General bookshops Rennes

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.

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.

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.

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.