A veritable institution, Shakespeare and Company is both a café and an English-only bookshop. Opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral, the bookshop has been a meeting place for English-speaking authors since 1951. It was George Whitman, an American bookseller, who made it a must for all lovers of literature.
More than just a bookshop, it was also the equivalent of a small hotel for authors, intellectuals and artists of the time, who could stay a few nights to foster their imagination. William Burroughs, Anaïs Nin, Richard Wright, Henry Miller, Lawrence Durrell and James Baldwin all stayed here. Even today, the beds and furniture from that era are part of the scenography, amidst the hundreds of thousands of books that line the walls of the bookshop. The bookshop holds the memories of generations of writers and travellers from the last century.
While you can of course find old books, especially Shakespeare's works, the bookshop also offers a children's corner and literary events. English-speaking writers can meet their readers, free of charge. If you're lucky, you'll also come across the little cat who roams the premises, and who has everyone cracking up!
But what would a moment of reading be without a good cup of coffee and a gourmet pastry? George Whitman was no stranger to readers, which is why even back in the day he was keen to open a small literary café next to the bookshop. A wish that only came true in 2015, with a beautiful panoramic view of Notre-Dame. You can enjoy coffee from Café Lomi, tea from Postcard Teas London, and pastries from Bob's Bake Shop. Many of them are vegetarian. We went for a hearty slice ofapple pie - delicious!
So, enjoying your reading and a pastry in front of Notre-Dame, doesn't it make you want to?
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 17, 2024
Location
Shakespeare & company
37 Rue de la Bûcherie
75005 Paris 5
Access
Metro Saint-Michel (line 4 and RER C)
Official website
shakespeareandcompany.com
