In Paris, some libraries are much more than just places to read. Behind their bookshelves lie architectural masterpieces, monumental halls, painted ceilings, and unique heritage collections. Some are open to the public at any time, while others open their doors only on rare occasions, which makes them all the more fascinating.
Here is a selection of the 10 most beautiful libraries in Paris. From the majestic Oval Room at the National Library of France to the secret libraries of the CNAM and the Senate, discover these exceptional places and find out how to visit them.
1. The National Assembly Library
Located in the heart of the Palais Bourbon, the National Assembly Library is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious in France. Built in 1834 by Jules de Joly, it is best known for its immense reading room, more than forty meters long, whose domes were painted by Eugène Delacroix. The decorations are among the finest decorative ensembles of the 19th century.
The library currently holds more than 700,000 volumes, primarily on law, history, political science, and parliamentary affairs.
Can we visit it?
Yes, free guided or audio-guided tours lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes are offered year-round. All you have to do is register on the National Assembly’s website.
33 Quai d’Orsay
2. The Oval Room at the BNF Richelieu
After several years of restoration, the Salle Ovale has once again become one of the most beautiful cultural spaces in Paris. Opened in 1936, this immense elliptical reading room is topped by a glass roof that soars to a height of nearly 18 meters. Its light-colored wooden bookshelves, thousands of books available for open access, and natural light make it a spectacular place.
The library now houses more than 20,000 books, comic books, magazines, and reference works available free of charge.
3. The Labrouste Room at the INHA
Located right next to the Salle Ovale, this masterpiece by architect Henri Labrouste is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Its series of nine domes supported by slender metal columns revolutionized library architecture in the 19th century.
Now part of the library of the National Institute of Art History (INHA), it houses an exceptional collection of materials devoted to art history.
A video of the Labrouste library
4. The Senate Library
Housed in the Palais du Luxembourg, the Senate Library is impressive both for its architecture and its history. Founded in the early 19th century, it was decorated by Eugène Delacroix, who, among other works, painted the murals in the central dome depicting Dante and the great poets.
Its collections, comprising several hundred thousand volumes, focus primarily on law, political science, history, and the humanities.
Can we visit it?
The Senate Library is open to visitors only during Heritage Days or as part of guided tours of the Senate offered from time to time.
📍 15 rue de Vaugirard
5. The Irish Cultural Center Library
Tucked away in the historic buildings of the Collège des Irlandais, this small library offers a particularly welcoming atmosphere. It is one of the last libraries that once stood on Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the 18th century.
It contains some 8,000 works dating from the 15th to the 19th century, primarily in the fields of theology, philosophy, and history.
SEE ALSO: The Irish Cultural Center: Ireland at the Heart of Paris
Can we visit it?
This library is open to visitors by appointment or during guided tours offered every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in November and December. For more information, visit the Irish Cultural Center’s website
5 Rue des Irlandais
6. The Library at Paris City Hall
Little known to the general public, this heritage library is located inside City Hall. It specializes in the history of Paris, municipal administration, and the social sciences. Its elegant reading room is decorated with wood paneling.
Can we visit it?
It is primarily reserved for researchers. Tours are organized during Heritage Days.
5 Rue de Lobau
7. The CNAM library
The CNAM (Conservatoire national des arts et métiers) library is undoubtedly the most surprising in Paris! Housed in the former refectory of the Saint-Martin-des-Champs priory, which dates back to the 1230s, it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Founded after the French Revolution in 1792, the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers was assigned the priory buildings in 1794, and in 1852 the library moved into the former refectory.
Can we visit it?
This library is open to the public one Saturday a month for free guided tours, which require reservations on the CNAM website.
292 Saint-Martin Street
The Most Surprising Library in Paris!
8. The Library of the Cour des comptes
The Seguin Gallery at the Palais Cambon, also known as the Library Gallery, is a magnificent space featuring oak paneling and spiral staircases.
On the ceiling, a modern fresco was created by the artist Bernar Venet to mark the Court’s bicentennial in 2007.
Can we visit it?
Tours are organized during Heritage Days.
📍 13 rue Cambon
Visit of the Cour des comptes
9. The Mazarine Library
Founded in the 17th century by Cardinal Mazarin, the Mazarine Library is the oldest public library in France. Housed in the Palace of the Institut de France, it holds nearly 600,000 documents, as well as numerous manuscripts, incunabula, and rare books.
Its spectacular reading room, with its antique wood paneling, makes it one of the most beautiful libraries in Paris.
Can we visit it?
The Mazarine Library is open for self-guided tours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free guided tours are also available; registration is required on the library’s website.
📍 23 quai de Conti
10. The Sainte-Geneviève Library
It’s impossible to talk about the most beautiful libraries in Paris without mentioning the Sainte-Geneviève Library. Designed by Henri Labrouste (the same architect who designed the INHA Library), it is a world-renowned example of steel architecture.
Its large reading room, more than eighty meters long, is famous for its two immense vaults supported by slender cast-iron columns. Students from all over the Paris region still come here to study today.
Can we visit it?
Guided tours are offered regularly; reservations can be made on the affluences.com website.
10 Place du Panthéon
What is your favorite library?
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