English bookstores in Saint Etienne

You know how at the start of every year you're feeling real optimistic and so fully charged that you take up new challenges? Some call it resolutions, others don't give it a label, but we usually want to switch things up when a new year comes around. One of the things I’ve decided to take on is to read more. I'm so fired up, that  I even joined the goodreads reading challenge, in order to be accountable at the end of the year. I’m aiming for about two books a month. Coming from a grand total of 4 last year, to all of this this year, I'll admit that my expectations are high.

I was feeling like Ms Unstoppable until I faced my first hurdle. Finding a good bookstore/library over here.  By over here I mean in the Saint Etienne area. If you're an expat, then you know that it’s a proper mission to find a lot of stuff, libraries and bookstores with english books being one of them. And I know, I know, I have Amazon prime, I can get my book delivered the next day if necessary, but listen: I’m one of those people for whom browsing books in a library or bookstore is an experience. Know like how some of us get that high off a shopping trip where we window shop, we try on stuff and so forth? Bookstores and libraries give that to me. Having the book in your hand and going through the covers with the hope of finding that one that calls to you; I need that bit too. So I knew that if I were to honour and conquer my challenge this year, I’d need to feed my bookworm flame and find the places that would enhance that experience. I'd like to share some of my finds with you if you're on that same journey as well.

1. MÉDIATHÈQUE DE SAINT ETIENNE: 24 Rue Jo Gouttebarge, 42000 Saint Etienne

This is the largest of the libraries in the Saint Etienne library network, and has the largest collection of English reading material available (in comparison with the other libraries in the local network). You can obtain your library card by requesting one at the front desk, and providing proof of id in order to have your request processed.

The card is free in most cases:

• Minors
• Students (provided that you have student ID)
• Persons who do not pay any taxes

If you don't fall into any of those categories, the card will cost 23€ , and is valid for a year starting from the date that it was activated.

All of these places (with the exception of La Fnac ) are right in the city center, within walking distance of each other. They all sell new books, with the exception of La Banque du livre which is a used bookstore. As you can tell from the photos, the collection of books per bookstore is not very extensive. I noticed that they all had a collection of Harry Potter though, so just in case you’re like me and you have yet to go down that rabbit hole, now’s probably a good time! There’s a selection of fiction, non fiction and classics that provides a bit of variety for your browsing, so book hunting in Saint Etienne could still be an interesting experience. In terms of prices, those that I saw ranged from 4€ - 26€, depending on the book cover and genre.

2. LA FNAC: Centre Commercial Géant, Allée Alexandre Dumas, 42100 Saint-Étienne

3. FORUM SAINT ETIENNE: 5 Rue Michel Rondet, 42000 Saint Etienne

4. LIBRAIRIE DE PARIS SAINT ETIENNE: 6 Rue Michel Rondet, 42000 Saint Etienne

5. LA BANQUE DU LIVRE: 5 Rue du Onze Novembre, 42000 Saint Etienne

I wish you loads of fun on your reading adventures this year. Let me know what you're reading right now. Maybe we can do a book exchange when you're done with your copy!!!  Leave me a comment down below or email me!!