Book clubs & reading nights · Paris
8 upcoming book clubs, readings, poetry nights and author talks in Paris at 8 venues — all easy to walk into on your own.
Venue by venue
Bibliothèque Benoîte Groult (1) · Bibliothèque Jean d'Ormesson (1) · Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris (BHVP) (1) · Centre Paris Anim' Bessie Smith (1) · Chaillot - Théâtre national de la Danse (1) · Le Grand Parquet (1) · Médiathèque Marguerite Yourcenar (1) · Métro Olympiades (1)
The library's monthly literary café invites you to share what you are reading or loving at the moment — novels, essays, comics, manga, crime, sci-fi or films — over tea, coffee or juice. You can present a favourite or simply listen. Entry is free, limited to 15 participants, and the small circle makes it easy to join in alone.
Once a month the library invites readers to share favourite books and pick up reading ideas over tea or coffee. It is free and informal, a gentle way to meet book lovers in the 8th arrondissement.
In the Hôtel de Lamoignon in the Marais, the city's historical library invites food historian Katherine Khodorowsky to trace how cocoa reached the court of Louis XIV, read through the witty letters the Marquise de Sévigné wrote to her daughter about it. After the readings the spiced seventeenth-century recipe is made on the spot and handed round to taste. It is free, for adults, with a free ticket to book online. «Le chocolat chaud de Madame de Sévigné» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Ville de Paris — « Que faire à Paris ? » open data (ODbL).
Every other Tuesday this friendly book club in the 12th arrondissement brings together adults who want to get back into regular reading or simply share what they are reading. There is no set book: the hour is split between talking about everyone's current reads, reading aloud together and book news, and coffee, tea or cake to share are welcome. It is free, and 29 June is the last meeting of the season. «Bookclub» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Ville de Paris — « Que faire à Paris ? » open data (ODbL).
For the bicentenary of photography, Chaillot and the Centre national de la danse hold a 90-minute discussion on the long and close links between dance and photography, together with a temporary exhibition. It is free but by reservation only, a thoughtful evening at the Trocadéro that works well on your own. «Chaillot Rencontre Danse et photographie» Starts 18:30, ends about 20:00. Ville de Paris — « Que faire à Paris ? » open data (ODbL).
Le Grand Parquet in the Jardins d'Éole invites the public to a residency showing of «On finira bien par comprendre», a fable mixing theatre, dance and visual poetry about five castaways on an island outside time. It is a free work-in-progress, with booking recommended, and suits youth and adults coming alone. «Les Naufragés Collectif • On finira bien par comprendre» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Ville de Paris — « Que faire à Paris ? » open data (ODbL).
Once a month on a Saturday morning, the librarians of the Médiathèque Marguerite Yourcenar invite everyone to listen to and talk about music together. This session explores the links between colour and music, from «orchestral colour» to the «blue note», through musical examples and ideas from literature and philosophy. It is free and open to all in the auditorium, an easy, friendly hour to join alone. «L'heure musicale : les couleurs de la musique» Starts 10:30, ends about 11:30. Ville de Paris — « Que faire à Paris ? » open data (ODbL).
A guide-lecturer leads a walk through the part of the 13th once dominated by the huge Panhard et Levassor car works, taking in workers' cottages, former industrial sites, a Le Corbusier building and other hidden curiosities. It is free but limited to 25 people, with booking required. A small walking group gives you plenty of time to talk with fellow participants.
First time?
Phrases in the local language for your evening: Phrases for tonight · Library events in Paris
This page lists 8 upcoming book clubs, readings, poetry nights and author talks in Paris at 8 venues, from city open data. Public libraries and bookshops run most of them, and most are free.
Yes. Most people at public book clubs and readings come alone; the host opens the conversation, and having finished the book is often optional. Arrive early and say it is your first time.
If none is listed, host one: create a free invite on party.comealone.app, pick a café, read silently for 60 minutes, talk for 15, phones away, any book.
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