In Toulon, a new chapter for the Le Carré des mots bookstore, which is changing address and diversifying

In the space of two days, hundreds of books, shelves, a counter, tables had to be transported... It was quite an adventure for Raphaël Riva and the entire Carré des mots team. "We weren't going too far, so it was okay. And above all, we received a lot of help from friends and even our customers." After a few days in his new premises on Rue d'Alger, the bookseller is already smiling broadly. "We're delighted. Not only have we kept our regulars, but we're seeing lots of new faces arrive."

That was the goal in setting up shop on the main street of the old town: to attract new readers. "We needed to be more visible. It was a matter of survival. A bookstore is a business, and location is essential." And while Le Carré des mots has had a solid, loyal customer base for fourteen years, that was no longer enough. "Compared to Rue Seillon, the Rue d'Alger axis seems much more convenient to us. We're reaching the people of Toulon, but not only that, we also have those who take the boat from La Seyne or Saint-Mandrier…" Raphaël Riva is also eyeing the tourists who regularly use the street. " It's an almost obligatory passage, especially for cruise passengers."

Still plenty of room for books

If, at first glance, the bookstore seems smaller than before, it is not! "Sure, we lose a few square meters of floor space. But we have just as many square meters of shelf space. All our books are there. Before there were more windows, little nooks, it was ultimately less practical," explains the shopkeeper.

The new premises also have an upper floor. And this is where Raphaël Riva intends to add value. "We're setting up a gallery there where we'll exhibit Monsieur Z." A welcoming space with tables and a counter for enjoying tea or coffee (and reading, of course) is also being set up. "This is where we hold our meet-and-greets and book signings with the authors."

Like a new address, it's worth celebrating. Le Carré des mots is organizing its inauguration at the end of May with a big surprise on the cards.

>Practical Le Carré des mots, 12 rue d'Alger. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.