An old butcher’s shop turned bookstore, Le Pont Traversé is exactly what you imagine a time-traveling Paris bookshop would look like. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling next to meat hooks (it was a butcher shop, after all). 

The books, mostly by the French greats, are old — and pricey — but if you really love Maupassant or de Beauvoir, you’ll find your pleasure here. Thriftier patrons can peruse the postcards; some are written on, but if anything that makes it a little bit of history you can call your own for just a few euros.

True to its time-traveling essence, there is a clearly posted sign declaring that no photos should be taken. Respect the shopkeeper and only photograph the exterior, which is impressive in its own rite thanks to its intricate doorframe. 

Photo by Frenchly