The smell of old paper hits you first, a rich, sweet scent that blends the ghosts of a thousand books into a single fragrance. Dust motes float in the shafts of light that fall through tall windows, and the floorboards creak under the weight of shelves that line every wall from floor to ceiling. Europe book towns are places where the written word is celebrated not just in shops but in the very fabric of the community. These small towns, often in rural or semi rural settings, have dedicated themselves to the preservation and sale of books, attracting bibliophiles from around the world. They offer a travel experience that is quiet, contemplative, and deeply rewarding for anyone who has ever lost themselves in a story.
In This Article
Hay on Wye: The World First Book Town
Hay on Wye, in the Welsh borders of the United Kingdom, is the original book town and still the most famous. The town has over twenty bookshops, selling everything from rare first editions to bargain paperbacks, and the streets are lined with shelves of books displayed outside in all weather. The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, held every May, attracts authors, poets, and readers from around the world and has made the town an international destination. The shops range from the vast, like the Hay Cinema Bookshop which occupies a former cinema and holds over two hundred thousand volumes, to tiny speciality stores focused on poetry, travel, or local history. The castle in the centre of town houses another bookshop, and the annual Festival of the Book in late spring fills the town with tents and stages. Hay on Wye is a place where browsing is not just allowed but expected, and a day spent wandering from shop to shop is a day well spent.
Montolieu: The Book Town of Southern France
Montolieu, in the Aude department of southern France, was designated France first book town in 1990 and has grown into a haven for book lovers. The village sits in the beautiful landscape of the Montagne Noire, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The bookshops are housed in the old stone buildings of the village, their cool interiors a welcome escape from the Mediterranean heat. The range of books is impressive, with a strong emphasis on French literature, art books, and antiquarian editions. The village also hosts a museum of printing and bookbinding, where you can see traditional techniques demonstrated. The annual Book Festival in July brings together authors, publishers, and readers for a weekend of readings, discussions, and signings. The nearby Canal du Midi offers the perfect complement, a peaceful waterway where you can read your newly acquired books while floating through the French countryside.
Fjaerland: The Norwegian Book Town by the Fjord
Fjaerland, in Norway, is perhaps the most dramatically situated book town in the world. It lies at the end of the Fjaerlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The town has only a few hundred permanent residents but hosts a dozen bookshops in converted barns, boathouses, and village buildings. The Norwegian Book Town, as it is known, was established in the 1990s to revive the local economy, and it has succeeded beyond expectations. The selection of books, mostly in Norwegian and English, includes everything from children literature to academic works. The setting is so spectacular that even non readers would enjoy a visit. The bookshops are open from May to September, and the midnight sun in summer means you can browse until late in the evening. The surrounding nature, with hiking trails that lead to the Supphellebreen glacier, completes the experience.
Redu: The Belgian Book Village
Redu, in the Ardennes region of Belgium, is a small village that has transformed itself into a destination for book lovers. With around twenty bookshops clustered along its main street, it offers a concentrated browsing experience. The specialities include comic books, a Belgian specialty, as well as French literature, history, and art books. The village hosts a book festival in August that draws collectors from across Europe. The surrounding Ardennes forest provides a beautiful setting for walks between browsing sessions, and the local restaurants offer hearty Belgian cuisine, including moules frites and game dishes. Redu is a perfect day trip from Brussels or a stop on a longer tour through the Ardennes. The village also has a space museum, the Euro Space Center, which provides a curious contrast to the quiet, paper filled world of the bookshops.
Tips for Visiting Book Towns
Most book towns are small and walkable, so leave the car at the edge of the village and explore on foot. Bring cash, as not all smaller shops accept cards. Allow plenty of time, as the pleasure of a book town is in the browsing, and you will find yourself lost in corners of shops for longer than you expect. Ask the booksellers for recommendations, they are passionate and knowledgeable, and they can point you to treasures you would never find on your own. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner. Many book towns also host literary festivals, which are the best time to visit if you want to meet authors and fellow book lovers. Most importantly, bring an empty bag, because you will leave with more books than you planned.
Have you visited any of Europe book towns? Share your favourite discovery in the comments.
Explore all our Europe travel guides, discover the best of the continent.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
- Great Berlin Camping Destinations | Germany – View all posts in Cities
- Rediscovering Romania: Walking The Towns – View all posts in Cities
- Head to Birmingham for a Fun Filled Family Weekend | UK – View all posts in Cities
