BNF Richelieu Review

After coming across photos of the BNF Richelieu, we were immediately captivated by its architectural beauty and atmosphere—it quickly became a must-visit on our list.

The images alone conveyed a sense of scale and timeless elegance, and we were eager to experience in person what seemed like one of Paris’s most majestic cultural landmarks.

The National Library of France spans several locations, but in this review, we’ll focus on the Richelieu site—arguably the most stunning, thanks to its elegant classical architecture.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France

Another site I’ve visited is the François Mitterrand Library, known for its vast size and striking modern architecture. I used to enjoy spending time there as a student—it was a great place to focus and study.

This time, however, I returned as a tourist, drawn by its iconic setting for photography. My wife and I had planned to take a few candid shots, but the atmosphere was so quiet and serene that we decided not to disrupt those deeply immersed in their reading.

The site of Richelieu

The BNF Richelieu is situated in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, just a short walk from Palais Royal, the Louvre, and the Opéra.

The Richelieu site includes both a museum and several reading rooms, such as the Oval Room (accessible for free), the Labrouste Room, and the reading rooms of the specialized departments.

Our experience

Upon entering the library and passing through the security check, we took a moment to relax in the courtyard to calm our baby before heading into the oval room. We highly recommend visiting without children if possible, as it will likely enhance your experience.

In the main hall, known as Vivienne, you’ll be welcomed by the stunning Staircase of Honor which leads to the museum. These stairs have a striking, organic design resembling the shape of a shell, evoking the golden ratio.

The outdoor courtyard is a charming space with greenery and seating, including a few tables where you can sit and enjoy a drink. It’s honestly the type of place where you could easily spend a few hours discussing with friends. A little gem inside Paris.

The Oval Room, undoubtedly the highlight, truly lived up to its reputation. Its breathtaking beauty is a sight to behold in person—no wide-angle lens can quite capture its full splendor.

I wish I had discovered and appreciated this place earlier—it would’ve been perfect for spending an afternoon reading or simply flipping through books.

Note that there are actually tables and people reading or studying, so the main idea is to remain inconspicuous and do things in silence.

There are additional floors we didn’t get to explore, as we didn’t venture upstairs. We’ll definitely need to return without the kids someday to fully appreciate the space—though for now, we’re glad we had the chance to experience it.

One should feel truly fortunate to have the opportunity to read in such a stunning public space.

Verdict

9.0 out of 10.

The BNF Richelieu is not just a library—it’s a masterpiece. With its breathtaking architecture, serene atmosphere, and free access to iconic spaces like the Oval Room, it offers a rare blend of beauty, history, and public service.

Though visiting with young children made it harder to fully enjoy, the experience was still unforgettable. For lovers of culture, architecture, or quiet reflection, this place is a must-see.