Jaimes bookstore, located just minutes from Diagonal Avenue, has managed over time to stand out and become a must-visit spot for lovers of reading and French culture.
Jaimes’s history
This bookstore was founded in 1941 by Jaume Arnau Pericàs and his wife Isabel, during the post-war period under Franco’s regime. It was originally located on Diagonal Avenue, right next to the French lycée. This proximity created a special relationship between the bookseller and the lycée’s principal. At the time, bringing books into Spain was very difficult due to the censorship imposed by the regime. Even natural science books were banned because they sometimes showed nudity.
The name “Jaimes” originally comes from its founder’s name, “Jaume”, which was not accepted by the central authorities because it was Catalan. In protest, he named his bookstore “Jaime” in Spanish, adding an unnecessary “s” at the end.
Despite the dictatorship, Jaimes managed to establish itself as a reference bookstore for French culture, Francophone literature, and more.
Contrary to what one might think, the bookstore’s clientele is not exclusively French. In fact, many Catalans were educated at the French lycée, speak the language fluently, and remain eager for French culture.
Books for young and old
Currently, it is the last French bookstore in Barcelona, making it a must-visit for all French literature enthusiasts and for French students searching for specific books for their studies.
“We aim to be Barcelona’s French bookstore; we keep up with all French news, literature, essays, and major exhibition catalogs… We have always placed great importance on foreign books, traditionally from France but also from Italy, Portugal, the UK, and other countries“, they explain on their website.
This bookstore offers a wide selection of books, ranging from children’s books to exercise workbooks for teenagers. There are also comics books as well as adult literature, including classic works of French literature like “The Last Day of a Condemned Man” by Victor Hugo and “La chute” by Albert Camus.
In this space steeped in French culture, you’ll also find books by Spanish and Catalan authors that appeal to local residents. It was the bookseller Jaume’s choice to include Catalan and Spanish works, with the aim of building a cultural bridge between Catalonia and France.
Events
Beyond book sales, Jaume has made a habit of organizing various events to retain loyal customers, attract new ones, and diversify what the bookstore offers. This bookstore places special focus on children, believing that “today’s young readers will be tomorrow’s avid readers.” That’s why, every Saturday, the store holds two children’s story readings to introduce them to the world of books and imagination.
This bookstore is also committed to organizing author meet-and-greets with French, Spanish, and Catalan writers, allowing readers to connect with the authors. The most recent guest was Marc Levy, the world’s best-read French novelist. Their next event will feature «Souviens-toi des abeilles» by Zineb Mekouar on November 7.
For the most devoted readers, Jaimes offers a monthly book club called “Jaime le Noir”, where readers can share their impressions and thoughts on the featured book.
Strong and deeply rooted values of Jaimes
Jaimes offers much more than books; it’s a true cultural center. Each staff member is deeply committed to sharing culture. It’s not only about promoting French culture but about also creating connections between the two cultures. For example, they have a section of Catalan authors translated into French and are working to do the reverse as well. They see their mission as being a bridge between these two distinct cultures.
Jaimes’ success lies not only in the diversity of its catalog but also in the knowledge and dedication of its team. Many staff members are bilingual, fluent in both French and Spanish, and have a deep expertise in the genres they represent. This makes the bookstore particularly accessible to locals curious about French literature, as well as to French expatriates who feel at home among familiar authors and the latest releases from France.