Perfect for book lovers, Montolieu is a quaint French town where there are thousands of books but only eight-hundred residents. Streets are lined with piles of books ready to be sifted through. Established in 1990 by the bookbinder Michel Braibant, Montolieu has developed into one of France’s most well-known picturesque book towns that exist today.
Located in the South of France, Montolieu is nestled in the foothills of Montagne Noire near the Pyrennes and is just a twenty minute car ride from Carcassonne or an hour car ride from Toulouse. It is the perfect day trip for anyone hoping to explore all that the South of France has to offer. As South of France’s only designated “village du livre” or book town it is certainly a place you cannot miss.
Montolieu is unique in that it only sells second hand books and that’s its bookstores are located within old homes. With sixteen bookstores, there is sure to be a book of interest to everyone. Genres range from philosophy and poetry to gardening and cooking. While many book stores sell books of varied genres, a couple of them only sell certain genres. The Librairie Mamézon specializes in children’s books, comics, and cartoons. The Librairie L’Aubaine specializes in pocketbooks and vintage books, perfect anyone looking to expand their collection. Make sure to take into consideration that most books will be in French. After reading a book, cool off in the river Alzeau or the swimming pool that is open to the public during the summer.
Fortunately, all of the bookstores are open year round. Half of the bookstores are closed on Mondays while the other half of the bookstores are closed on Tuesdays to ensure that at least half of the bookstores will always be open.
While the books are certainly the main attraction it is worth noting some other picturesque characteristics that make Montolieu so unique. As you meander through the streets make sure not to miss out on the twenty-four hour vegetable vending machine, the letters pouring out of the drain pipe, the water bowls intended “for dogs who know how to read”, and the local cats in the windows. It is the little things that make exploring Montolieu feel as if you were lost in a book.
I think that is awesome. Makes children read instead of on their iPads/phones. 💝