Paris, France: Shakespeare and Company Bookstore located in the Saint Michel district. Paris has been known for its affinity for arts and literature for centuries at this point—so it only makes sense that the city has some of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe. Many of the city’s bookstores could be classified as equal parts gallery/museum and shop—which is great for browsing but not the best if you prefer to read English literature and non-fiction.
Despite being, well, France, you’ll still find a handful of excellent English-language bookstores in and around Paris. The following bookshops boast a large selection of English books, ranging from secondhand paperbacks to high-end art books and everything in between. Here are five excellent bookshops in Paris with English-language literature: Shakespeare and Company was founded in 1951 by American George Whitman and is still largely considered one of the most beautiful English bookstores in the city.
It’s conveniently located opposite the Notre-Dame Cathedral on the banks of the Seine which has made it an easy stopping point for tourists. Keep in mind that this bookstore has, as such, become very popular and usually draws large crowds and oftentimes has a line out the door. Smith & Son is another independent English-language bookstore with a huge selection.
The shop was first opened in 1870 and continues to be the best bookshop in the city if you’re looking for a large selection of everything from best-selling be.
