Violet’s Bookshop is set to open in mid-October on rue Saint-Jean in Saumur, run by Loane Hardel, who will turn 24 in December. The bookstore-café will specialize in romance, fantasy, manga, and English-language reading, with the goal of becoming a hub for creative activities, workshops, and community gatherings. The project, estimated to cost 100,000 euros, is being funded through personal contributions, loans, and a crowdfunding campaign. Hardel, who studied English in Bordeaux, developed the idea during her studies, inspired by internships at a bookstore in Anjou and a trip to Edinburgh. She returned to Saumur two years ago and completed training in bookstore management, shaping her vision for a space that goes beyond just selling books. Before finalizing the book selection, Hardel conducted a survey in Saumur and found that 27% of respondents already read in English and 37% were interested in doing so. She noted that there is currently no local place to buy English books and aims to provide original editions to the community. Approximately half of the stock will be romance and fantasy, with 12% in English and a similar proportion in manga. Poetry, children's books, self-publishing, and general titles will also be available to attract a wide range of readers and tourists. The 82-square-meter space on the ground floor will be designed with an interior architect, featuring plants, the color violet, and a mix of old and new furniture to create a unique atmosphere. Local artisans and French creators will offer products like candles, bookmarks, and illustrations. Hardel, who previously worked at a local boutique, plans to integrate local producers through workshops, reading clubs, and literary brunches. She is also forming an association of bookstore friends to support event programming. The largest initial expense is the book stock, estimated at 35,000 to 40,000 euros. Hardel faces challenges in securing bank funding, as books are often seen as a risky investment. A crowdfunding campaign on Ulule aims to raise 8,000 euros to ensure the shop is fully stocked at opening, with contributors receiving items like glass bead bookmarks or witch-themed illustrations. The campaign also serves as a way to build a community of supporters who will help sustain the bookstore after it opens. Violet’s Bookshop aims to be more than a place to buy books, offering a café, workshops, and meetings to extend the visitor experience. Hardel emphasizes the importance of building a community of readers to sustain the bookstore. She envisions future events, such as a romance and fantasy book fair and a fantasy ball, to further develop Saumur's cultural scene. While Saumur already has bookstores like Le Livre à venir, Fnac, and the E.Leclerc Cultural Space, Violet’s Bookshop aims to stand out with its focus on romance, fantasy, manga, English books, and community programming. Another bookstore, La Bouquinerie Imaginarium, also contributes to the local literary landscape.