Shakespeare and Company is an independent bookstore located near Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris's Latin Quarter; run by Sylvia Beach in the 1920s, it hosted famous writers like Hemingway and Joyce, becoming a center of 20th-century literary history.
Shakespeare and Company is a famous bookstore located in Paris's Latin Quarter, on the left bank of the Seine River, considered the heart of Paris. The original bookstore was run by Sylvia Beach in the 1920s and hosted some of the most important figures of 20th-century literature. Today's establishment carries that historical atmosphere and spirit into the present, inviting every visitor to become a part of literary history.
One of the interesting aspects of its interior design and organization is that it houses books for sale on the ground floor and reading collections on the upper floor. Book lovers can spend hours here without realizing it, getting lost in its narrow passages, between printed and bound pages, and in the scent of the library. The window of Notre-Dame Cathedral is visible from the bookstore; the place has become an almost mandatory stop on any Parisian literary tour.
The unique character of the place goes as far as making visitors feel as if they are in someone's personal and nostalgic library. This intersection of the romantic Paris dream, love of literature, and history has also become a popular spot for photographers.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Paris, Historical Sites, Historical sites in Paris, Rodin Museum.
Guide's Note
Shakespeare and Company continues to be one of the places literature enthusiasts absolutely want to visit in Paris. The vast majority of visitors find the historical atmosphere and the book-filled interior of the place quite impressive; they state that their expectations were met, or even exceeded. This environment, which makes one feel that vivid memories of the past are still alive within the shop, transforms book shopping into a unique experience.
The place remains a strong attraction for those interested in literary history. However, there are some practical points to consider before your visit.
- Used and rare books section: At least one visitor reported this section being closed due to staff shortages; it is recommended to check if it's open beforehand, especially if you wish to see this section.
- Photography inside: One visitor mentioned that photography is prohibited inside the shop; be prepared for this.
Shakespeare and Company: Paris's Legendary Bookstore
Shakespeare and Company is an independent bookstore located in Paris's Latin Quarter, right next to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its original store, run by Sylvia Beach, became one of the centers of 20th-century literary history. Hemingway, Joyce, and other famous writers frequently visited here, forming the framework of the era's most important literary movement.
The place owes its name to William Shakespeare and functioned not only as a seller of English books but also as a publishing house and a prestigious literary gathering hub. This place, where every corner carries the scent of books, is not just a shopping destination but a pilgrimage site for literature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn months are ideal for visiting Shakespeare and Company. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and crowds are more manageable compared to winter and summer seasons. Arriving early in the morning allows you to explore the place more calmly.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. If you want to explore the place in a quiet environment and browse books comfortably, you can choose between 10-11 AM or 3-4 PM. It is recommended to verify current opening hours from the official source.
How to Get There
Shakespeare and Company is located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris. Coming by metro is the most practical method; it's only a 2-minute walk from the St-Michel – Notre-Dame station. If you start walking by seeing the Cathedral, it's easy to find.
Exploring the Latin Quarter on foot is also a great alternative. Since Pont Neuf bridge, Sainte-Chapelle, and Notre-Dame Cathedral are nearby, it might be a more efficient plan to tour this area completely and then visit the bookstore.
Places to Visit Nearby
The Latin Quarter, where Shakespeare and Company is located, is one of Paris's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods. Notre-Dame Cathedral, the magnificent stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, and the classical architecture of Pont Neuf are all nearby. This area, with the Panthéon, Sorbonne University, and narrow streets, is a travel destination in itself.
After visiting the bookstore, you can spend time in the area's small cafes and bookseller stands. Sitting by the Seine and reading a book or walking to the Louvre Museum are also among the possibilities offered by this area.
Suggested Itinerary
If you prefer an itinerary focused on the Latin Quarter, you can start your morning by seeing the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral, then examine the stained glass windows at Sainte-Chapelle. Stopping by Shakespeare and Company around noon to spend your lunch break among books is an ideal plan.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Panthéon and continue walking through the streets of the Latin Quarter. A stroll along the Seine in the evening and sitting in the area's cafes are suitable ways to end the day beautifully.
How Much Time to Allocate
You should allocate at least 2-3 hours for Shakespeare and Company. Although the place may seem small, browsing the shelves, learning its history, and immersing yourself in its atmosphere requires this much time. For book lovers, time flies quickly.
To fully explore the Latin Quarter, one and a half days is sufficient. Staying in the area from morning until evening allows you to comfortably see both the bookstore and the surrounding attractions.
Accommodation Options
In the immediate vicinity of Shakespeare and Company, in the Latin Quarter, there are accommodation options in various price ranges. Staying here is advantageous for exploring the place in a quieter environment in the early morning or evening hours. The atmosphere of the area is also very beautiful at night.
If your budget is limited, there are backpacker hostels and affordable hotel options in the area. If you want a more comfortable experience, you can find more comfortable hotels by going a little outside the Latin Quarter, but exploring the place on foot will be more enjoyable.
Food and Coffee in the Area
The area where Shakespeare and Company is located is full of typical Parisian cafes. You can sit on the roof or stairs of the establishment and consume coffee and snacks. You can experience classic French cuisine in small bistros and cafes nearby.
There are pastry shops and cafes right next to and around the bookstore. It is also possible to drink coffee and taste pastries in prestigious cafes like Odette, which was famous for a period. You can find your own chosen small cafes by exploring the narrow streets of the area.
Shopping Opportunities
Shakespeare and Company itself is a shopping center. It has books for sale on the ground floor and books for reading on the upper floor. In addition to English books, you can buy books in French and other languages, antique editions, postcards, and various literary materials. Even if most visitors don't buy anything from here, it's worth browsing and exploring.
In the streets of the Latin Quarter, you'll find used book sellers, antique shops, and small boutiques. You can also find worthwhile works at the old book stalls along the Seine. Prices are reasonable, and you can bargain.
Budget Guide
Entry to Shakespeare and Company is completely free. Whether or not you buy books is up to you. Prices are reasonable and varied; old or antique books may be more expensive, while classic editions are affordable. If you want to buy an average book, you can budget between 10-30 Euros.
For food and coffee in the vicinity, 20-40 Euros per day is sufficient. Coffee in simple cafes is 2-4 Euros, and a meal is around 12-20 Euros. Entrance fees for museums in the area (Louvre, Panthéon) are separate; just visiting the bookstore and wandering around is completely affordable.
Things to Know
Remember to be polite when taking photos at Shakespeare and Company. The place is an active bookstore, and you should behave in a way that does not affect the shopping experience of other customers. It is recommended to take photos in the morning hours, as it is quieter then.
The interior of the place, especially its stairs, is narrow and filled with books; walk carefully. There are small, valuable works, and as in libraries, it is necessary to remain silent and respect the books. Since the opening hours of the place may vary by season, get information from the official source.
Photo Spots
The facade of Shakespeare and Company, photographed from Rue de la Bûcherie, is the most beautiful angle. Its green frame and classic Paris architecture create a wonderful visual. Inside, the shelves with antique books, wooden stairs, and the atmosphere of the libraries are magnificent photo spots.
Notre-Dame framing the place provides great views from the background. Night photos also capture a special atmosphere, so shots taken in the evening can be very beautiful. Don't forget to photograph the Parisian details along the Seine and in the narrow streets nearby.
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