Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) | Richelieu

This is possibly one of the best places to visit in Paris and one so easy to miss. The Oval Room Library and the Entrance Library are free to visit. So if you only want to see these 2 places it will be at zero cost. Nevertheless, I strongly advise you to also visit the upper floor permanent exhibition as you will be amazed by the decor of the rooms too.

One of the most underrated sights in Paris. The Oval Room is one of the most impressive rooms you will ever be in. The silence is deafening and the architecture is amazing. What’s more amazing are the books on display. Photo books of every kind and every topic - so easy to spend hours pouring over a topic you love. Come visit - but respect the silence. No tickets required

Even if you’re illiterate you could still enjoy the stunning beauty and almost reverential quiet inside the Salle Ovale, or the oval reading room of the BNF. It’s free and you’ll encounter fellow lovers of books, architecture, culture, humanity and what have you. It doesn’t have to be a rainy or hot day to escape inside this wondrous room, peruse the shelves books and find a comfortable cushioned seat or chair to read or work on the dozens of computers available for use. There are also special computers for audio visual viewing of the BNF historical art database.

"Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) is an architectural marvel! The blend of historical charm at Richelieu and modern elegance at François-Mitterrand is incredible. The vast collections and beautiful spaces make it a paradise for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Highly recommend visiting!"

One of the most beautiful buildings in Paris that you can visit for free! The Richelieu National Library actually houses multiple libraries and archives, but the Oval room is the most beautiful, where you can browse an immense collection of comic books and mangas, as well as « coffee table books » while sitting in comfy chairs and admiring the architecture of the room. For students, you can also claim a seat at a workstation, although you should aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before it opens (10am) to get in line to claim a free spot.

Security at the gate to enter, free entry to go inside, this bibliotheque is amazing, the ceiling is awesome and the architecture is superb, very underrated. Remember it's a library, sshhh. Quiet please!!!

The library is amazingly beautiful! It’s a perfect place to read or just only visit the place and relax. I didn’t visit the whole site or the museum but I like the oval room very much. The reading room is free and open to public.

Definitely worth a visit if you are into reading or have enough time while visiting Paris. The access to this room is free. Good collection as well.