I could (and did) spend hours here. There are so many books to look at and it's absolutely amazing. They've got quite a selection of first editions. Just incredible. The shop opened in the 50s by an American called George Whitman and he initially named it Le Mistral. I believe the name changed in the 60s to what we know it as today. As a fan of literature, Shakespeare and Company is like Mecca. The Holy Grail, if you will. Whether you stick downstairs where it gets busy or upstairs where it's for more of a library feel, it's simply a magical experience. An experience that transcends you into the pages of your favorite novel or book of poetry. A timeless, nostalgic, and electric adventure awaits you. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

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Shakespeare and Company is one of the notorious Global booksellers. It is located in Paris, on the River Seine across from Notre Dame (you really can't miss it), and there seems to be a block-long queue everyday, anytime it's open. Founded by Sylvia Beach in 1919, it was a hangout for many American and British writers when they lived in Paris. Like any great bookstore, this retail establishment has an impressive inventory of books in English, in all major categories: Children's literature, classics, culinary, culture, economics, history, politics, travel, etc, etc. We checked 4 different days, and finally got in on our fifth try. The shop is a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, and actually takes up nearly a whole block. The check-out clerks will stamp your books with the Shakespeare & Co logo and name; so it's fun to gift a classic, like Winnie the Pooh, to your grandkids. And there is a cafe next door where you can sit and enjoy your purchases. Read up on the Tumbleweeds. read more

Bookstore is amazing. The view from the top floor out the window is adorable. Lots of vintage and limited edition books at the top. No phones are allowed so pictures are limited. Must go to book shop for readers. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Really nice bookstore with lots of books on different topics, plus second-hand ones at great prices. No photos allowed inside, but upstairs there's a cozy reading area. You can also get a stamp with their logo at the checkout, which is a cool detail. read more

Shakespeare and Company - outside - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

A must visit if you're in Paris! Cute little bookstore that has been around since 1951 and apparently famous writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald would frequent. No photos allowed inside because the space is quite tight and there's often a line just to even get in but it's well worth the wait. Pop over next door to the cafe for a yummy coffee! read more

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Very unique bookstore across the river from Notre Dame. There was a line to go in and was pretty cramped but it was so a great experience nonetheless. We got the iconic tote bags and they do stamp your book if you purchase one. It's pretty touristy but worth the experience if you like books. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

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A very cool bookstore in a fun part of the city across from Notre Dame. My husband let me know that it was one of the oldest book stores, so of course we had to check it out! There was a short line to get in (they limit capacity so it is not too crowded). Some legendary writers worked there throughout history, which is very cool. All kinds of books available to purchase and neat little writing/reading nooks hidden throughout. They do not allow photos (I did not know this until after I had snapped some) just as a heads up. I also loved the staircase. We did not purchase anything but I was glad we got to see it! read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Get there early or wait in line, either way it's worth it. Grab a tote, they last forever. If you can get your hands on a mystery book in a book satchel, buy it, they sell out super fast. I've been coming here for years. Such a charming book store with a beautiful history. read more

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I'd visited the first time I came to Paris, and my partner convinced me to to give it a visit since we had the time. You have to queue to get in the store. The upstairs reading room is always neat. The store is crowded, but you can still find breathing room. They have a mix of hard to find/rare books as well as mass market prints, and used books. Prices were reasonable for any bookshop, especially such a popular one. Part of the fun is getting your book stamped with the shop's logo. Cool to see if you're in Paree and have the time! read more

Such an awesome little bookshop! It's such a cozy, quaint store with a historic feel. It had my inner book worm squealing with joy. Love that they stamp your book with the logo on the inside as a fun souvenir. Can't wait to come back on my next trip to Paris. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

I love this bookstore - I purchased a Terry Pratcher book 'Wyrd Sisters'. The waitstaff were very kind and helpful and the interior of the store was very cool and just a super nice shopping experience! read more

Visited here a couple of days ago on a week day. This is a cute and cozy bookstore. We had to wait in a line to enter but it wasn't too long. There are several genres of books. There's a small cozy reading area upstairs. I purchased one book and the staff person stamped the inside of my book with the stores' signature stamp which was a nice touch. read more

My wife said we HAD to come here on our trip to Paris. First bookstore I've ever been to that has a co stand line and rules about how to spend time there. No pics allowed? Weird, but I can see why you want to get people in and out as quick as possible. The upstairs is a reading level with chairs and nothing for sale. A nice place to enjoy the books! Most of the books are in English, with only a small section published in French. We got our daughter a copy of the first Harry Potter and had it stamped for Christmas. I'm sorry, but the stair up were too cute not to take a picture, I hope you can forgive me! Would suggest stopping by if you get a chance. Be sure to check out the coffee shop next door as well! read more

