Navigating Shakespeare and Company Bookstore : Answers to common questions
- Admission Fee: No admission fee; it's a retail space open to the public.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours exploring the shelves and reading.
- Washrooms: No public restrooms available for customers; nearest facilities may be found in public areas or cafes.
- Hours of Operation: Store hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Important Information: Check for any special events, like readings or book signings, which the bookstore frequently hosts.
- Parking: Public parking is limited; nearest options are along the Seine. Using public transport or walking is advised.
- Family Friendly: Welcoming to families and literature enthusiasts, the store's cozy nooks offer a journey through literary history.
- Photography: Photography is allowed, but patrons are encouraged to be mindful of the privacy of others.
- WIFI: No public WIFI is available in the store.
- Gift Shop: The bookstore offers a wide range of titles, including rare editions and gifts.
- Handicap Accessible: The bookstore is partially accessible, though historic building constraints may limit access to some areas.
- Pets: Pets are not typically permitted inside bookstores.
- Guided Tours: No guided tours offered, but the staff can provide insights into the bookstore's storied past.
- Restaurant or Cafe: No dining options inside, but many cafes are nearby in the Latin Quarter.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
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Map for Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Did You Know?
Shakespeare and Company, nestled in the heart of Paris's Left Bank, is more than just a bookstore. It's a literary institution, a cultural landmark, and a sanctuary for writers, readers, and dreamers alike. Founded in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, the original bookstore was not only a place to buy books but also a library, a gathering spot for expatriate writers, and a publishing house. It famously became the first to publish James Joyce's "Ulysses" when no one else would.
Over the years, Shakespeare and Company has hosted thousands of aspiring writers and artists, known as "Tumbleweeds," drawn by its bohemian ethos and the promise of a free place to sleep amidst the stacks of books. The shop has a quaint, labyrinthine layout, packed from floor to ceiling with new and used books in English, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Under the stewardship of Sylvia Beach Whitman, George's daughter, Shakespeare and Company remains a beacon for the literary community in Paris and beyond. It's a place where the spirit of the Lost Generation mingles with contemporary voices, where history and literature are alive and well, and where the love of books and the written word transcends boundaries. For many, visiting Shakespeare and Company is a pilgrimage, a testament to the enduring power of literature to connect and inspire across
Shakespeare and Company also serves as a cultural hub, hosting literary events, readings, writing workshops, and festivals that continue to nurture Paris's international literary scene. The shop's upstairs includes a reading library, a piano, and beds nestled among the bookshelves, preserving the tradition of providing a haven for travelers and writers.
The current incarnation of Shakespeare and Company, located just steps from the Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral, was opened in 1951 by George Whitman under the name "Le Mistral," but it was renamed in 1964 to honor the original shop and its legacy. Whitman's vision was for the shop to be a "socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore," providing a bed and breakfast for traveling writers and artists, who could stay for free in exchange for helping around the shop, reading a book a day, and writin
Travel Information for
Paris Visitors
Time Zone: Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Weather: Paris has a Western European oceanic climate. The summers are generally warm and pleasant with average temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping to around 1 to 7 degrees Celsius (34 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is fairly distributed throughout the year, with light showers more common.
Population: Paris has a population of over 2 million people within its administrative city limits. The wider Paris metropolitan area has a population of around 12 million, making it one of the largest urban areas in Europe.
Size: Paris covers an area of about 105 square kilometers (40.7 square miles). Despite its relatively small size, the city is densely populated and is divided into 20 districts, known as arrondissements.
Language: The official language is French. While many Parisians speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by the locals.
Currency: France uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to have some cash, especially for smaller purchases in bakeries, open markets, or in areas less frequented by tourists.
Safety: Paris is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any major city, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Tipping: In Paris, a service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants. However, it's customary to leave a small extra tip if you're happy with the service.
Electricity and Plugs: France uses Type C and Type E plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different electrical standards may need adapters.
Water: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink. Many cafes and restaurants will serve tap water for free if requested.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Address:
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Website: shakespeareandcompany.com/
Latitude: 48.8526
Longitude: 2.3471
More Places and Things To Do in Paris Within 500 km/300 mi of Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to Notre-Dame Cathedral is 0.2 KM / 0.1 MI
Sainte-Chapelle
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to Sainte-Chapelle is 0.3 KM / 0.2 MI
The Latin Quarter
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to The Latin Quarter is 0.4 KM / 0.2 MI
French Cooking Class
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Paris Wine Tasting
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Centre Pompidou
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to Centre Pompidou is 1 KM / 0.6 MI
Luxembourg Gardens
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to Luxembourg Gardens is 1 KM / 0.6 MI
The Louvre Museum
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to The Louvre Museum is 1.1 KM / 0.7 MI
Bastille Day Celebrations
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to Bastille Day Celebrations is 1.6 KM / 1 MI
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The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to The Rodin Museum is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI
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The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to The Catacombs of Paris is 2.4 KM / 1.5 MI
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The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to The Champs-Élysées is 3.4 KM / 2.1 MI
The Eiffel Tower
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to The Eiffel Tower is 3.9 KM / 2.4 MI
Seine River Cruise
The Distance from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore to Seine River Cruise is 4.5 KM / 2.8 MI
