The best bookshops Rennes

It is always with a great pleasure that we stroll in the middle of the bins and the shelves of this bookshop which constitutes the biggest collection of comics in Brittany. The parquet floor creaks under each of our steps and the abundance of works which surrounds us gives dizziness. To orientate us, the store has just set up a new signposting. We can easily spot the new releases, the comics, the SF section, the classics, the children's comics, the merchandising, but there is nothing better than the advice of the booksellers to transport you into exciting stories and to give you their favorites. Follow the news on the networks to note the dates of the meetings and dedications.

Today, personal development, particularly through feel-good books, is widespread, but for over 35 years La Rose Mystique has been the temple of zen and well-being, nestling in a street with an evocative name, rue Bonne Nouvelle. Philosophy, fortune-telling, relaxation, psychology, divinatory arts, martial arts, novels... everyone can find the ideal book to help them feel reborn and positive. No matter what you're looking for, the bookseller will always have a dozen or so books to recommend to you, with a genuine desire to make you happy. It's almost impossible to leave the store without a pile of books in your arms, and the feeling that you've had a great time.

Located just a hundred meters from the TNB, Ty Bull... Tome 2 is one of the best comic book shops in Rennes, with well-stocked shelves covering all genres. A book section(heroic fantasy, thrillers) has even been developed. The bookshop also sells goodies, figurines, posters, T-shirts, etc. It's a place where you can talk to the booksellers and other customers, exchange tips and share your love of sequential art. The bookshop underwent a facelift in 2023 with the collaboration of an ironmonger. The result: a more airy, luminous space in water-green tones that make you want to stay even longer.

Rennes' oldest bookshop, located a stone's throw from the Parlement de Bretagne, has become an institution over the years. In business since 1925, it offers some 90,000 references spread over 800 m². This labyrinth of rooms on the upper floors and in the basement contains treasures of all kinds and for all ages. Focused on fiction, the space gives pride of place to great literature, alongside thrillers, fantasy, travel, comics and more. The bookshop also features a large number of regular book signings. A new corner dedicated to fine art in all its forms has opened opposite the historic boutique, to prolong the pleasure.

An easy plan, but a practical one when you want to wander around looking for a book without really knowing what you'll like. Without advice, but with time on our hands and plenty of shelves to browse while the Fnac prize list is presented to us. It's true that the famous French retailer needs no introduction, even though it has changed a great deal in over half a century of existence. Fnac has been present in Rennes since the mid-1980s, and boasts a sizeable books section right in the middle of the Colombia store. A leader in its field, the chain offers thousands and thousands of references in all areas: literature, comics, coffee-table books, guidebooks, graphic novels, Zen books, travel books and more. The range is generally geared towards the general public, with the emphasis on bestsellers. But some of the most motivated booksellers select their favorites: all you have to do is ask, and the advice is top-notch. You'll also find video game demonstrations, a seating area, a wide range of video, audio and computer equipment, and a brand-new range of quality household appliances. And let's not forget the ticket office on the first floor, with gift boxes and special offers. A temple of entertainment well worth a visit.

The Book Forum is a gigantic space dedicated to culture and made available to readers, but not only. In addition to the classic novels, comics and beautiful books of all kinds, the store provides the customer with areas dedicated to stationery, fine art equipment, board games, as well as photo printing terminals, a document binder and a photo booth. About thirty employees are at your service, both to advise you and to guide you through this amazing structure. A little something extra: the coffee machine and the small lounge in the centre of the store to freely consult the books on sale or enjoy an impromptu moment of relaxation with friends.

Since 1989, Ariane has been an ode to travel, to those who make it and those who want to make it, but also to those who prefer to let their imagination travel by devouring the stories of others. Sorted by world region, you'll find all kinds of travel guides and detailed maps, as well as novels and coffee-table books. And if you get lost, the booksellers are there to guide you. We like to follow their favorites on the networks, and travel through some incredible reads like George Mallory's "Towards Everest".

Although La Procure is a bookstore specializing in theological works, mainly of Catholic faith, it is nevertheless the ideal place for those interested in religions in general, in literature and spirituality, from the most specialized works to books for the general public. One can find sacred texts, books dedicated to philosophy, or to inter-religious dialogue and some general works. La Procure is a company with many addresses in France, we will mention only one.

Since 2003, Bruno Duval has been welcoming us to his store to help us discover Brittany and the Celtic countries through his books. As an independent bookseller, he offers a wide range of books on the region's heritage. And there's something for everyone: from local novels to family sagas, superb works on beer or even comics about Stade Rennais fans. There are also political books, guidebooks, children's albums, CDs and DVDs, and even goodies. While the collection is not exhaustive, it is comprehensive and versatile enough to appeal to all ages and levels of passion for Breton culture.

For them, it's much more than a bookshop. Lydia and Julie want their store to be a place for sharing, anchored in the Baud Chardonnet district. They have transformed an unfinished room into a warm and welcoming space. On the shelves, they feature books selected by themselves or with the advice of readers. Travel, feminism, history, youth, parenting... The themes are diverse. Accessibility is one of their main concerns, with a selection of books for people with reading difficulties. Meetings and book signings are organized on a regular basis. A place to linger.

