1. Expect a line – and enjoy it
Yes, you’ll wait. But that’s part of the experience. The queue outside Shakespeare and Company Paris isn’t a hassle, it’s a literary ritual. Book lovers from all over the world gather here, sharing recommendations while inching closer to the most iconic bookshop in Paris. Let the anticipation build – it’s worth every minute.
2. Not just a bookshop – a piece of literary history
Founded by George Whitman in 1951, Shakespeare and Company Paris is a living tribute to writers past and present. Hemingway, Baldwin, Fitzgerald – their ghosts feel near in every creaky floorboard. The shelves hold over 30,000 books, from modern translations to rare gems. Take your time. This is where stories breathe.
3. A space with bohemian soul
Inside, it’s organized chaos: narrow aisles, books stacked to the ceiling, vintage typewriters, hand-penned notes, and corners made for quiet reading. It smells like dust and dreams. This isn’t just shopping. It’s sinking into another time. It’s getting lost and not wanting to be found.
4. Next door: coffee, croissants, quiet reflection
Right next to the shop, a cozy café serves coffee that might be overpriced – but it’s strong, rich, and pairs perfectly with a fresh read and a view of the Seine. Grab a window seat, flip open your book, and let the Parisian afternoon drift by. It’s worth it.
5. The Tumbleweeds – living upstairs, writing history
Shakespeare and Company Paris also shelters a tradition: the Tumbleweeds – writers and wanderers invited to stay above the shop in exchange for helping out, reading, and writing. You might spot one in the stacks. Their stories are becoming part of the legend.
6. Why you’ll want to return
Because this place lingers. You don’t just leave with a book – you leave with a story, a stamp in the cover, and the feeling that something shifted. You were there. You felt it. Plan time. Don’t rush. You’ll want to come back and bring someone who’s never been.
This is a stop in Paris you won’t want to miss.
Bookstagram Tip
- Photograph the green façade at golden hour of Shakespeare and Company Paris
- Share a picture of your book with the shop’s iconic stamp
- Add your favorite quote you discovered inside
- Use the caption: “A place every book lover should see at least once.”
Save it. Screenshot it. Share it. Because Shakespeare and Company Paris is not just a bookstore – it’s a bookmark in the heart of Paris.
Follow me on Instagram @prettybookplaces for more literary adventures. PR teams, bookstores or tourism boards – I’m open to collaborations. Let’s create bookish magic.
If you enjoyed this story, you might also love my guide to Admont Abbey Library – the world’s most stunning monastic library – another magical place every book lover should see.
