The independent Durance bookstore is getting a makeover. After six months of work, the Nantes institution created in 1858 by Léon Durance is modernized, revealing an enriched surface area of 60 m2 so that art and cooking Books as well as comic strips can be displayed there. Now in possession of a space of 600 m2the brand establishes its status as the first independent bookstore in Pays de la Loire and a cultural pillar of the Nantes region.
Historically divided into two juxtaposed premises, one of which is exclusively dedicated to old and learning books and entitled “Librairie Ancienne et Moderne Durance”, the brand is finally completing, with this new redevelopment, the physical grouping of its two stores, distributed on four levels.
“It was important that the bookstore could modernize and remain attractive”
“It was obvious to us that this second premises would remain in the name of Duranceindicates to Weekly Books Daniel Cousinarddirector of the bookstore. Economically, this investment may seem unreasonable, but the bookstore is rather solid; it’s even a Nantes institution! It was important to us that it could modernize and remain attractive. Ultimately, we invest so that the bookstore can continue to exist long after me.”
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A first phase of work had already been carried out between 2021 and 2022 on the side of the old bookstore, to refurbish its entire basement. Started in June 2024, the new operations then enabled the rehabilitation of the upper floor, after the official withdrawal of the previous occupant. A vast project worth 400,000 euros, made possible with the support of the National Book Center (CNL), the Drac as well as the region.
24th French bookstore
With a turnover established around 5.5 million euros, despite the loss of the University of Nantes market for school books in January 2023, the Durance bookstore rose, in 2024, to 24th place. place in the Top 400 French bookstores Weekly Books. Its catalog has more than 80,000 references and its team is made up of 25 employees, including a new position specially designed for the new comics department. In the first half of 2025, the bookstore directors also plan to reorganize the fund, in order to offer the human and social sciences and literature sections less isolated spaces.
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But at the end of the important work carried out, and with the end-of-year holidays fast approaching, the bookstore directors invite the public, on Saturday, November 23, to get their bearings in the new space. “We have planned several events related to the art, cooking and comics departments so that customers can take possession of the new surface and discover new paths”explains Daniel Cousinard.
The public is invited, among other things, to meet local authors and artists, to co-create a drawn fresco displayed on the window overlooking the comics section, but also to participate in a workshop on the creation of fanzines. Between two tastings, he will also be able to discover the history of feminine art with the author Marion Augustinwhich collaborates with various cultural institutions.