Shakespeare and Company - Interior stairwell. (Sorry, too cute to NOT take a picture!) - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Believe the hype! Resting in the shadow of Notre Dame, this relatively small bookstore is a treasure in and of itself. This place is amazing with wall-to-wall English books and a small used section next door. This bookstore covers every genre you might want to investigate or that you already enjoy. The best part of all is that whatever book you purchase, they stamp the inside with their unique logo (a small but thoughtful memento). Truly this is a great bookstore, a must see in Paris. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

What a wonderful bookstore and a walk back in history in preparation for a visit to Paris. I was reading The Paris Bookstore by Kerri Maher about the history of the store and its founder Sylvia Beach and it was pure magic to visit. Next time I hope to for a reading at the store. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Shakespeare And Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Is it one of the more tourist-y things you can do in a city laiden with tourist activities? Yes. Did I wait in a line to enter for 15 minutes with other Americans/Swifties? Yes. Did I enjoy every single second and find it completely magical? Also YES. And if you're wondering if I bought the ubiquitous Shakespeare and Co canvas tote...the answer to that would also be yes. It's just a really wonderful bookshop with wonderful staff and history. I picked up my tote and four different books and was so happy to have them as companions for the rest of my time in Paris. I thought it was really sweet that they stamp the books and also include a smattering of bookmarks with your purchase. I queued to enter which I don't think is that common, but it was a gorgeous day and Taylor Swift was in town, so a LOT of folks looking to enter the shop. I actually really appreciate that they control the flow in and out. Made the book-shopping experience that much better. The selection is fab and the environment really is worth experiencing. Make a day of this part of the city and hit here, the Notre Dame, bread festival, Hotel De Ville, and Le Marais if you're feeling ambitious. SO grateful for this portion of my trip and will return on my next trip to Paris. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

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Has a great selection of books, including those in English. Upstairs has books you can sit and read. They don't allow photos inside so you can focus on the books read more

Shakespeare and Company - Front - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

I'd give 4-stars to this used bookstore for its charming warren-like rooms but 3-stars as an actual bookstore. Most customers appear to be tourists eager for their Instagram or selfie or whatever - few appear to be really buying books. It's kind of difficult to browse the shelves with all the jostling and crowding. Seems to me the store makes more money off its cafe and merchandise than selling books. Have a look-see if you're in the area but don't expect to see bohemians deep in philosophical discussions. read more

Shakespeare and Company - The outside of the store. Note that no filming or photography allowed inside - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Shakespeare and Co has so much history, especially for American expat writers. The original location founded by Sylvia Beach no longer exists after the German occupation of Paris during WWII. A lot of writers frequented this store Hemingway, Fitzgerald and James Joyce. This current location was actually opened by George Whitman and pays homage to Beach's original store The Shakespeare and Co Book of Interviews was recently published to include interviews with writers and thinkers. Hemingway's A Movable Feast also references this famous bookstore. You'll find both copies of these books here. It's pretty easy to find this bookstore - you can't miss the queue of people lining in to enter on the bank of the Seine. To be fair, this line didn't exist when I first visited Paris over a decade ago...Although this is a bit of a double edged sword in the sense that it's very touristy now and you're probably not going to get the calm book browsing experience of most bookstores, Shakespeare and Co did fall into challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic and almost closed down. I personally think their selection of books is great, and this store is worth a stop to experience a piece of literary history. There's also an upstairs area with a reading room to explore, and aspiring writers used to sleep there in exchange for helping at the bookstore. Staff is also pretty friendly. If you purchase a book, you can get it stamped with the store name too. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

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One of the best bookstores in the world, but there are things you need to know before going. There's a reason the literary greats like Stein and Hemingway regularly frequented this spot. My first time was 11 years ago, and it has changed a lot! 1. There will be a long line. Even in January, in the rain, right before closing time at night, there was a line wrapped around the building. To beat the line, get there really early! I showed up in the morning before they opened and was the first one waiting. By the time they opened, there was already a line behind me. 2. It'll be crowded. But the time I exited, the store was packed. If you truly want a peaceful browsing experience, do what I did. 3. No photos: a rule that was put in place sometime after I was there last. They don't want you photographing the books, and they'll ask you to stop. 4. They have an excellent selection. They have English books, classics, etc. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

