Ali Akbar is France’s last newspaper hawker in Paris. He has spent over fifty years selling newspapers in the Latin Quarter and he will soon receive the National Order of Merit.
Ali came to France in 1973 and started selling papers near the Sorbonne and cafés. He began with Charlie Hebdo and used jokes, energy, and kindness to charm customers. He blends humor with warmth and he becomes part of the street life rather than just a vender. He said he loves the feel of paper, and he does not like screens and tablets.
He sells around twenty copies of Le Monde each day, and he does so with effort in the digital age. People stopped buying paper over the years, and yet he carried on with positivity. He sells about twenty copies in eight hours every day. He sees each sale as a chance to talk and laugh, and he says he tries to get into people’s hearts not their pockets.
Local residents view him as an institution. One customer said she buys Le Monde from him every day, and they often share coffee or lunch. This customer explained that he brings genuine character to a neighborhood full of boutiques and cafés. They see him as vital to the Latin Quarter’s soul, and they appreciate that he stands for something real.
President Macron will make Ali a knight of the National Order of Merit in September 2025. This award is one of France’s top civilian honors and it recognizes distinguished service. The move shows how much people value his enduring commitment and charm. The recognition also brings attention to the fading tradition of street newspaper vending.
The last newspaper hawker in Paris stands for nostalgia and continuity. He is a bridge between past and present, and he reminds people that paper still carries a unique joy. His story shows how one person’s spirit can lift a whole neighborhood. He remains a fixture in an area otherwise changing with digital trends.
He plans to keep selling papers as long as his health allows. He said he will continue as long as he can walk the streets and greet his customers. His dedication inspires people and he shows that small acts can matter a lot. He remains rooted in tangible books and real conversations.
People in the Latin Quarter love that he resists the shift to digital, and they value his authenticity. They say he keeps something alive that would otherwise vanish. His presence counters the tech takeover and speaks to the power of human touch.
In honoring this man, France honors a piece of its urban heritage. The upcoming award is not just for Ali Akbar, and it is for all that he represents. It is a tribute to perseverance and to the simple joy of paper in a screen-filled world. With this honor, he gains recognition, and the tradition gains a moment to shine once more.
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