Albertine

Book store · Upper East Side

Albertine

Book store · Upper East Side

4

972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075

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Highlights

Nestled in the elegant Payne Whitney mansion, this charming bookstore boasts a refined selection of French and English titles amidst stunning decor.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075 Get directions

albertine.com
@albertinebooks

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972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075 Get directions

+1 332 228 2238
albertine.com
@albertinebooks
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@albertinebooks

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Jun 24, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"A hand-painted ceiling of celestial scenes caps the shelves of books on the second floor of Albertine, a bookstore in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It’s a dreamy sight, where planets and zodiac symbols entice visitors into a world where science and poetry blend seamlessly. Impressive as it is, the work of art is eclipsed by the store’s true star: its vast collection of French books. Albertine is physical proof of the French government’s dedication to fostering intellectual exchange between French and American people. It’s a haven for both francophones and bibliophiles alike. The bookstore, which is sponsored by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, was started in 2014 in the historic Payne Whitney Mansion. It contains over 14,000 books from 30 French-speaking countries and is the only store in New York dedicated entirely to books printed in French and English. It’s a beautiful space, a quiet respite from the bustling city. In addition to its stellar ceiling, the bookstore is adorned with busts of famous figures from French and French-American culture, such as Descartes and Benjamin Franklin, and a floor-to-ceiling mirrored Venetian room. A replica of Michelangelo’s Young Archer sculpture stands in the building’s entrance. Its predecessor, which is believed to be an original Michelangelo work, was loaned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art after decades of being ignored. Visitors can pop into the store and peruse its expansive stock of literary titles. Albertine also hosts debates, discussions, and readings that are open to the public." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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@atlasobscura

"A hand-painted ceiling of celestial scenes caps the shelves of books on the second floor of Albertine, a bookstore in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It’s a dreamy sight, where planets and zodiac symbols entice visitors into a world where science and poetry blend seamlessly. Impressive as it is, the work of art is eclipsed by the store’s true star: its vast collection of French books. Albertine is physical proof of the French government’s dedication to fostering intellectual exchange between French and American people. It’s a haven for both francophones and bibliophiles alike. The bookstore, which is sponsored by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, was started in 2014 in the historic Payne Whitney Mansion. It contains over 14,000 books from 30 French-speaking countries and is the only store in New York dedicated entirely to books printed in French and English. It’s a beautiful space, a quiet respite from the bustling city. In addition to its stellar ceiling, the bookstore is adorned with busts of famous figures from French and French-American culture, such as Descartes and Benjamin Franklin, and a floor-to-ceiling mirrored Venetian room. A replica of Michelangelo’s Young Archer sculpture stands in the building’s entrance. Its predecessor, which is believed to be an original Michelangelo work, was loaned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art after decades of being ignored. Visitors can pop into the store and peruse its expansive stock of literary titles. Albertine also hosts debates, discussions, and readings that are open to the public." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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@infatuation

"If you can make it through an hour of shopping at Westfield White City, or as we like to call it, visceral hell on Earth, without needing a glass of merlot, then we salute you. But, if you’re anything like us then you’ll be happy to know that across the road from Westfield is a small wine bar with lots of cheese. There’s an upstairs dining room that serves charcuterie and bigger dishes, but, really, you want to be downstairs tucked in one of their church pews with a bottle of wine. Just be warned, it’s a popular spot, so book ahead if you’re swinging by with more than two people." - Heidi Lauth Beasley

Albertine Review - Shepherd's Bush - London - The Infatuation
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@goop

"The French Embassy has pulled off a wonderful coup in bringing this gem-like French bookstore and reading room to Fifth Avenue. Named after the ethereal character from Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, the Jacques Garcia-designed (who else?) space is beautifully decked-out with comfy leather couches for cuddling up with a novel, and a gleaming constellation fresco on the ceiling of the two-storey space. The only French bookstore of its kind in the city, it’s a gift to New York—in one of the few remaining Stanford White-designed Beaux Arts buildings, no less. "

The Uptown Manhattan Guide
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Alexandra U

