Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Shakespeare and Company is an iconic English-language bookstore located on the Left Bank of Paris, directly across from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Founded in 1951 by George Whitman, it carries on the legacy of an earlier bookstore of the same name that was a haven for literary figures like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce in the 1920s. The current shop is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, narrow aisles overflowing with new and used books, and small nooks where visitors can sit and read. It has long served as a gathering place for writers, readers, and aspiring artists, embodying a spirit of literary community. Beyond being a bookstore, Shakespeare and Company has a unique tradition of allowing aspiring writers and artists, known as 'Tumbleweeds,' to stay overnight in exchange for helping out in the shop and reading a book a day. It's more than just a retail space; it's a living literary landmark and a must-visit for any book lover in Paris.