Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

The Basics

An important Paris literary destination, Shakespeare and Company was started by former American serviceman George Whitman as Le Mistral bookstore in 1951. He renamed it Shakespeare and Company in 1964 in honor of the shop opened by American expat Sylvia Beach in 1919, which was celebrated as a meeting place for Lost Generation legends such as F. Scott Fitzgerald as well as Man Ray, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein before it closed in World War II.

Whitman’s shop continued Beach’s tradition, hosting luminaries such as Allen Ginsberg, James Baldwin, Anaïs Nin, and editors ofThe Paris Review. Today, Shakespeare and Company remains a highlight destination for readers and writers alike. The bookstore is a popular stop on literary walking tours, and is a frequent highlight of Latin Quarter itineraries.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Shakespeare and Company hosts several beds, where aspiring writers can sleep for free if they help in the shop; upwards of 30,000 visitors are said to have slept there.

• The bookstore maintains a cafe, opened in the space next door in 2015; it serves mainly vegetarian food.

• Shakespeare and Company is managed by George Whitman’s daughter, Sylvia Whitman.

How to Get There

Located within view of Nôtre-Dame and the Seine, the centrally located Shakespeare and Company is easily accessed by Métro (take line 4 to Saint-Michel) or RER (take lines B or C to Saint-Michel – Nôtre-Dame). The shop can also be reached by the 27 and 47 bus lines, by rental bike, car or taxi, or foot.

When to Get There

Shakespeare and Company is open daily, as is its next-door cafe. The bookstore hosts workshops, author readings, and other events; check its calendar before your visit.

Shakespeare and Company’s Publications

The original Shakespeare and Company made history in 1922 when it was the first to publish James Joyce’s magnum opus,Ulysses. Beach’s shop also published Ernest Hemingway’s first book,Three Stories and Ten Poems, in 1923. More recently, the Whitman-founded bookstore releasedShakespeare and Company,Paris, a wide-ranging account of its history in 2016.

Ways to explore

A key literary landmark in Paris, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is a popular stop on guided walking tours of the Latin Quarter. These often include nearby highlights such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Panthéon, and the Luxembourg Gardens. For a faster-paced experience, some visitors opt for guided bike tours covering the Latin Quarter and Le Marais. You can also customize your itinerary with a private tour, or take a themed tour that showcases film locations—such as those from Midnight in Paris—and includes the bookstore as part of the route.

Accessibility

Most of the ground floor is wheelchair accessible, including the café.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Contactless payment method, small bag

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, casual clothing

Not allowed

Large suitcases or backpacks, bicycles, scooters, taking photos

Amenities

Café, click and collect service, gift wrapping, restrooms

Address

Shakespeare and Company is located in Paris’s Latin Quarter, near the Seine. Many visitors head there on foot, use public transportation, or join literary walking tours that include the iconic bookstore.

Driving

Avoid driving if you can, since the Latin Quarter has narrow streets and limited parking. Most visitors prefer to take the Métro or walk around the area.

Public transportation

To reach the bookstore, take Métro line 4 to Saint-Michel, or RER line B or C to Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame. Alternatively, ride the 47 bus to Petit Pont.

Best times to visit

Arrive close to opening time to avoid lines—you may have to wait during peak hours.

Best days to visit

The bookstore is open daily, but it’s best to come during the week, ideally Monday through Wednesday to skip the weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

Summer can be busy in Paris, so aim for June or September for milder weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Special events

Talks, readings, and conversations with authors take place here throughout the year. It’s a good idea to check the bookstore’s events calendar—and arrive early to nab a seat.