Among Paris’s flashy landmarks, a green sign immediately grabs your attention: Shakespeare and Company, perched on the Left Bank directly across from Notre-Dame.
Since Sylvia Beach opened it in 1919, the shop has been a literary haven where giants like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound weathered lean times, wrote, and forged friendships. Its scuffed, creaky wooden stairs—a charming contrast to Paris’s polished image—make the place feel like an essential stop on any trip.
Shakespeare and Company
Step inside and the first thing that hits you is the smell of old paper with a faint trace of ink. Narrow aisles between floor-to-ceiling bookshelves feel like a cozy maze—wandering them is half the fun.
The shop's signature tradition is called Tumbleweed: cash-strapped writers help out at the bookstore in exchange for free room and board. Head up to the second floor and you'll find the typewriters and beds they used, plus an old piano anyone can play.
The shop's warm, intellectual vibe makes even an iPhone or Galaxy photo look more dramatic than many paid studios.
Photo-Worthy Spots
The shop often restricts interior photography, so you’ll need to shoot from outside. Don’t worry—take the signature shot sitting on the green bench in front. The shop sign and weathered wooden facade behind you are the ultimate Parisian backdrop.
Right next to the bookstore is Shakespeare and Company's own café. Claim a terrace seat with an espresso and use wide-angle so both the shop and Notre-Dame fit in the same frame.
Visit during magic hour at sunset: the warm orange light spilling from inside contrasts with the green exterior, giving your photos richer depth.
Shop-Exclusive Books and Stamps
True to its must-see status, even buying a single book here becomes a keepsake. When you purchase a book, staff carefully stamp the first page with the shop logo—suddenly that copy feels priceless.
The store’s own classic series (The Little Prince, The Great Gatsby, etc.) are highly collectible. The Shakespeare and Company tote is a must-have souvenir: sturdy canvas and a classic logo make it the perfect everyday bag for your trip. If the entrance line looks long, check the café line first.
You can buy some merchandise at the café, too.