Google
GORGEOUS building on the inside! So many hidden gems, including library, definitely don’t miss the narrow staircase up to the second floor, amazing ceiling up there! ✨ Tons of French literature (in French and English as well as so many great children’s books. Don’t miss The Little Prince statue outside 👑📚

linda turley

Google
What a nice kinda hidden book store. My friend was strolling on fifth and happened to find this amazingly tranquil French and English book store. it’s located in the Payne Whitney Mansion off of fifth. The collection is small. But mighty! The

Louise Louise

Google
One would hardly expect to find a French bookshop within this very building. Upon entering, one is graciously greeted by a porter to the right, and through the doors ahead lies a charmingly incongruous French world, entirely at odds with the character of the lobby. The ladies at the till appeared either shy or somewhat indifferent—though they did return greetings when one initiated conversation. While we were unable to find a book suitable to purchase on this occasion, we left with the intention of returning before our journey’s end to acquire one of the bookshop’s delightful canvas totes.

Jasmine Kizilkaya

Google
You can’t deny how stunning this place is! There is a very regal feel and a large selection of French and English literature. I wish there was a bigger section for things like tote bags and post cards though.

Haram Kim

Google
Beautiful place. 2nd floor is more beautiful than 1st floor. My favorite one was The Little Prince Pop-up book. If you learning french, should visit here.

Jennifer Kuo

Google
Stunning place that you can visit for free. 2nd floor of the book store is so beautiful and don’t miss The Little Prince outside.

Melanie Mengüş

Google
Very nice building that you can visit for free. There’s a nice mirror room to see in the first floor and of course the library. It is worth taking a look at the upstairs with the astrological celling. The books are all in French and the price is a bit expensive in my opinion. But it’s nice to have a look of the interior.

Melissa Juliette Mulligan

Google
Very cute. Everyone speaks French / most books are in French but they have English books too ✨⚜️

Agnes P.

Yelp
Albertine, a reading room and bookstore located in the ground floor of Villa Albertine, a French Institute for Education/French Embassy in U.S. in the Payne Whitney Mansion on 5th Avenue. Whooo. That's a lot of in's. I was attracted to this bookstore because of the Celestial mural that was hand made-painted on the second floor ceiling. It was modeled after the extraordinary ceiling of the music room at Villa Stuck in Munich, Germany, crafted by Franz von Stuck. The mural is made of constellations, stars and planets. A true beauty. The books come in French and English and some bi-lingual. I was able to pickup a book of poetry for very little cost. I wish I could e stayed longer. Checking out was pretty quick and the staff was absolutely friendly. I recommend a visit!!

Richard D.

Yelp
I had heard about this bookstore and desperately wanted to visit if only to see the elegance. My wife and I walked over and had a wonderful time browsing the shelves and enjoying the space. I'd love to come back for one of their book talks in the future.

Louise

Yelp
You really feel you're in Paris : non existent customer service , the 2 phone numbers you have on the web just don't work , you order books and you don't get them or don't know if you will ever get them anyway . Yep ! Bienvenue en France ! some things will never change !

Alexis B.

Yelp
I had read that Albertine was one of the most beautiful bookstores in NYC, and I'd always wanted to visit. I got mu chance when a friend and I were visiting NYC a few weeks ago. We walked over after visiting some of the museums on the Upper East Side, and that ceiling is just as beautiful as I'd heard it was! The bookstore is a French and English bookstore (lots of books in French for French speakers and readers, and plenty of books in English, too - many of them by less read French authors). It's located inside the Payne Whitney mansion, so look for a sign outside and then walk into the mansion's lobby (which is also beautiful). Then you'll see the bookstore at the back of the lobby. It's not large, but it's well laid out. Downstairs are lots of great books in French and English (including the fiction section), but upstairs is what I was there to see - that famous ceiling! The ceiling has a hand-painted mural of constellations, stars, and planets. What a dreamy area to read books to children (the children's section is upstairs under that ceiling)! I picked up a novel in English by a French author I hadn't heard of before. Whether you read French or not, Albertine is worth a visit. That ceiling is a sight to behold and you might just find a great new book!

Marianne W.

Yelp
Albertine has so much activity and educational opportunities. I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this page. I always look forward to the summer French Film Festival. Their library is amazing too. If you live in the neighborhood or you are visiting check out this great space and take advantage of their activities.

