Montolieu, a village near Toulouse, has become a haven for book lovers with its 15 bookstores and museum, offering a unique weekend of literary exploration.
Montolieu's book village reputation
Montolieu, a village about an hour's drive from Toulouse, has built a reputation as a hub for books over thirty years. This weekend, from October 24 to 25, its fifteen bookstores and museum will be open for visitors to browse, talk with booksellers, and explore the publishing trades.Historical background of Montolieu
Montolieu was not always known for books. The village, located above the Dure river in the Cabardès region, once thrived on the production of woolen cloth, even hosting a royal factory in the 18th century.Shift from textiles to books
The decline of the woolen cloth industry, which started in the early 20th century, could have led to Montolieu's decline. However, in 1990, Michel Braibant, a bookbinder from Carcassonne, wanted to create an European conservatory of book arts, which led to booksellers settling in the village. This followed Bécherel, the first book village in France, established in 1987.Unique bookstore and guesthouse
At 1 rue de la Paix, near the Saint-André church, the bookstore Abélard is unique because it shares its space with a guesthouse of the same name. The shelves extend into the garden, where visitors can browse books before buying or staying overnight. This setup allows for easy conversation with the bookseller, who lives among his collection.Specialized bookstore for rare editions
For those looking for rare books or collectibles, the bookstore La Rose des Vents on the rue de la Concorde is a reliable choice. Run by Marie-Hélène Guillaumot, it specializes in ancient editions, while other stores in the village focus on contemporary literature, travel, or comics. This variety adds to the charm of exploring Montolieu.Generalist bookstore with flexible hours
The more generalist bookstore Mamézon, located at 19 rue de la Mairie, is ideal for leisurely browsing. It will be open on Saturday, October 24, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and then from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on Sunday, October 25, from 2 pm to 6 pm. These hours reflect the schedule of most village businesses this weekend.Museum of book arts and trades
The visit concludes at the Museum of the Arts and Trades of the Book, founded by Michel Braibant to preserve the history of bookmaking. The museum traces writing's history from Sumerian tablets to modern printing. It will be open on the weekend of October 24 and 25 from 2 pm to 6 pm, with entry fees of 5 euros for adults and 3.50 euros for children aged 6 to 16. Educational workshops on calligraphy, bookbinding, and engraving are also available by reservation.
