In the digital age, books become somehow less popular. Yet, their stories and smells rocked the different periods of our lives.

Each book has its own smell, but where do these notes come from? Some associate them with woody notes, others to the patchouli ones (for their “dusty" facets).

The British chemist Andy Brunning has dived into this question. The paper, the ink and the adhesive substances seem to provide each book with a unique smell. In addition, the degradation of lignin produces a mixture of almond and vanillin notes, with slightly floral facets, which make us appreciate old books and let us define their age! 

To explore these olfactory notes, we went to explore Paris's most iconic bookstores.

We started by Espace OFR, a super sharp haunt for artists with an exhibition venue, located in the Marais. You may just cross the 3rd arrondissement to discover another book temple: the Galignani bookstore, founded three centuries ago by a family from Venice and visited today by the greatest designers and comedians. A more hidden gem, the Jousseaume bookstore is located in the Galerie Vivienne: classified as a historical monument, it is endowed with more than 40 000 references.

For the libraries’ aficionados, here are our favorites: the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris, with painted woodwork from the 18th century, located in the heart of the Marais, and the Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, marked by an astonishing silence and water green frescoes. 

Other places where books are honored (sometimes revered): in Copenhagen, the Paludan's Café, next to the cathedral, is the hippest place for the Danish capital’s book lovers: here you can enjoy the best cinnamon rolls while having access to hundreds of books, arranged on wood furniture covering  the entire space; London's Idea Books is a sharp space regularly visited by Bruce Weber and Nicolas Ghesquiere, and by the 322K Instagrammers! Last but not least, the 10 Corso Como space in Milan. Founded by the gallery owner and publisher Carla Sozzani, this concept store is the right place to discover the edgiest garments, to enjoy Italian cuisine and to get lost in a unique selection of design books from all around the world.

Still nostalgic of book smells? Discover our olfactory selection below.