Jo W.

Yelp
One of the most beautiful bookstores I have stepped into. It's a small French bookstore just across the street from Central Park, and about half a block down from the Met. Now, I can't read French, and I'm so far limited to beginner French via Duolingo, but it's still magical to flip through pages here. On the first floor, you enter through airport-like security and step into a gorgeous marble-floored foyer that leads into the bookshop. The first floor feels pretty standard, but once you step upstairs into the children's books section, prepare to be mesmerized and awed by the gorgeous celestial ceiling! I stayed here for about half an hour, just browsing the books while taking in the ceiling and absorbing and basking in the simple yet lovely experience of walking through here. If you're a book lover, this is a wonderful spot to visit.

Alexander G.

Yelp
While it feels like book stores are an endangered species, in NYC you'll find specialized and beautiful temples to the written word like the Albertine. Specializing in French language books and books in English translated from famous French authors, they certainly have a theme. It's worth stopping in just to see the building. The ground floor is for older readers, while the second story is for children and fun reading. Prices are typical, using mostly cover prices. A lot of their other items, like post cards, stationary, etc., are made in France and priced in Euro. I got a number of things to share at home. Be sure to checkout the astrological ceiling. If you're a fan of books and Francophone culture, this is a must stop on the Upper East Side.

Doug W.

Yelp
Do I speak French? No, and I can't read it either, but what a beautiful and whimsical place! I think this is a must see building across from the park and I'm pretty sure I wanted to buy books anyway. I don't even like to read but the kids books (which is just about my reading interest level) made me want to learn French. So quiet and lovely inside.

Whitney D.

Yelp
Although, I am not big into reading, I came across this cute two language book store. Now I know I have passed by it Alot on my daily walks but never realizing what it was. One of my friends had told me about it and I said I wanted ti check it out. It is two levels, small but cute size for a book store. They have alot of french/English books but I also saw some just english books. The ceiling was so beautiful and it has zodiac signs and there was a cute little area for kids to sit and read and just all around felt like a welcoming place.

JoAnn A.

Yelp
I thought this was a really beautiful bookstore and worth the visit to see the ceiling. It's in a really great location, so you could add this as a stop on your way to Central Park or the Met. However, I wish there were expanded sections for stationery as well as English translations of French authors. There were only a handful of options so it would have been nice to see more.

Kristen H.

Yelp
Oh my word... A hidden gem on the upper Eastside. This divine little bookstore is located inside the French Consulate just south of the Met. You will need to go through security to enter the building but the bookstore is very friendly and bilingual. Staff speaks French and English and books are available in French and English. Wonderful selection of titles in both languages. Be sure to check out the second floor for the amazing ceiling painted with a gorgeous constellation

B T.

Yelp
A wonderful place to visit if you're looking specifically for French books, well worth patronizing. The decor and night sky ceiling are beautiful. The ambiance was calm and quiet upstairs, cozy. Service was relatively poor, aloof and bothered to be asked any questions, to which they didn't have answers.

G B.

Yelp
this place is very nice but very expensive. i loved the star zodiac ceiling which is why i went there to be honest. it was also very hot in there on a 70 degree day. god knows what 90 degrees is like -_-. it was just ok.

Helen S.

Yelp
A beautiful and quiet place to study, read, or relax. They have high ceilings, lots of books, some seating available on the second floor. A nice place to wait or unwind before or after the Met.

Flora Z.

Yelp
I never noticed this place before. It is small but a great place to see a lot of books in French. The bookstore is in a historical building with a room with great details on the ceiling. The decoration on the ceiling looks pretty 3D to me.

Fox E.

Yelp
When Einstein got to his 13th birthday, did he become an Albert-teen? It's been a quite a while since I've visited this extremely expensive and very busy Bookshop on the Upper East Side right next to Central Park. The prices are extraordinarily high but you would expect that considering the neighbourhood. Plus you get to experience a true prison bookstore... I meant a true PARISIAN French bookstore experience, but the prison bookstore sounds exciting too. Maybe. It's because they've tried to mimic the wonderfulvVibe of the shop as it is over in Paris. I guess the big problem is that French prices don't really mesh well in the United States but if you're going to charge this much for books somewhere then I guess the Upper East Side is where. I would give it a five-star for the atmosphere and a 4-star for the service and two stars for the prices - averages out to four.

