Joie de Livres is a warm and enchanting bookstore cafe where books, coffee and cocktails mingle in a calm bookish atmosphere. The space blends a bookstore with a cafe bar, offering a cozy vibe that invites reading, studying, or enjoying a drink while browsing titles across fantasy, romance, and other genres. Visitors note strong friendly staff and helpful service, a varied drink menu, and desserts or snacks that pair well with the literary setting. Occasional crowding during peak hours and limited seating are mentioned as challenges, with some wishing for more comfortable chairs or more seating options. Overall Joie de Livres stands out for its magical ambiance, beautiful decor, and the unique concept of a cafe library that makes it a favorite spot for book lovers and for events or book clubs.
The staff are really nice, & they give helpful book recommendations. Also, definitely try the Guilty Pleasures cocktail--it has an amazing chamomile flavor in it that I have never had in a cocktail before. 😍
The place is cozy & strongly reminds me of Shakespeare & Company in Paris. Unfortunately, the selection is poor & the shelves are badly organized. English & French books are mixed together, often without any way of knowing which is which. There also seems to be an overwhelming focus on romantasy/romance. It is such a shame, because I liked the place.
Beautiful bookstore with many beautiful books. A must see in Montreal, especially for the book lovers out there. The bar/cafe on site is a very big plus!
Joie de livres est bien plus qu'un simple café-librairie : c'est un lieu qui nous transporte complètement !
Dès que l'on en franchit le seuil, le tumulte extérieur semble s'effacer pour laisser place à une atmosphère presque féerique qui nous rappelleraient un rêve enfantin. On s'attarderait bien des heures dans ce lieu d'une poésie sincère.
Les ouvrages disposés tout autour de la pièce invitent à l'errance intellectuelle, tandis que les arômes subtils du café enveloppent les sens avec une élégance discrète. Les cafés sont bons, originaux & soignés; les pâtisseries avaient l'air tout aussi bonnes bien que je ne les ai pas essayé.
Victime de son charme, le café-librairie peut être très achalandé, je conseillerai ainsi d'éviter les heures de pointes ou d'y être en plus petits groupes.
