Shakespeare and Company, the English-Language Bookshop in the Latin Quarter

What it is

Shakespeare and Company is an independent bookshop dating from 1951, at 37 rue de la Bûcherie, in the Latin Quarter, near Saint-Michel. It sells English-language books, new and second-hand, and also has an antiquarian bookshop and a café. There may be a queue at peak times.

Opening hours

According to the "Prepare your visit" page, the bookshop is open Monday to Wednesday 10:00 to 20:00, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00 and Sundays 12:00 to 19:00. The footer of the same page says Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:00, so confirm the time if you are going late. The antiquarian bookshop is open Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 19:00 and Sundays 12:00 to 19:00, and closes for an hour at midday. The café is open every day 9:00 to 19:00. The 2026 closures they announce are 1, 14 and 25 May. Sometimes they close earlier for an author event.

Rules

• No photos or video inside the bookshop.
• No large items: suitcases and objects over 40 cm are not allowed; handbags and small backpacks are carried with you. There is no left-luggage.
• Limited capacity: there may be a queue, which according to the bookshop usually moves quickly.
• No large groups: neither organised tours nor classes; small groups of students ask permission through a form on the website.

Events and accessibility

Author events are free and open, with limited places: arrive early. Most of the ground floor is wheelchair accessible, as are the antiquarian bookshop and the café.

Getting there

You get there by metro on line 4 (Saint-Michel or Cité) or on line 10 (Cluny-La Sorbonne), or by RER B or C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Combine it with the Île de la Cité, which is next door.