Tricia M.

Yelp
This was my second time visiting Albertine, located across from Central Park in the UpperEast Side. Shopping here is an experience, starting with the security entrance and then moving through this immaculate jewel box of a store. Velvet couches and chairs are inviting. Plenty of books translated into English for Francophiles like myself who can't really speak very well. The second floor is a must visit - especially the children's area. Super charming and has a ceiling painted with stars for atargazera. it is overall a memorable little French bookstore.

Anita J.

Yelp
This bookstore was such a lovely find to discover! A quiet, tasteful interior with a nice variety of books in French. I really appreciated the well-curated selection of books available and recommend it to those in love with the French language.

Kait M.

Yelp
Such a beautiful bookstore full of French and English-translated books. They have a limit for how many people can be inside the bookstore at once, so my friend and I had to wait a few minutes before being allowed in. Inside the entrance, there's a security guard who makes you go through a metal detector before you can enter. He keeps count of who comes in and who leaves in order to follow their limited capacity rule. There's two floors - both very peaceful and quiet. The top floor has this stunning ceiling design with astrological symbols. They have all types of French books ranging from comics to poetry to science fiction. My friend bought a French copy of "The Little Prince" and the lady working there was very kind. She spoke fluent French and gave a bookmark with my friend's purchase. A wonderful, small bookstore right across from Central Park. If you're looking for some French books or English adaptations of French books, then I highly recommend checking this place out!

Kate N.

Yelp
Our experience here was delightful. Upon entering, we were greeted by a security guard that checked our bags and advised us to use hand sanitizer before going inside of the bookstore. I really appreciate this because this allows for limited capacity and the hand sanitizer they have is like a small fountain that uses a pump you press with your foot for a much cleaner experience. The inside of the store is calm and quiet like a library. The first floor is neatly organized, but it is nothing compared to the second floor. The ceiling on the second floor is gorgeously painted with stars and astrological symbols. Photos do not do it justice! The store has a very wide selection of books in French, ranging from children's books to cooking, from acclaimed best sellers to books on French fashion. Highly recommend checking out this bookstore if you are ever on the UES.

Greg H.

Yelp
Great selection of French authors and titles. There was a small selection of English translations that covered both new and old work. The interior of the space was quite magical. I'd definitely recommend.

Meghna S.

Yelp
We stopped this while taking a stroll near the park at UES and just walked in. It was like we suddenly landed inside a gorgeous wonderland. Beautiful store, peaceful ambience and filled with large variety of books by classic French authors like Alexandre Dumas, Balzac etc. and more recent ones like Jean Genet to name a few, available in French and as well at English translations. It's a bit pricey though compared to what you could get on Amazon or elsewhere. One needs to spend a few hours to fully explore this place and the hidden gems. As we were walking out we spotted a beautiful room accompanying the main one....Gorgeous replica a king's chamber. This will be my regular winter hangout place as I attempt to learn and explore more French authors and their unique writing style.

Namrata J.

Yelp
This Bookstore is one of a kind and you'll know it the second you step in the front door. The first thing one sees upon entering the building, is a sculpture amidst marble floorings and an impressive foyer. When you enter the book store, it look like a small chic bookstore but there's a lot to see. There are many book sectioned in categories, biggest ones being French book in English and vice versa. Going up 1 floor to the children's section, you come across this beautiful ceiling of constellations, it's simply breathtaking! The children's section has some seating and a great collection on books. I could spend hours in this bookstore!

Fumi S.

Yelp
A beautiful book shops with English and French books. Found a French cookbook I was looking for

Linda R.

Yelp
The ceiling is worth the drop in to this bookstore if you're nearby. And once you're inside, might as well browse. Bonus: They've got some seating upstairs for a nice little break from the outside.

Cindy C.

Yelp
The bookstore itself is very nice, I would give 5 stars, but the cashier is tooooooo rude, totally ruined your mood. You will never want to come back again and talk to her. I hope the business owner can see, I can tell the owner is trying to create a nice book reading atmosphere , so I try to make this review fair,but the staff is so mean

Grace H.