While the cultural space has all the qualities of a classic bookshop, with its wide choice of references, it also sells CDs, vinyls, DVDs, musical instruments and video games. It's also possible to book a show at the box office, or have one offered to you in a competition. Events and meetings are organized on a regular basis. We like the regular promotional offers, and while it's a shame that the cultural space has been cut back by household appliances, it's still ideal for hi-fi equipment.

Before celebrating its ^100th anniversary, the Le Failler bookshop, open since 1925, has expanded with this new boutique dedicated to well-being. Located not far from the main bookshop, this corner invites the public to let go and disconnect in a Danish-style "hygge" concept: feeling good at home, in body and mind. A vast kitchen section awakens the senses. The beautiful rubs shoulders with the good, with a variety of themes, from world flavors to vegan recipes and local produce. Gardening, parenting, sport, esotericism, sexology... complete the picture. The perfect gift or gift for yourself, these books are sure to make a cocooning moment.

Bookstore specialized in children's books, all references are classified by age, by theme, by format, from early childhood to adolescence. Albums, comics, novels... there are even sociological books on childhood for parents. From then on, it is impossible not to find what you are looking for and you could almost be overwhelmed by the choice, as there are so many references in the four corners of the store. Fortunately, we can count on the staff, welcoming and competent, who are there to guide us. And if the books are not enough for you, the store has an annex building entirely dedicated to a smart choice of original games and toys, proposed with the same kindness and the same professionalism. Let's also remember the involvement of La Courte Échelle in the Rennes landscape with debates, reading committees, meetings, projects, mystery books, a baby reading workshop, a yoga workshop...

A cooperative bookshop is an unusual concept launched by three associations already heavily involved in the life of Le Blosne, based on the possibility for everyone to take part in the bookshop's decisions by becoming a shareholder. It's an initiative that has won over the neighborhood's residents, who make up a large proportion of the total! The result is a bookshop that reflects its readers, a generalist indeed, but one that doesn't forget to emphasize multiculturalism and the important themes of our changing society. A pleasant little store, with wood-panelled shelves, reading areas and a rich program of meetings and events.

The visitor who passes through the gates of the Night of Times enters a human-sized, pleasant and spacious place. This generalist bookshop located on the quays provides the reader with a very good stencil library as well as varied, original and well-stocked thematic collections scattered throughout the shop. In the comic strip section, although it is difficult to compete with the catalogue of a specialist bookshop despite the diversity of titles, the numerous "coup de coeur" cards that dot the shelves are appreciated. A table in the centre of the shop is even dedicated to these small cards. La Nuit des Temps also organizes meetings with authors as well as numerous events and partnerships related to current societal themes.

Behind Japanim is Julien Pelletier, founder of this network of bookshops specializing in manga, present in Brittany with 11 stores. In Rennes, the store initially located at 21 rue Maréchal Joffre has moved a few meters further to expand. Gone is the obligatory selection of references in the store, and the bookshop now boasts three floors and 300^m2 of floor space. The store features a wide selection of manga for children, teenagers and adults, as well as figurines and related products such as plush toys, models... and even swords. The team organizes meetings and signing sessions to exchange ideas with the public. A safe place for all fans of the genre!

Since 2000, Critic is a bookstore specialized in comics, with a small literature area focused on SF, fantasy and detective stories, not exhaustive, but run by a staff that knows its score. Since 2009, Critic has also become a publisher of novels in the three above-mentioned genres and has even recently launched into comics in collaboration with Les Humanoïdes Associés. 2022 is a special year since it marks the arrival of a new establishment... just a step away from the one we already know. Dedicated mainly to manga, these new premises come at the right time to fill a lack of space that was becoming obvious and to develop an ever more abundant offer.

A cooperative bookshop, l'Astrolabe belongs as much to its employees as to its members. Founded by Xavier and Simon, two former Critik booksellers, it now has over 130 members, most of them from the Maurepas district. Semi-generalist, it offers a wide selection of literary works for adults, comics, children's books and works on the humanities and social sciences. L'Astrolabe is also home to Rennes-based publisher Argyll, specializing in fantasy literature. The bookshop aims to be a genuine meeting place, anchored in its neighborhood. It regularly organizes discussions and debates on a variety of themes.

Blind Spot is a must for music lovers. The store offers a wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs and books. The store's interior is decorated with drawings of musical instruments, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Services include in-store shopping and in-store pick-up. Don't hesitate to visit this unique store during your visit to Rennes.

The warm front of this bookshop beckons us to get away from the noise of the city. We enter a cozy space run by Julie and Christine, two former Japanim booksellers. They combine their singularities to give visitors the best possible advice. A generalist bookshop, it offers a vast choice of manga, romance, young adult and fantasy. An added bonus is the café area, where you can relax with a hot or cold drink. The bookshop also displays works by local artists on its walls. It organizes literary and non-literary events, such as a creators' stall one Saturday a month. A cocooning haven not to be missed!