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Next to the bookstore is the coffee shop. This place is the ultimate annoying hipster nirvana. The inside of the bookstore exudes charm and pseudo-intellectual pretentiousness. You're not allowed to take pictures inside which is a shame because it is like the set of one of some eclectic romantic movie inside. You know the kind where the characters are intentionally awkward and grotesquely sweet. Yeah it's that charming inside. As for the coffee shop it's a tiny bohemian coffee shop with a small selection of unsuspectingly amazing pastries. The coffee (mocha latte) and hot chocolate themselves are both above board. I also got the cinnamon roll and a chocolate rye cookie since it sounded so interesting. They can't or don't heat up the cinnamon roll for you. I asked. But you know what I think that it allows you to really savior all of the flavors at room temperature. The flake on the cinnamon roll is that of a croissant. With a sublime butterieness and deep cinnamon flavor. Just a sublime cinnamon roll. But the chocolate rye cookie!!!... oh my! That visitors the MOST AMAZING COOKIE I'VE EVER HAD. So unexpected, so unassuming, and yet simple. Deep, deep chocolate flavor without being too sweet. And the texture absolutely out of this world. Crunchy exterior but the inside has the chew of like a fresh mochi donut while having this unique softness that is reminiscent of eating the the melted chocolate in a warm chocolate chip cookie. It's unlike any other cookie that I've ever had. So impress that special lady in your life by bring her here and telling her how deep and artistic you are. Then have a wonderful cup of coffee in the cool atmosphere. read more

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Guess where my first tourist stop in Paris was? Well, it's not a hard guess if you're reading what this review is for. It was a dream come true getting to visit Shakespeare and Company while here. This quaint bookshop is a must when you're visiting Paris if you love books... and maybe even if you don't. Writing this review as it's been almost a year since my visit and I miss Paris now more than ever. If you come and there's a large crowd, they let people in at groups at a time. You can find books of all kinds here. It's my tradition to buy a book in a bookshop while on vacation and I ended up getting a special version of "The Little Prince" which they had several different versions of. I also ended up getting a tote (which I use almost every day), bookmarks, and a postcard. If you're looking to go here during a not busy time, I'd recommend goin as soon as they open or in the morning. read more

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This book store is known world wide. Grabbed a couple of unique books for my American granddaughters. I wanted to pick some books for myself but it was crowded I didn't want to hold other people up. read more

Cutesy little bookstore right across from Notre Dame. It's one of the oldest bookstores in Paris and perhaps the world. English and French books both can be found here. Right next door is their cafe- very hipster like. It's a bit small and there is a line to get in though it is fairly fast moving. Some might see it as a bit of a tourist trap but if you're into books, I would recommend visiting. read more

This is a super cool old bookstore. Sometimes there is a line to get in. The building itself is just fun to walk around in. They have a huge selection of new books to buy and upstairs is a little reading room where you can sit and look through old books. A must check out when in Paris! read more

This is a cool historic bookstore that is free to visit. There is a line which goes pretty fast. I loved the smell of papers when you get inside. There are = real books to buy to. Upstairs has a quiet sitting area with a view of Seine River sit there and imagine how Shakespeare was living his life. I would totally recommend a visit to this fabulous place! Also have a coffee next door! lol! read more

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If you want a true slice of Parisian history, visit this literary heaven. It is EVERYTHING. You are not allowed to take pictures, so take everything in mentally. Be sure to visit the upstairs reading area, buy a book, and a gift, then slide next door, get a drink, and pop that book open. Bliss. read more

Shakespeare and Company - A rose by any other name... - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

I'm a bibliophile. Consequently, whenever and wherever I go somewhere, visiting a bookstore is typically on the agenda. It's entirely possibly that before this trip I visited Shakespeare and Company, but frankly I doubt it given the fact that they stamp your books when you pay for them in the end. This bookstore is near Notre Dame and the lines are typically long. We went within an hour or so of closing time and luckily it wasn't too bad. It was extremely organized and the line moved quick. Upon entering, there are two floors and you're not permitted to take photos inside. Outside is no problem, but inside given the amount of people and even the cozy reading corner, well, I can see their point. They sell books in English and French. The staff, too, is fully bilingual and speaks both languages with ease. I found myself at home there and I couldn't leave without purchasing a tote, several books, and even a gift or two for a friend. Really can't wait to return but for that I must first return to good ol' Paris. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Waiting to go into this iconic bookstore. - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Aww, the most famous bookstore in Paris! So much in a small space, yet the layout provides a "homie" feeling. Every topic/category has a section, even if it's hidden under the stairs. There were plenty of employees to direct you to areas of interest. There is also an area upstairs area where you can sit and read. Lovely little place. Highly recommend stopping in if in the area. No pictures allowed inside which allowed us to be present and enjoy. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

This place is touristy but still worth a stop in my opinion, if you love books. It's quaint in and of itself, and there are some awesome literary finds (both new and vintage). read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

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We visited 2 weeks ago. It was super crowded. The line to get in seemed to average about 30 people, and it didn't move very quickly. The staff did a good job limiting the number of folks inside at any one time. But still, once we were inside, it felt like a black Friday sale. Despite the crowds, and the tourists ignoring the 'no photos inside' signs plastered all over the place, the staff was efficient and cordial. The place was surprisingly cavernous...rooms led to more rooms, and still more rooms. For those visiting to actually look at books, the store has a nice selection. Unfortunately, the hoards of tourists there only to grab a selfie or make a quickly curated social media post can make it hard to enjoy perusing. Still we mostly enjoyed our visit and picked up a couple books to read at home. read more

If you are looking for a photo op. The line is long to get in. Go early to get in line.

