Café littéraire & jardin d'été
Literary Café and its Summer Garden in Loix – Île de Ré
The Literary Café: A Delicious and Cultural Break
Tucked away in the heart of the Quillet bookstore, the literary café is a warm and unique spot where time seems to stand still. Amid the shelves steeped in history, enjoy the cozy atmosphere while savoring a selection of gourmet treats: homemade cakes, ice cream, tea, or coffee. For a more convivial moment with friends, our menu also offers cold drinks, craft beers’Île de Ré, wine, or Pineau.
The Summer Garden: A Serene Retreat on Île de Ré
Extend your relaxation in our summer gardenafter a bike ride through the vineyards and marshes.
Nestled in a grove of bamboo, make yourself comfortable with your with your feet in the sandfor a gourmet and literary break in a unique natural setting.
A diverse menu to suit every taste
Our café offers a selection of gourmet treats and refreshing or comforting drinks to suit every taste and satisfy every craving.
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Atelier d'encadrement sur mesure
Custom Framing Workshop in Loix – Île de Ré
A wide selection of frames, combined with our commitment to quality restoration and the use of high-quality materials.
Our custom framing workshop puts its expertise to work to showcase and preserve graphic and artistic works. Each project is designed in collaboration with you to meet the aesthetic requirements of the artwork and your decorative preferences.
A wide selection of breadsticks, combined with our high standards as restaurateurs, made with neutral and sustainable ingredients.
Customized solutions to showcase your artwork
Small business
Whether it’s an antique or a contemporary piece, we adapt the size and mounting hardware to ensure both aesthetic appeal and durability.
- Various media: Drawings, paintings, engravings, photographs, posters, textiles, or family documents.
- Mounting techniques: Mounting under glass, on mat board, on a stretcher frame, or in a shadow box.
- Preventive conservation: Use of neutral and reversible materials (acid-free cardboard, specialized adhesives, UV-protective glass) that comply with museum standards.
The workshop, certified as a "Living Heritage Company," produces its frames in accordance with the specifications of the National Archives and the National Library of France, for the preservation of documents.
Every step is done entirely by hand in our workshop. Our services are available to both individuals and artists as well as museums and galleries committed to preserving the integrity of their collections.
Our expertise, showcasing your work
Jack of All Trades
A wide selection of colors and textures, in the desired width. Option to mount in frames, allowing you to display multiple documents in a single frame.
Frames
Custom framing options, featuring over 200 molding styles, UV-protective glass to safeguard inks and pigments, and neutral, acid-free materials that meet the standards of preventive conservation.
Framed mounting
An elegant and understated framing solution, ideal for works on canvas. Popular with galleries and exhibitions, this technique—which uses no glass or mat—showcases the material and texture, blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional framing.
Mounting on a frame
Designed to showcase unframed works—such as canvases, fabrics, or pre-stretched posters—this mounting system ensures a taut, flat, and stable display while making it easier to handle, hang, or store the artwork.
Free quote and personalized advice
Our coaching service is open to everyone : you don’t need to have purchased your book at Librairie Quillet to benefit from our expertise.
Come see us in person at the bookstore with your document. Our team will help you choose the frames (wood or aluminum) and finishes to create a free, personalized quote.
Librairie et Atelier Quillet
Bienvenue à la Librairie et Atelier Quillet
Livres anciens et d'occasion ● BD ● Mangas ● Affiches ● Cartes ● Gravures
Atelier de restauration et d'encadrement ● Café littéraire
Librairie et café littéraire
Restauration et reliure
Coaching Workshop
Lionel Quillet
Président
Passionné d’affiches et de livres anciens, c’est en 1987 que Lionel Quillet créé son entreprise, spécialisée la conservation, la restauration et la reliure de documents anciens, depuis lors labellisée « Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant ».
De cet engagement, Lionel Quillet à été promu au grade de Chevalier de l’ordre de la Légion d’honneur, par le Ministère de la Culture.
About
Librairie et Atelier Quillet : une histoire familiale de patrimoine et d’excellence
Qui est Lionel Quillet ?
Lionel Quillet est le fondateur et dirigeant de l’Atelier Quillet, une entreprise reconnue pour son expertise dans la restauration et la conservation de documents anciens et d’œuvres d’art. Situé à Loix sur l’île de Ré, l’Atelier Quillet se distingue par ses compétences en reliure, restauration de livres et d’affiches, encadrement et a obtenu le prestigieux label « Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant », qui récompense les savoir-faire artisanaux d’excellence.
Passionné par la préservation du patrimoine culturel, Lionel Quillet s’engage activement à promouvoir et sauvegarder les traditions artisanales françaises. Il s’engage aussi à offrir des services de haute qualité aux archives, bibliothèques, musées et particuliers.
Grâce à sa passion et sa combativité, Lionel Quillet continue d’inspirer et de transmettre ses connaissances du livre et de l’affiche aux générations futures, consolidant ainsi l’importance de préserver notre héritage culturel. Son engagement lui a valu d’être promu au grade de Chevalier dans l’ordre de la Légion d’honneur par le Ministère de la Culture le 14 juillet 2024.
