At an event promoting her book, actress and author Adèle Haenel drew large crowds at the Atelier bookstore in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. The gathering took place on September 28, 2026, and attracted hundreds of people, both inside and outside the store. Inside, the space was packed with around 100 people filling every available seat and standing space. Outside, nearly 200 people had gathered on the sidewalk, eager to hear Haenel speak. The event was part of a growing trend of literary and cultural events held in independent bookstores, which have become important spaces for public engagement with art and ideas. However, some attendees expressed frustration, as loudspeakers allowed them to hear the event but posters stuck on the bookstore’s windows blocked the view of the speaker inside. A request to remove the posters was made, but it was unsuccessful, leaving some listeners unable to see Haenel despite being able to hear her. The crowd outside also included people who had traveled from other parts of the city, drawn by Haenel’s reputation as both an actress and a writer. Her book, which was the focus of the event, has been praised for its candid reflections on personal and professional life. The event highlighted the popularity of literary events in Paris, where bookstores often serve as cultural hubs. A nearby florist, whose shop is located just steps from the bookstore, expressed annoyance and concern about the potential damage to her bouquets from the large crowd. The florist’s worry reflects the challenges that small businesses can face when hosting or being near large public events. Despite these minor issues, the event was largely successful, drawing attention to both Haenel’s work and the role of independent bookstores in the cultural landscape of Paris.