National Library of France François Mitterrand Library
The National Library of France (BnF) is the institution responsible for collecting, preserving, enriching, and disseminating the French national documentary heritage. It houses very large and diverse collections, including books, manuscripts, maps, prints, photographs, and digital documents. Mainly located in Paris, the BnF plays a key role in research, culture, and access to knowledge by providing services to researchers, students, and the general public. It is also a major player in the digitization and online availability of heritage documents.
Where is the National Library of France located?
The François Mitterrand Library is located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, on the banks of the Seine.
The address of the National Library of France, François Mitterrand site, is: Quai François Mauriac 75706 Paris Cedex 13.
What are the opening hours of the François Mitterrand Library?
Opening hours of the François Mitterrand Library:
- Monday: 2 PM – 8 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 7 PM
- The François Mitterrand site is closed on public holidays.
Exhibition hours at the François Mitterrand Library:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 7 PM
What are the fees for the François Mitterrand Library?
The François Mitterrand Library is open to everyone aged 14 and over. Access tickets are sold on-site in the reception hall or through the online ticketing system.
François Mitterrand Library fees:
- 1-day Reading Ticket: €5
- Reading Ticket from 5 PM to 8 PM: free
- Youth access to Room I: free (for children under 16 accompanied by an adult).
How to get to the François Mitterrand Library by public transportation?
The François Mitterrand Library is accessible by public transportation. To get there, you have several options.
Metro
- Line 6, Quai de la Gare station
- Line 14, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand station
RER
Tramway
Bus
- Lines 62, 64, 132: Bibliothèque Chevaleret / François Mitterrand stop
- Lines 25, 62, 71, 89, 132, 325: Bibliothèque François Mitterrand stop
- Lines 62, 89: Bibliothèque Rue Mann stop
What to visit around the François Mitterrand Library?
Around the François Mitterrand Library (the main BnF site, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris), several interesting places are worth discovering. Here is a concise list of nearby sites to visit:
- The Seine and its quays: a pleasant walk along the Seine, with views of the bridges and barges.
- Bercy Park: an urban park with themed gardens, green spaces, and relaxation areas, about a 10-minute walk away.
- The Museum of Fairground Arts: a private museum dedicated to fairground performing arts, located in the Bercy district.
- MK2 Bibliothèque Cinema: a modern cinema complex, ideal for a movie session after your visit.
- The Bercy Village district: a former industrial area transformed into a pedestrian zone with shops, restaurants, and cafés.
- Austerlitz Train Station: one of Paris’s major train stations, with interesting architecture, about a 15-minute walk away.
These places offer a good balance of culture, relaxation, and urban exploration, perfect to complement a visit to the BnF François Mitterrand.