Bookstore Guide: Cami-Li Books & Tea, Avignon

Where? Avignon, France

Recommended by Florence Merlenghi

Florence said: "This place is a heaven for all book lovers and anglophiles. There, you can find all kinds of used books, not only literature and novels, but there are well-stocked shelves dedicated to travels, history, science, language learning courses, arts, architecture, psychology or anthropology. Students will find all the books on the syllabus. And as far as the literature shelves are concerned, we’re not talking here only about the latest fads or best sellers but quality literature and classics, something that unfortunately tends to disappear from the shelves of more fashionable bookshops. The main bulk of the stock is composed of paperbacks, but there is also vast choice of hardbacks, sometimes first editions and vintage collections, such as the delightful orange Penguin classics or the colourful Everyman collection! Camille will buy or trade the books you want to get rid of. Of course she will order any new book you may not find in the shop (highly unlikely!)

The children’s corner is lovely, with colourful rugs and stools, and children will have a lot of fun browsing the many picture books. This is a charming place, the atmosphere made hushed thanks to the presence of so many old books, the beamed ceiling, the stone walls and the vintage tile floor; and to the silence! It is also a wonderful tearoom with several tables in the bookshop or the outdoor patio where you’ll be able to leaf through your purchase while sipping a cup of tea or coffee and tasting the delicious muffins and cookies made by Camille herself. And Camille is a dynamic young woman with many interests. As soon as the bookshop reopened, she started her Thursday evenings, beginning with “Stitch 'n Bitch” (7-10pm), for all those fond of wool and knitting! And she started a book club and English / French conversation evenings as well (on Thursdays too), together with various workshops (such as children storytelling, Japanese cooking, calligraphy...)"

Cami-Li Books & Tea seems like a truly special place and certainly inhabitants and visitors to Avignon must appreciate having such a wonderful store. Around 80% of the stock (some 20.000 books) comprises of secondhand books, while the rest are new.