighting is soft, and books also sit on tables and the floor, leaving plenty of room to browse without feeling rushed.
The bookshop opened in 2002 and has been part of the Belleville neighborhood ever since. Over the years it has welcomed several generations of readers from the area and beyond.
Le Genre Urbain regularly hosts evenings with readings, debates, and author meetings that are open to everyone. These gatherings often focus on urban life, society, and contemporary art, giving the shop an active role in the neighborhood.
The shop is open Monday through Sunday, with slightly different hours depending on the day. It is worth setting aside some time on a first visit, as the selection encourages slow browsing.
Each member of the team has their own specialty, covering areas like comics and cookbooks, French literature and fine arts, or crime fiction and science fiction. This means the selection reflects genuine personal tastes rather than market trends.
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