France, Nov. 8 -- On a barge named Nanna moored on the Seine, in the shadow of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Fabrice Rousselot is waiting for the 50 literature lovers who have bought tickets for tonight's event.

The barge is home to a library of 5,000 second-hand books which can be borrowed or read on board - with a cocktail from the bar.

Rousselot's event is a cross between speed dating and a book club, at which the attendees discuss what they're currently reading in order to get to know each other.

"We've set up loads of little tables here so people can get together in small groups. There are high tables, low tables, there are sofas, little cushions..." says Rousselot.

Everyone has brought a book, with every genre from comic books to Molier...