Now here's a novel idea: Tiny bookstore caters to French bookworms

Tiny houses don't only serve as, well, houses, and we've previously seen the small living movement produce a chapel, office and a pub with tiny house-like designs. Now we can add a traveling bookstore to the list too, courtesy of recently-launched French firm La Maison Qui Chemine.

La librairie itinérante (the traveling bookstore) is La Maison Qui Chemine's debut build. The firm is headed by a young couple named Pauline & Romain, and they built the project for a bookseller called Jean-Jacques. He plans to wander all over France, visiting villages and other places without a bookstore, both working from and living inside.

The diminutive bookstore is based on a 5.4 m (17.7 ft)-long trailer and measures 2.5 m (8.2 ft) wide and 4 m (13 ft) tall. Its estimated empty weight comes to around 2,800 kg (6,172 lb) and it cost €38,500 (approx. US$43,000), including taxes. It was delivered as a turnkey model, ready for use.

Access to the interior is gained by steps and once inside, it really does look like a proper little bookstore, with seating installed to rest up and enjoy a good book and, most importantly, shelves filled with paperbacks and hardbacks.

A movable wooden ladder provides access to the higher bookshelves and also enables the owner to reach a small loft area which features a double bed. Underneath this area, La Maison Qui Chemine has shoehorned in a small windowless kitchen and a dry toilet. There are no windows inside but at least they offer some privacy.

No plumbing was installed – a request by the owner. Perhaps he plans to make use of France's excellent Aire facilities, which are dotted around the country and offer services like water, showers, toilets and the like to travelers, often free of charge.

Source: La Maison Qui Chemine