Cathy and Gégé Maugé, their heads in second-hand books for over 30 years, at the Bouquinerie l'ivre livre in Foix

Cathy and Gégé Maugé are the owners of the second-hand bookstore L'ivre livre, located rue de la Faurie in Foix. Finally, say instead: “Bouquinerie, like in Belgium, it’s much more logical,” corrects Gégé, supported by his partner who followed him in his literary adventures.

A business which is among the oldest in Foix. The manager started in 1989, selling second-hand books on the Ariège markets. He opened his first store in 1991, in Foix. Nothing could be more normal for him, “I’m from Fuxé, so it was easier”. He moved to a second store, finally settling on rue de la Faurie. He works alone at first, then his partner will join him when the children are grown up.

At the heart of a giant library, made up of “100,000 books”, it is “all-round curiosity” that drives them. “Horizontal and in all fields, scientific, literary, poetry, photos, history… But there are also authors that I don’t know, like contemporaries or foreigners. I have to remain modest,” agrees Gégé.

“What is sought has value”

Very useful knowledge for purchasing works or texts and then offering them to customers. “By leafing through, we know the authors,” explains Cathy. “Thanks to general knowledge and a lot of reading, we understand the interest of the document, the reputation of the author,” adds his partner.

Their always goal: “Try to present what you can’t find elsewhere.” L'ivre livre has old books from the 18th century, texts on various Occitan dialects, scientific treatises, editions of classic books… As proof, the manager is proud to show us “The General History of Languedoc”, an immense work which weighs its weight, dating from 1730 and written by religious figures, with many illustrations and plans. “That’s sought after, so it’s expensive, it has great value,” she comments.

These nuggets and other treasures come from auctions or inheritances. People also come to the bookstore which, over time, has acquired a small reputation in the second-hand market. “Some authors have increased in value. In fact, if it's sought after, it has value. It may very well be rare, but if people don't want it, the product has no value” , summarizes Gégé. Each new work is cleaned, re-glued if necessary, then installed on the shelves or in the windows.

Shipments to Japan and Peru

In the bookstore, customers enter and exit regularly. A young girl who buys an old edition of Marivaux. A mother who takes a comic book for her son. A phone call to make sure the store has the book you're looking for. All ages, all wallets… “Our customers are spread across all our departments. We have people who buy inexpensive thrillers as well as people who are looking for out-of-print texts,” analyzes the manager. “Of course I’d rather sell a book for €100 than a hundred books for €1!” laughs Gégé.

La Bouquinerie l'ivre livre can boast of exporting its merchandise to the United States, “a particular demand, collections of 20th century newspapers, illustrations, engravings…”, he remembers. A Japanese customer had picked up a work on the history of Foix, while a Peruvian wanted different booklets of Occitan dialects.

In a few years, the couple is expected to retire. He hopes to find a buyer. In the meantime, Cathy immerses herself in literature, psychology and books on the First World War in the evening. He prefers scientific, technical and historical works.