L'histoire de l'Atelier Quillet depuis 1987
- 1987 : fondation de la Librairie Quillet, premier établissement sur le port de Saint Martin, Lionel Quillet y présente quelques centaines d’ouvrages et continue à pratiquer la restauration de reliure et d’affiches pour les particuliers.
- 1993 : création de l’Atelier de restauration à l’entrée du village de Loix, spécialisé dans la restauration d’affiches et l’entoilage.
- 1995 : arrivée de Nadine Jaunet à la Direction de l’Atelier et création du pôle de restauration corps d’ouvrages
- 1996 : création du pôle reliure et dorure.
- 2003 : 40 salariés œuvrent dans les Ateliers et 500 clients font confiance à l’entreprise (Archives, Bibliothèques, Musées et Particuliers).
- 2004 : restauration du manuscrit du Général de Gaulle « Appel du 18 Juin » (commande du musée de l’Ordre et de la Libération), remise Prix National de la « Dynamique Artisanale »
- 2007 : Labellisation « Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant »
- 2008 : inauguration des locaux dans le Village Artisanal de Loix, fusion de l’ensemble des activités.
- 2010 : ouverture des visites guidées de l’Atelier Quillet.
- 2020 : création de la salle des Bandes Dessinées.
- 2022 : Arrivée d’Olivier Quillet et de sa compagne Juliette Merlaud à la librairie
- 2022 : agrandissement de la Librairie, avec deux nouvelles salles de livres, la création de la salle affiches et du café.
- 2022 : premières expositions avec les œuvres d’Alex Varenne (illustrateur de BD érotiques) au printemps, puis Marine Le Breton (artiste cartographe) à l’été.
- 2023 : exposition « Bernard Villemot, le plus peintre des affichistes », début de la collaboration avec la famille Villemot pour représenter leur fond.
- 2024 : création du pôle encadrement sur mesure.
- 2024 : Lionel Quillet est promu au grade de Chevalier dans l’ordre de la Légion d’Honneur par le Ministère de la Culture.
- 2026 : création du jardin et ouverture de la boutique en ligne.
- 2027 : Fête des 40 ans de l’Entreprise.
L’Atelier Quillet s’est rapidement imposé comme une référence nationale dans le domaine de la conservation, de la restauration et de la reliure de documents anciens. Ses équipes, mettent chaque jour un point d’honneur à offrir un service de qualité en restauration et en reliure et à partager leur passion.
Portée par Lionel Quillet et une équipe de quatre libraires, la Librairie Quillet n’a de cesse d’évoluer et de continuer à faire vivre ce lieu à l’année. Animée par différentes passions mais le même amour du livre et du partage culturel, cette équipe atypique n’est pas à court d’idées.
Découvrez la Librairie Quillet à travers une vidéo exclusive réalisée par Destination Île de Ré :
Atelier de reliure et restauration de documents
Atelier Quillet: Document Restoration and Bookbinding in Loix – Île de Ré
Artisanal expertise, practiced by more than 30 professionals in bookbinding and restoration.
A true national leader, Atelier Quillet stands out for its traditional craftsmanship, practiced daily by forty professionalsacross various trades: restoration of works and iconographic documents, bookbinding, gilding… With patience and meticulous care, expert hands breathe new life into books, antique maps, engravings, and documents from heritage collections, museums, libraries, archives, and private individuals.
Unique expertise for all your documents:
- Regardless of their type: posters, maps, scrolls, ledgers, library books…
- Regardless of the material: laid rag paper, bond paper, tracing paper, parchment, leather
- Regardless of the type of collection: public or private.
Our team of qualified professionals adheres to the specifications of the Archives de France and those of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF).
Every project is based on two essential principles: the neutrality of materials and the reversibility of the adhesives. To ensure long-lasting protection, we use exclusively natural raw materials : Japanese paper (made using traditional methods), linen thread, pure cotton canvas, and starch-based adhesives, etc.
When you entrust a document to Atelier Quillet, you can be sure it will be preserved for generations to come thanks to our meticulous handcrafted work.
Living Heritage Company
Founded in 1987 and certified in 2007 Living Heritage Company, Atelier Quillet is one of the last in France to specialize in the restoration of documents, antique books, and bookbinding.
The stages of restoration
Cleaning and dusting
The first essential step before restoring documents is to use a non-abrasive eraser on the paper and remove dust with a suitable brush.
Restoration of building structures
Depending on the extent of the paper's deterioration, the sheet (or document) is backed locally or over its entire surface and/or the missing sections are filled in to reinforce the weakened areas.
Sewing
All our bindings are hand-sewn using traditional techniques that have been used for centuries: sewn on the spine, with string, or ribbon—from the oldest documents to the present day.
Binding
Once the paper has been restored and the document bound, the book is then bound using the original method. When having your book rebound, you can choose from a variety of cover materials: full cloth in the color of your choice, full leather, half-leather, marbled paper, or parchment… for a unique and personalized document!
