Libraries Paris 4th 75004

Housed in the Hôtel de Lamoignon, which alone is worth a visit, the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris (BHVP) houses a collection of over a million documents on the history of the capital and the Ile-de-France region, including manuscripts, old maps, drawings, postcards and photographs from the ^16th century to the present day. The archives of Parisian families, autographs, scholarly papers, topographical documents, archaeological surveys, correspondence of famous men and manuscripts preserved in the library are remarkable. Among the most precious documents are some of Voltaire's correspondence, manuscripts by Michelet, Flaubert's notebooks and the manuscript of his Education sentimentale. The BHVP is designed for researchers, but also for anyone with a passion for the destiny of the most beautiful city in the world! Consultation is on site only, after free registration and presentation of proof of identity and a photo. The Renaissance-style building, which is well worth a visit in any case, also hosts exhibitions on Paris. All in all, it's a place where you can get caught up in the discoveries and readings, and one that every Paris lover, and indeed every curious person, should discover at least once. And don't forget that the library is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday: plenty of time for a moment out of time!