BnF François-Mitterrand in Paris’s 13th district
BnF François-Mitterrand, architecture and culture on the banks of the Seine
Quai François-Mauriac, 75013 Paris. Opened in 1996, the François-Mitterrand site of the Bibliothèque nationale de France is one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks on the Left Bank of Paris. Designed by architect Dominique Perrault, its four towers shaped like open books overlook the Seine in Paris’s 13th arrondissement.
With its reading rooms, temporary exhibitions, large bookshop and wooden esplanade overlooking the river, the BnF François-Mitterrand is much more than a library. It is a unique cultural destination in eastern Paris and an important part of the contemporary landscape of the 13th arrondissement.
What to see and do at BnF François-Mitterrand
BnF François-Mitterrand offers several areas that are open to the public. Its temporary exhibitions explore literary, historical and artistic subjects using works and documents from the collections of the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
The large bookshop features a wide selection of books, exhibition catalogues and rare editions. The wooden esplanade provides open views over the Seine and is an ideal starting point for a walk along the riverbanks of Paris’s 13th arrondissement. At the centre of the complex, the garden contains a woodland of pine and birch trees planted in the heart of Paris.
What to see around BnF François-Mitterrand in Paris’s 13th arrondissement
- The banks of the Seine: The BnF esplanade is an ideal starting point for a walk along the Seine between Paris’s 13th and 12th arrondissements. The redeveloped riverbanks include sports areas, floating gardens and seasonal riverside venues. These outdoor spaces can be accessed free of charge.
- Street art in Paris’s 13th arrondissement: Rue Jeanne-d’Arc, Rue du Chevaleret and the area around Boulevard Vincent-Auriol feature large murals by internationally recognised artists. This concentration of urban artworks has made the 13th arrondissement one of the leading street art districts in Paris.
- Docks de la Seine: Docks de la Seine and the Cité de la Mode et du Design host exhibitions, restaurants and a rooftop overlooking the river. They are located approximately 15 minutes on foot from BnF François-Mitterrand.
- Jardin des Plantes : Jardin des Plantes is home to the French National Museum of Natural History. It can be reached in approximately 20 minutes on foot from the BnF by following the banks of the Seine.
- Gare d'Austerlitz : Gare d’Austerlitz is around a 20-minute walk from the BnF. The station provides rail connections towards the Loire Valley and several destinations in central and south-western France.
Frequently asked questions
Is BnF François-Mitterrand open to the public?
Yes. BnF François-Mitterrand is open to the public for temporary exhibitions, the main bookshop and the esplanade. The public areas are generally open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Access to the reading rooms requires registration and a reader’s ticket.
Who designed BnF François-Mitterrand?
BnF François-Mitterrand was designed by French architect Dominique Perrault and opened in 1996. Its four towers, designed to resemble open books, have become architectural landmarks of Paris’s 13th arrondissement and the Left Bank.
How do you get to BnF François-Mitterrand from central Paris?
BnF François-Mitterrand can be reached by Metro line 14 or RER line C. Both services stop at Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand station. From Appart’City Collection Paris Grande Bibliothèque, the BnF is less than ten minutes away on foot.
Which aparthotel is closest to BnF François-Mitterrand?
Appart’City Collection Paris Grande Bibliothèque is a four-star aparthotel in Paris’s 13th arrondissement, located less than a ten-minute walk from BnF François-Mitterrand. The property offers fully equipped studios and apartments, a reception desk open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and convenient access to Metro line 14.
Which public transport services connect the aparthotel with the BnF?
BnF François-Mitterrand can be reached from Appart’City Collection Paris Grande Bibliothèque in less than ten minutes on foot. Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand station is served by Metro line 14 and RER line C. Bus routes 62 and 89 also serve the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand area.
Is there parking near BnF François-Mitterrand?
Several public car parks are available near BnF François-Mitterrand in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. Nearby options include the Bibliothèque car park on Quai François-Mauriac and the Tolbiac car park on Boulevard de Tolbiac.
Can you walk along the Seine from the BnF?
Yes. The BnF esplanade provides direct access to the banks of the Seine in the 13th arrondissement. The redeveloped riverfront offers a continuous pedestrian and cycle route towards Pont de Bercy and Docks de la Seine.
What can you see in the 13th arrondissement around the BnF?
The street art of the 13th arrondissement, Docks de la Seine, Jardin des Plantes and Gare d’Austerlitz are all accessible on foot from BnF François-Mitterrand. Appart’City Collection Paris Grande Bibliothèque is ideally located for exploring this modern, cultural and lively area of eastern Paris.