Petite Égypte, Bookshop in the 2nd arrondissement, Paris
Petite Égypte is an independent bookshop in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, in the Sentier neighborhood near the Rue des Petits Carreaux. Its shelves hold a carefully chosen selection of books, covering literature, art, and publications from small presses.
The bookshop opened around five years ago in the Sentier, a neighborhood long known for its textile workshops and its history shaped by people from many different backgrounds. The name Petite Égypte refers to an old local name for this part of Paris, once linked to Egyptian collections and the fascination with ancient Egypt that spread through France.
The shop pays particular attention to themes of exile, migration, and the history of the Sentier neighborhood, which come through in the books it selects. The owner, Alexis Argyroglo, also produces a small free magazine called Pamphyle, filled with texts about Egypt, poems, and photos connected to the area.
The shop sits in the 2nd arrondissement, in a part of Paris that is easy to explore on foot, with many small shops and cafes nearby. It is worth setting aside some time, as browsing here tends to take longer than expected.
The Pamphyle magazine, available for free in the shop, features a horoscope made entirely of literary quotes rather than traditional predictions. Each issue ties books to everyday life in a playful way that is easy to overlook on a first visit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
