On a morning slightly overcast, we decided to visit Montolieu. A charming village in the south of France near the Black Mountains, known as "the village of books." We were highly recommended by our holiday home host to definitely pay a visit. We weren't sure what to expect, but off we went on our merry way.

We arrived right at the centre of Montolieu and already we were welcomed by quirky independent stores from local artists, bakeries to obviously a multitude of libraries all offering a wide range of books from vintage, collection books to the latest bestsellers. Regardless of what you are looking for, Montolieu will most likely have it, and if you do not speak or read French, don't let this stop you as Montolieu also has its own English book shop. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day of our visit, but it looked as inviting and charming as all the others.

Once you've done your little literary tour, don't forget to stop at the main place where a bar will welcome you for a well-deserved hot or cold drink and maybe something to fill your belly. Once you're back at full energy, go back to do your Montolieu tour but this time look out for all the interesting street art and outside house decor, and you won't be disappointed. Every corner has a little thing hidden or not, waiting to be discovered.
If you're in the region and have time, stop by Montolieu for a couple of hours. You won't be disappointed.

And while you are still here, please find below a brief history of Montolieu:

Montolieu is a medieval village in France's Aude department, founded in the 8th century around a Benedictine abbey. Strategically positioned between two rivers, it flourished during the Middle Ages through textile manufacturing and papermaking industries.

In 1989, Belgian bookbinder Michel Braibant transformed Montolieu into "Village du Livre" (Book Village), inspired by Wales' Hay-on-Wye. This initiative revitalized the village's declining economy by establishing bookshops and attracting visitors.

Today, Montolieu features 15-20 bookshops specializing in rare and antiquarian books, alongside art galleries and a museum dedicated to books and printing arts. The village regularly hosts literary events that have established it as a cultural destination for bibliophiles worldwide.