Nestled on the banks of the Seine, just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame Cathedral, is one of Paris’s most cherished sanctuaries for bibliophiles and aspiring writers: Shakespeare & Company. This iconic bookstore has long been woven into the fabric of literary journalism, attracting book lovers from around the globe to its creaky shelves and cozy reading nooks.
A Storied Legacy
Founded in 1951 by American expatriate George Whitman, the bookstore was modeled after Sylvia Beach’s original Shakespeare and Company, which closed during the German occupation of Paris in 1941. Whitman's vision was to create a haven for writers and readers, and thus, the "Tumbleweed Hotel" concept was born, where budding authors could sleep amidst the stacks in exchange for helping out around the store.
Inspiring Generations of Writers
Over the decades, Shakespeare & Co. has played host to a myriad of literary legends. From the existential musings of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir to the post-war realism of James Baldwin, this bookstore has been a nurturing ground for prose and poetry that challenge and reflect society. It has also organized numerous readings and events, fostering a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts.
A Place of Literary Pilgrimage
Stepping into Shakespeare & Co., visitors are greeted by a labyrinth of books that spans genres and generations. Its charmingly cluttered spaces invite you to lose yourself among first editions, local indie publications, and classics—all while steeped in the historical aura of its walls.