With the Paris Olympics just days away, there’s heartening news for the Seine River Booksellers.
As reported in April 2023, these iconic kiosks faced mounting pressure to dismantle ahead of the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, set to unfold not in a stadium but along the river. Organizers envisioned a spectacle where athletes would parade down the Seine in various watercrafts, transforming the river into a dynamic global stage.
The primary concern cited by authorities was security. They expressed doubts about thoroughly searching the diverse array of books and artifacts within the kiosks for potential threats during the event. Supporters of relocation argued that the complex marketplace could inadvertently harbor concealed harmful items or individuals.
Yet, these bookstalls are more than mere marketplaces; they embody Parisian heritage. Originating as hubs for pamphlets and dissent during political upheavals, they have evolved into one of the world’s largest and oldest open-air book markets. Annually, approximately 300,000 books, paintings, and artworks pass through these stalls, making them a cherished cultural landmark for locals and tourists alike.
Parisian booksellers have a storied history of resilience against authority. Initially used for distributing anti-monarchist materials, the stalls relocated along the Seine in 1649 after a royal prohibition near Pont Neuf. During the French Revolution, looted books from aristocratic libraries often found their way to these stalls. They later played a vital role in disseminating anti-Nazi propaganda during World War II, with books serving as clandestine messengers. Even under Napoleon’s rule, attempts to regulate them were met with defiance as they persisted.
Despite offers from the government to assist in temporary relocation, the booksellers vehemently protested. Jerome Callais, head of the Paris Booksellers’ Cultural Association representing 88% of sellers, emphasized to The Local, “We have no intention of moving. We are a major symbol of Paris, having been here for 450 years.”
Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron intervened to preserve the bouquinistes’ presence. Amidst calls for relocation, Macron emphasized their integral role in Paris’s living heritage. His directive to protect the kiosks from displacement underscores their enduring significance in the city’s cultural fabric.
As Paris readies itself for the Olympics, the decision to retain the Seine River Booksellers reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural identity. It ensures that amidst the sporting spectacle, the spirit of Paris’s literary and artistic heritage remains firmly anchored along the banks of the Seine. Meanwhile, French officials are diligently implementing a comprehensive security plan, deploying additional police, military personnel, and civilian security staff across Olympic venues, athletes’ villages, media hubs, and other key locations, including along the Seine.
An avid book reader and proud library card holder, Angela is new to the world of e-Readers. She has a background in education, emergency response, fitness, loves to be in nature, traveling and exploring. With an honours science degree in anthropology, Angela also studied writing after graduation. She has contributed work to The London Free Press, The Gazette, The Londoner, Best Version Media, Lifeliner, and Citymedia.ca.