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Exploring France’s Largest Libraries: A Guide

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France has a long tradition of intellectualism and a love of literature. Its libraries include some of the largest and most significant in the entire globe as a result. These libraries serve as not only academic and study hubs, but also as important symbols of national literature and culture. We will examine the five largest libraries in France in this piece.

1. Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)

The largest library in France and one of the most significant in the entire globe is the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF). It was founded in 1537 and relocated in 1996 to its present location in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. More than 14 million books and papers, including many priceless items like the original manuscript of Montaigne’s Essays and the Marquis de Sade’s manuscripts, are housed in the library.

2. Bibliothèque Mazarine

The Bibliothèque Mazarine was established in 1643 and is the country’s first public library. It is situated close to the Louvre Museum in the center of Paris. Over 600,000 books, including valuable and uncommon ones like a Gutenberg Bible, are held by the library.

3. Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève

Founded in 1838, the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a free study library in Paris. Over 2 million volumes, many of which are unique and priceless, make up its collection. The library is renowned for its striking reading room, which has stained glass windows and an elaborate cast-iron construction.

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