How a tiny town in southern France became a magnet for bibliophiles.
Wooden shutters in cornflower blue and poppy red echoed the colors of the regions wildflowers.
But around 10 a.m., gears shifted.
Shutters opened and trestle tables laden with books began to multiply in the streets.
Browsers arrived and began sifting through the volumes.
(Braibant was reportedly inspired by Hay-on-Wye, a town in Wales with a similar bibliophile focus.)
The property is an echo of Montolieus past.
But production dwindled in the mid 20th century, and the town was quiet until Braibant arrived.
Today, Montolieus streets feel like an open-air library.
Ducrocq originally had two shops: one in Montolieu and one 55 miles away in the city of Toulouse.
But over time, the Montolieu outpost became markedly more successful than its urban sister location.
The community is complementary rather than competitive, Ducrocq said.
Throughout Montolieu, unexpected artistic touches kept catching my eye.
Whimsical back-alley murals depicted library shelves.
Open doorways led to studios where artists cocooned themselves amid paintbrushes and stacked canvases.
AtCave des Oliviers, a wine store, English owner Adrian Mould described Montolieus distinct atmosphere.
Historically this area was known to have people with an independent attitude, he said.
I heard that sentiment Were not like other French towns time and again.
And I was glad it wasnt.
This rural village has written its own script.
Go in June for the annual festival.
From left: Montolieu’s Rue de La Mairie has five used-book stores; painted shutters celebrating Montolieu’s literary leanings.Credit:From left: Manuel Lagos Cid/Paris Match/Getty Images; Markus Kirchgessner/laif/Redux
Vintage volumes for sale at the bookshop La Rose des Vents.MANUEL LAGOS CID/PARIS MATCH/GETTY IMAGES
From left: Browsing for books in Montolieu; the storefront of La Rose des Vents.From left: Vincent Photographie/Courtesy of Grand Carcassonne Tourisme; Courtesy of La Rose des Vents
