Shakespeare and Company
4.6
(24.3k)Shakespeare and Company is an iconic English-language bookstore on Paris's Left Bank, stocking new and used titles in a bohemian setting since 1951. It also functions as a free reading library and has housed over 30,000 aspiring writers and artists in exchange for their help around the shop.
Address
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Opening Hours
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Thu)
Phone
+33 1 43 25 40 93
Worth it?
Worth it if you're looking for a unique literary experience and don't mind a small queue
Skip if you prefer modern, spacious bookstores or need to take photos inside
Location
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Nearby places
See more
Highlights
The upstairs reading room features a collection of old books and vintage typewriters, offering a quiet spot to sit and read.
You can find a great selection of both new and second-hand books, including rare titles not easily found elsewhere.
Nearby eats
See more eats
Who it's for
This spot is for book lovers, writers, and anyone who appreciates literary history and a charming, old-world atmosphere. It's also great for families, with a charming kids' section.
Know before you go
There is often a line to get in, but it typically moves fast.
Photography is forbidden inside the bookstore to ensure all customers can enjoy the atmosphere.
Nearby stays
Reviews
4.6
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors love the enchanting atmosphere and extensive book selection, often noting the store's historical significance. While there might be a short line to get in, it moves quickly, and the experience is considered well worth it, despite the no-photo policy and limited interior space.
Fun facts
The bookstore was originally named "Le Mistral" when it opened in 1951 and was renamed "Shakespeare and Company" in 1964, in tribute to Sylvia Beach's original bookstore of the same name.
The shop's motto, "Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise," is displayed above the entrance to the reading library.
Since its opening, over 30,000 "Tumbleweeds" (aspiring writers and artists) have stayed at the shop for free in exchange for helping out and writing a one-page autobiography.
A café partnered with Bob's Bake Shop opened next door in 2015, serving primarily vegetarian food with vegan and gluten-free options.
