Counting among the the most unusual places in the capitalthe Bridge Crossed is one of the Parisian spots that we appreciate the most. For its frontage, its history or for what we find there today, local residents appreciate and share this extraordinary address. Nestled very close to the Luxembourg gardenthis former bookstore turned coffee shop has it all. We present it to you!
From the bookstore to the coffee shop, the beautiful story of the Pont Traversé
Period frescoes, a dark blue storefront and this giant sign: it's impossible to miss the Pont Traversé if you walk towards the 6th district. And for good reason, it is one of the most recognizable addresses in the neighborhood. On its front, a myriad of signs and clues linked to its past lives. Because yes, before hosting a coffee shop and distilling good hot drinks, the Bridge Crossed was indeed a bookstore, itself installed in a former butcher's shop, as evidenced by the small heads of sheep and bulls which adorn its front.
To see the mention of the Pont Traversé appear for the first time, you have to go back to 1949, the date when a certain Marcel Béalu founded a bookstore. Installed on rue de Beaune initially, it will move to the Sorbonne district before the owner sets his sights on a old butcher's shop at the corner of rue Madame and rue de Vaugirard in 1973.
For almost half a century, the bookstore specializing in rare and used books, particularly with connections for surrealism and the Fine Artswill then welcome regulars and literature enthusiasts. When Marcel Béalu died, his wife took over the reins of the store until his retirement in 2019, synonymous with a metamorphosis for the Pont Traversé.
Because yes, today, instead of the bookstore, we find a coffee-shop which has kept the same name, and has respected the tradition of the place. Thus, the same storefront, the same details and even the “books” inscription were kept despite the change in purpose of the premises. On sale, babkas, cookies and other sweet delights, as well as a selection of snacks such as falafel pita or smoked salmon bagel. In addition, you can buy a slew of groceries and a large selection of hot drinks. It's up to you to test!
Le Pont Traversé – 62, rue de Vaugirard, 75006