Shakespeare & Company has been around, in one form or another, for over one hundred years. During that time, it has become a major draw for almost every English speaking Francophile in Paris. The history goes back to Silvia Beach pre-WWII bookstore, which became the famous hangout for the likes of Gertrude Stein, Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, among others. In the post war years, American George Whitman re-opened the bookstore here on the Left Bank and drew a more bohemian crowd of Allen Ginsburg, Anaïs Nin, James Baldwin, Richard Wright and George Plimpton, who at the time was editing The Paris Review. There's a lot of history here and there seems to be a party whenever I stop by, either while waiting in line and getting to know the folks in the queue, or after one's purchase, sitting in a nearby Café. As I said, it does feel party or that the carnival has come to town. Of course, isn't that the Latin Quarter's appeal? Now where did I put my Stephen Clarke book: "1,000 Years of Annoying the French", which I just purchased? LOL. Who is another famous francophile and humorist living in Paris. read more

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Books are always what's up! Go check it out, the staff is friendly and will stamp your purchased books. It's a cool souvenir

A must visit for avid book readers! Shakespeare and Company is the definition of the perfect bookstore in Paris. It's a pretty and vintage looking beautiful bookstore filled to the brim with books of all types of genre. Upstairs they have a reading room area where you can sit and enjoy reading the books they have. The area was small, quiet and really nice! The books in the reading area are not for sale. When we came here there was a bit of a line to get into the bookstore since it's such a popular tourist destination spot. However, the wait wasn't too long and the line goes quickly. They don't allow pictures inside the bookstore. Inside the bookstore, they have books both in English and in other languages. Prices are also super fair. If you end up purchasing a book, they also ask if you want their store stamp inside the book which I love! I actually ended up buying a book to bring back with me just so I could get the cute stamp. If you have any book lover friends, a book from the bookstore would also make such a cute gift. I highly recommend stopping by this bookstore in Paris. read more

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My husband surprised me with a trip to this bookstore, and it made me such a happy girl. One of our favorite dates is going to a bookstore and following it up with dessert. This bookstore did not disappoint! I was able to find a few books which they stamped for me, as well as a rad little tote bag. Most of the bookstores in Paris we encountered are books written in French, but this bookstore had mostly books written in English. It also has a cool little history. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

A bookshop for readers and writers. Staff are welcoming and helpful. Very near Notre Dame. read more

On the ground floor of Shakespeare and Company you'll find a modern bookshop with popular titles for sale in English and French. There is even a small section of children's books. Upstairs the vibe shifts from tourist destination to a place to rest and read. The walls on the first floor are lined with older books and places to sit. Photos are not allowed inside the bookshop, and as a rule follower, I did not take any. I saw other people try to take photos, but there are cameras everywhere, so I also saw people who were told to put their photos/cameras away. Any books you purchase from the shop are eligible to be stamped with the bookstore's logo. I opted to have the first page of each book I purchased stamped as a reminder of where I got the books from. read more

Shakespeare and Company - Bookstores Near Me - Paris, 75

Independent English bookshop that has been on the bank of the Sirene for over 70 years. Small rooms were packed to the ceiling with books. It was a maze of sections clearly marked and an upstairs reading room. Loved the clever quotes on the wall, a shame photos weren't permitted. The colorful children's room was very inviting. Bags, shirts & mugs in all colors & sizes. The coffee shop was lovely as the fountain in front. read more

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I was so disappointed to revisit my old haunt. I knew it had changed owners and from a read of the webpage saw that it has a decided orientation to new book launches and literary endeavours but it was so sad! There is now a very small used book section just to the left of the main door. You have to stand in line, but I never understood exactly why, because yesteryear with several floors and nooks and crannies stuffed full of books to pore over and buy, many of them used and many rare editions, you are today faced with a main floor layout much like any mainstream bookstore in the world, with all new books, and not many of them at that. Attendance was sparse on the day I went. The new owners have kept a second floor " reading room " but lots if not most of the old books on the 2nd floor although still shelved, you just cannot access them. I think this bookstore which had so much to offer a bibliophile, is now an empty brand, trading on past glory. I did buy 4 books in the used bookstore. Three of the 4 books reeked of mold/moisture damage, of which over the course of 2 weeks back home, I managed to eradicate the smell (I bind/repair old books as a hobby) in 2 of them and I'm still working on the last one. If I were to guess, I'd guess the old books in the old store have been neglected and may well be unsaleable, hence being relegated to decorate the upper shelves of the old store. So I wish the new owners luck and success, but it is not now a venue that has any interest to me. Shakespeare & co was about books. Now its about the brand. The name alone is not strong enough to draw me back. read more