France's small bookstores have survived the rise of big chains, Amazon and digital books, but many fear that a sales tax rise, part of the debt-saddled government's austerity plans, could push them out of business.

Until now, the thousands of independent booksellers that dot France's town centers offered the best of both worlds - a quaint setting, one-on-one tips and advice, and guaranteed prices as low as at a chain store.

Since 1981, the French state has set the price of books, largely to support independent bookstores, which are seen as vital assets to local communities.