Yelp
Wow!! What a great place to stumble on as you're walking up to Central Park! It catches your eye with signs outside. When you walk in, there's a security guard and you walk through a metal detector. I thought it was weird they make you place your bag / belongings on the table next to the detector and don't check that?! The bookstore is so properly appointed with dark colors, charming creaky wood floors kept in excellent condition, buttery smooth perfectly weathered leather love seats and velvet-y soft arm chairs for customers to browse. The extra tall windows throughout the first and second floors allow light to pass in and you get this stunning ambiance of being in another world with these beautiful books screaming for you to buy them. This place does a great job tempting you to open your wallet and you don't mind doing so. Head to the second floor for killer views of adjacent buildings and their terraces! The entire second level is perfect for a UES fete for you and 40 of your most cultured friends. Albertine has a huge selection of books for every genre and most of all I appreciate the Insta-ready looks this place serves (since I can't read French)...le sigh.

Joshua P.

Yelp
My Favorite bookstore of all time. France's best bookshop is in NYC! I'm not fluent in French but I love French Literature! This shop offers both English and French titles (majority of them are in French). It's location is right near the French Embassy right next to Central Park and the MET so it's really worth visiting if you're in the neighborhood. The staff are lovely and welcoming and are very helpful with finding/ordering titles and helping you better your French Conversation. They have great recommendations and hold in-store events (both English & French) with some really interesting speakers! There is a small workroom upstairs which is very lovely for when I journal, study my French vocabulary, or read a couple books! They have a membership program that costs around $75 that gets you & your family a discount plus a really cool tote bag which is convenient if you're a frequent customer like I am. I love this place so much! I really recommend going if you have the chance!

Andrew M.

Yelp
The beauty of this store is not even worth the interaction you may have with the staff. The "librarian" at the front cashier is SO RUDE. The way she emits negative energy as you shop, gives you condescending looks and the attitude in her voice when she talks to you makes the whole experience awful. One person ruining such a beautifully done space - sad.

Francis O.

Yelp
It is a pretty place, as a bookstore should be, and at a grand address. The quite high doorsteps have no guardrail at all. If you have knee problems and use a stick, they are difficult to get up, and somewhat dangerous to get down. When I asked whether there was a better exit, the lady said, No--but with a shrug that was no doubt Gallic and charming. I went to buy some French authors who could be called the stars of the 1920's. They had none. Not even Leon Daudet. They are good at charming little books with colourful French flags: "J'aimes Paris," "Nous allons en France!" I am sure they are rich in biographies of Brigitte Bardot. As for serious French reading, not worth the steps! The good news: you don't need them. Amazon got me all those books, in French, in 72 hours, at a decent price.

Samantha P.

Yelp
A beautiful bookstore with a wonderful selection of french books and french literature in english! I am not sure why other reviews are talking about rudeness as everyone I spoke to was extremely nice and helpful.

May C.

Yelp
One of my favorite bookstores for sure!! So quite and beautiful. There are some chairs and tables for people to stay/read whole day. Even you don't like reading, it's still worthy to visit because of its beautiful interior design.

Uniqua S.

Yelp
Extremely rude service. Will not be coming back. I came inside with my friend who was interested in getting a couple French books, and my other friend and I sat in the waiting area for a minute to wait for her, and we were VERY rudely asked to leave because or apparent COVID. There was no politeness whatsoever. No wonder there was not a single customer in there. Who would want to go into a place with such rude employees? Better to just buy the books online and save your time and pride.

Marie S.

Yelp
Located in the Payne Whitney mansion on 5th Avenue, Albertine is the perfect place to stop on your way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What makes it so special? First, it's a gorgeous space! The ceiling is spectacular but the actual design of the store is very interesting too. Secondly, it is the only established bookshop in NYC devoted entirely to books in French and English. Albertine is part of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy & you'll find many interesting books here. Note that you have to go through security (including a metal detector) to enter, but the staff is highly professional & polite. It's a place you want to visit at least once - if not for the books, then simply to experience the gorgeous mansion & decor.

I M.

Yelp
More than basic selection of literature. Amazing location and store. Friendly staff. A bit expensive comparing to buying in France, but reasonable pricing for NYC.

