COVID spells crisis for Paris riverside booksellers

Jerome Callais is one of 200 “bouquinistes” who sell second-hand books and engravings along the Seine embankment — a tradition dating to the 15th century. Callais, who is campaigning to add the bouquinistes to UNESCO's world heritage list, said “I sold a book for 16 euros today, another customer is going to owe me the money, and that's a great day for me.” The booksellers pay no rent but must open four days a week. Many of them feel little hope without tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic.