55, bd. JOURDAN

Continuing the theme of the great undiscovered haunts of the world. I present to you La Caverne Aux Livres (The Cavern of Books) — a used bookstore that is quite unlike any of the ones I’ve frequented in the past. I happened upon this place during a Sunday afternoon trip to Auvers-Sur-Oise, the home of Vincent Van Gogh and what would seem like one of the most legitimate French weekend destinations (I think I only heard English once or twice while there).

What makes this place unique, is not only their vast collection of books but the fact that the entire bookshop is located in the remains of a train depot, with ancient train wagons used to sort out books! Though right next door to this place is the legitimate SNCF train line, this relic of railway glory is a fantastic place to explore. As you enter the remains of the station, light pours in from a large arc window and bookshelves climb the walls. Though the rooms are dark, and the space a bit grimy, it has a great atmosphere — with string lights strew in random places, squashy couches, and a loving attention to detail.

Through the door pictured above, one can move on further and enter the wagons themselves. Now this is the best part —

I’m not sure what these wagons once served as, but postal wagons probably wouldn’t be far from the truth. Each car is dedicated to a series of genres, and as you advance you really get a sense for how strange this arrangement is. Hopping between cars is done with the aid of tenuously added planks, and string lights serve as lighting.

I’m really quite glad I chanced upon this place. Though most everything in Auvers-sur-Oise was still closed for the season (everything literally opened a couple of days after I visited), this amazing bookstore was a great find. If you ever find yourself along the Oise on a day between Thursday and Sunday, check this place out!

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