Charles B.

Yelp
Beautiful bookstore and location. Its just a shame that the staff is so rude and snobby. Ruined my experience there. I sadly wont be returning, as its not the first time I've been treated rudely.

Solo O.

Yelp
Fantastic place. Wonderful books. Wonderful staff. Historical. Right. Eat the met. Add this to your trip!

Lisa D.

Yelp
For a long time, Albertine remained unknown, inaccessible, and deferred. At long last, I made two pilgrimages, in short succession, to this petite gilded shrine to belles lettres to attend two excellent free events. The first dually commemorated the launch of master pâtissier Eric Kayser's cookbook and the third birthday of Albertine, complete with decadent chocolate and pistachio madeleines, best in their class, cider imported from Normandy, and a birthday cake rivaling Gilberte's: "an architectural cake, as gracious and sociable as it was imposing, seemed to be enthroned there in any event, in case the fancy seized Gilberte to discrown it of its chocolate battlements and to hew down the steep brown slopes of its ramparts, baked in the oven like the bastions of the palace of Darius." The second event was also of a Proustian bent: the reading and signing of Proust's "Letter's to His Neighbor," by translator par excellence and master short-story author Lydia Davis. On this visit, I managed only to come away with a signed copy of this slim volume of belles lettres (quite a feat for this book-buyer), but I am already planning return visits for leisurely perusing the carefully curated selection of Francophilic delights.

Margaret S.

Yelp
Totally off the beaten path right across from Central Park. At first it really feels like you are in the wrong spot as you have to go through a metal detector to get in. The bookstore is a mix of french and English books, organized by topic. I found my favorite section, cookbooks, on the second floor. It was a great mix of English and French cookbooks, including those translated from French to English. The second floor also has Ana amazing painted ceiling. Tucked in the back of the second floor is also a collection of rare books for sale locked away in a display case. So if you're going to the Met walk just a little and check this place out! Could be a 5-20 minute stop.

Elizabeth C.

Yelp
So pretty!! Classy, peaceful, and quiet. Not sure if this is the norm, we had to go through security to enter. The entrance is really pretty, with big chairs and a gorgeous little room that looks like it belongs in Versailles. (This was closed off to the public.) The first floor has fiction and non-fiction, and looks more like a regular bookstore, except that it's very quiet and everyone was deeply engrossed in the books. There was a good amount of seating on comfy benches in between the bookshelves. Upstairs is totally different. The mural on the ceiling is gorgeous, and the lighting is not as harsh. The bookshelves are beautiful and there is a little reading room in the back. This floor had a lot of art books and other subjects like travel and cooking. The children's section is a really cute! I couldn't read much because most of the books are in French, but it's a beautiful and relaxing environment.

Rachel A.

Yelp
I was amazed by the place! Its absolutely beautiful, super peaceful inside and a great place to read. I love french and french culture, so it was extra special for me, but anyone could enjoy it (regardless of french speaking ability!)

Emanuel M.

Yelp
I give Albertine 5 stars. Unquestionably a beautiful bookstore, with nice personnel. However, there is a caveat to my rating based upon my 55 years of selling French books as the owner of the Librairie de France in Rockefeller Center. The French Cultural Counselor openly proclaims---and I quote---"sales aren't the primary goal. The project has been underwritten by sponsors including LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Total Corporate Foundation and Air France. There is no rent, which is a big New York problem," he said. "We have the freedom to show the books we love." Can you imagine, considering the enormous expense of this enterprise, far from any business district, what could have been accomplished if the same financing were given to the internationally-reputed Librairie de France at Rockefeller Center for almost a century."? Difficult to understand. Moreover, how can any small business possibly compete with a French-government-financed-institution who pays no rent, no taxes and sells books at a profit, underwritten by the likes of billion dollar conglomerates and French charitable organizations. Our internationally-reputed French bookstore carried on in Rockefeller Center for 74 years, closing with a staggering rent of $1,000 per day. Pleas for assistance to the French government fell on deaf ears. An editorial in the Nouvel Observateur proclaimed " Emanuel Molho alerted the Cultural Service of the Embassy of France, who did not deign to reply. No one moved. No help was offered." Le pays de Montaigne regarde mourir, dans l'indifférence, l'unique vitrine, là-bas, de son génie et de son humanisme. A croire qu'ils sont bel et bien révolus. Too late to do anything about it now, and it does not take away from the beautiful Albertine, but as a very disappointed francophile who has devoted his entire business career to French books, I had to vent.