Gilding
After binding, the title is stamped directly onto the binding or onto a piece of leather. The gilding is done by hand using a gilding tool.
Bookbinding Restoration
We restore all types of book bindings, using the original techniques and materials. Depending on the condition of the cover, our recommendations vary: restoring the headbands and corners, reinforcing the spine, filling in gaps in the leather…
Mounting and Japanese-style lining of documents
After dusting, cleaning, and flattening the paper, wet cleaning may be considered depending on the stability of the inks. To reinforce the document, it is backed with Japanese paper or mounted on canvas. Color retouching may then be performed depending on the condition of the document.
Parchment Restoration
Cleaning and dusting of parchments, humidification in a controlled humidity chamber, tension-flattening of the parchment, and filling and/or lining of gaps and tears in the parchment with Japanese paper or parchment.
Quote for restoration and binding
We work with a wide range of cultural and heritage institutions, such as the Senate, departmental and municipal archives, as well as public libraries and private individuals—whether they are collectors, enthusiasts, or simply committed to preserving a family document.
When you entrust us with a document, you’re choosing precision, high standards, and passion.
Individuals
We invite you to visit our store to pick up your documents and discuss the work that needs to be done.
From the restoration of your books, posters, prints, tracings, and parchments to the creation of a custom-bound volume from your writings, we will advise you on the steps needed to showcase and preserve your documents.
Institutions
Our sales representatives travel throughout France to meet with you and are available to discuss your needs and review your documents.
We handle the transportation of orders to our workshop, ensuring the complete security and confidentiality of the documents entrusted to us (registers, plans, stencils, parchments, etc.).
Antiquarian Bookstore
Antiquarian and used bookstore in Loix – Île de Ré
A wide selection of books, comic books, posters, maps, and prints, organized by theme, for every budget!
Welcome to one of the most beautiful bookstores in France: an invitation to escape through our unique collections.
Antiquarian and used bookstore in Loix – Île de Ré
A wide selection of books, comic books, posters, maps, and prints, organized by theme, for every budget!
Welcome to one of the largest and most beautiful bookstores in France: an invitation to escape through our unique collections.
Used and collectible books
The book collection at Librairie Quillet spans from the the 16th century to the present day.
35,000 titles are available in the bookstore’s sales area and 150,000 books are in stock, available upon request.
Gems in every aisle: history, religion, maritime, travel, regional studies, literature, children's books, science, social sciences, nature, esotericism, philosophy, cooking, fine arts, sports, books in English and foreign languages… each book is housed in a dedicated room, with precise categorization by theme and a description of the work.
Books for every budget: theThe bookstore’s collection has something for everyone, ranging from €4 for a paperback to €4,000 for a 16th-century collector’s item, ensuring every reader to find something to their liking.
Handcrafted restoration: giving books a new lease on life: Before being put up for sale, the books are dusted and polished: a meticulous process that gives our books a new lease on life, for new readers.
The Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels Section
The bookstore offers an exceptional selection of 30,000 comic books, including vintage collectibles, contemporary works, graphic novels, comics, and manga.
Whether you're looking for a complete series or a single volume, there's something for everyone, with prices to suit every budget:
- with prices mostly ranging from 6 to 8 euros, for all audiences.
- rarer items, which can cost up to several hundred euros for collectors.
Check out the must-see classics like Asterix and Tintin, or let yourself be surprised by the artwork of Moebius, Bilal, Jijé, or Sattouf. Share a laugh with your kids over a volume of Boule et Bill or take them on an adventure with Inspector Bayard.
The Exhibition Gallery: Posters, Paintings, and Illustrations
Step into our showroom with magnetic walls for a unique visual experience. We showcase original posters fromfrom the 19th century to the present day, covering a wide variety of themes, as well as maps, nautical charts, engravings, paintings…
Engravings
Bernard Villemot
Vintage posters
Mapping
School Maps
Fine Arts
Movies
Tables
Engravings
Bernard Villemot
Vintage posters
Mapping
School Maps
Fine Arts
Movies
Tables
Engravings
Bernard Villemot
Vintage posters
Mapping
School Maps
Fine Arts
Movies
Tables
The Poster and Illustration Gallery
Step into our showroom with magnetic walls for a unique visual experience. We showcase original posters from 1880 to the present day, all authenticated, just waiting for you to decorate your space…
Engravings
Bernard Villemot
Vintage posters
Mapping
School Maps
The Ninth Art
Fine Arts
Movies
Tables
Engravings
Bernard Villemot
Vintage posters
Mapping
School Maps
The Ninth Art
Fine Arts
Movies
Tables
Engravings
Bernard Villemot
Vintage posters
Mapping
School Maps
The Ninth Art
Fine Arts
Movies
Tables
The Literary Café and Its Summer Garden
While you're at the bookstore, why not take a break at our literary café. Settle in comfortably among the books to enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or fresh juice paired with a homemade cake. When the weather is nice, our summer garden welcomes you with your feet in the sand for a moment of total relaxation.