A haven for bibliophiles, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore presents an English-language collection of eclectic secondhand books, as well as Sunday tea, literary readings, and writers' meetings. Sylvia Beach Whitman, the original owner's daughter, now runs the bookshop her father, George, started as "Le Mistral" in 1951. He later renamed the store to honor the original shop owned by Sylvia Beach from 1919 to 1940. The shop became (and still is) a haven for an unconventional literary culture, and was frequented by Beat writers, including Allen Ginsberg. Filled from floor to ceiling with titles, each small room has walls peppered with quotes and postcards. Upstairs, you'll find a writer's area with a typewriter, a labyrinth of rooms, and a piano. For the price of your life story written on a sheet of paper, you can sleep upstairs in one of the 13 beds run by the bookshop, called "Hotel Tumbleweed." To visit Shakespeare and Company Bookstore on your holiday in Paris, and find out what else Paris has to offer, use our Paris.
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Shakespeare and Company Bookstore reviews
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I really enjoyed visiting this bookshop. It’s worth waiting in the line!!! So many books inside and such a beautiful space too. I love spending time here looking thru the vast book collection! And...
I really enjoyed visiting this bookshop. It’s worth waiting in the line!!! So many books inside and such a beautiful space too. I love spending time here looking thru the vast book collection! And... more »
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It was a little crowded when I stopped by (around 6-7 PM), but I still had a bit of room to explore and actually browse the shelves. The catalog of books leans more on new blockbuster releases and..... more
It was a little crowded when I stopped by (around 6-7 PM), but I still had a bit of room to explore and actually browse the shelves. The catalog of books leans more on new blockbuster releases and..... more »
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A classic for a reason. Shakespeare and Co. is always such a joy to visit. Whether for a quick walk-through, or a long sit upstairs. It's a versatile space that allows its visitors to enjoy as they wish. There is a real sense of community with everyone who visits, works and loves it there. I will say that it can get quite busy, but that's only because of how great it truly is.
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One of my favorite places in Paris. There is a line to get inside because it can get crowded fast. The inside is so charming, go upstairs and there was live piano music and a cute area for lounging, a mirror to put notes on, and an adorable cat to pet. There are a good variety of books, I bought a couple and got the official stamp as well as their famous tote bag. Staff were extremely friendly. I guess people can go work there and live there for free which was a fun fact. Absolutely loved this place.
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