Vanessa N.

Yelp
This cute little book shop is located inside the French consulate. Perfect place for all your French literature needs.

Noah S.

Yelp
Wonderful bookstore for all francophiles and francophones. Not least, I love the prices. Contrary to what some reviewers wrote, prices are actually the lowest you'll get--you are not paying French added-value tax or US state tax, as the store is extra territorial, nor are you paying shipping costs, should you order a book. Unless you insist on subsidizing the richest man on the planet, this is the best place to buy French books in NYC. It is also the most pleasant and beautiful, and browsers are most welcome.

Kimberly C.

Yelp
Rich and thoughtful literary selection + passionate and knowledgeable staff, all found in a rare and gorgeous pocket of France in New York City This is exactly where you should run ‍ to if you are a bibliophile visiting NYC

Mike C.

Yelp
Note the the hours on the sign outside DO NOT match the hours the bookstore is actually open. It's a really cool bookstore - but to get to it you have to be checked by and EXTREMELY RUDE and CONDESCENING securing guard. It's a poor representation of France - the last time I tried to go the security guard was so rude to me I just left mid-check in process. It's a really poor representation for the country of France. They should consider training their employees for better customer service or hire new employees who are better equipped for the job.

C W.

Yelp
Four stars for the book selection. Two stars for the service, and the organization of the store. Alors, that's how we get to three stars. General information: The bookstore is right next to the embassy, so you'll have to go through a metal detector and be subject to security scrutiny. The building is beautiful and the store itself seems to have a pretty extensive selection - two floors worth of books. I came here to get some books for a friend's kid, as a favor. My friend had heard good things about this store and the staff recommendations, and asked me to just pick up whatever they told me to. Other than that, I was going to rely on my college French to get me through. When I got in, there were about three groups in line at the register. I waited my turn, and when I got up to the front I said I was looking for books for a little boy and heard the staff could give good recommendations. The young man working the register kind of sighed in exasperation and said 'Well I'm pretty busy, but what - what are you looking for?' I was taken aback. I knew there had just been a line, but there was no one else behind me at the moment so there was no need to be so rude. I told him what I wanted, and he brushed me off with "anything on display in the children's section is popular." I asked if there was one bestseller that stood out, and he just repeated what he said. Eventually after I'd been there a while he did ask if I found what I'd been looking for. I asked him to check stock on three books I had found online and he quickly became impatient again, telling me he'd have to take care of a group of girls who was waiting to pay before he'd help me. Later on, he was helping two young boys locate a book and I actually heard him snap at one of them to 'give him some space.' Yikes. I would have been entirely lost if not for the kindly French woman who also worked at the store. She helped me find what I was looking for and made other recommendations. She also let me know that the children's section is arranged by publisher - not author, or title. So if you're looking for a specific work, have that information handy. In summation, this bookstore was pretty good, but in the future I'll be avoiding that rude young man at all costs.

Mark A.

Yelp
We went here after I found this place on Atlas Obscura and it just looked beautiful. Going here, it doesn't look like your typical bookstore. When you walk in there's a small rotunda, all covered in marble, and you have to walk through a metal detector. Really, it looks more like you're going to the French consulate than to a bookstore. But after you do that, you walk down a short hallway and there's the bookstore! The store itself is on the small side. There's a downstairs and an upstairs portion. Most of the books are in French, but I did see some in English. The downstairs area in ok, but the upstairs area is beautiful. The ceiling upstairs is painted in a beautiful blue color with an old-style depiction of the solar system. There's places to sit and read up there, and also a small reading nook with a few antique books. I do not speak French. But honestly, the second floor of this bookstore is so beautiful that it's worth visiting in its own right, even if you don't speak French.

Angelica C.

Yelp
books are mostly in french and they have a small section for children. it seems like people come here to hang out and take photos rather than purchase, as I noticed from the upstairs. If you can't fine a title, they'll be happy to order it for you.