Where can you find all your favourite books in Shakespeare’s language in Paris? The capital is home to several English bookshops, each as full of treasure as the next. After the most beautiful bookshops in Paris or the independent bookshops to visit, here are our favorite English bookshops!
Shakespeare & Co the must-have
Shakespeare & Company is one of the capital’s best-known bookshops, whatever the language. And this cultural landmark, like many Parisian bookshops, is in danger. Since the 1950s, this bookshop has been a haven for lovers of English-speaking culture, with thousands of books in its collection. A warm place, where Anglo-Saxon charm awaits you with your next read.
📍37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
The Abbey Bookshop the treasure cabin
The nuggest of English bookshops, right in the heart of the 5th arrondissement. Tucked away on a side street, this Canadian bookshop may be in mini format, but its collection is huge. Expect to weave in and out of the shelves, overwhelmed by the smell of books, with jazz in your ears. Here, classics of English and general literature mingle with the rarest finds. A real hidden treasure, and one of the most picturesque bookshops in Paris.
📍29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris
WH Smith the most british
Rue de Rivoli, under the arcades, WH Smith is one of the capital’s leading English bookshops. Since 1903, the address has been a meeting place for lovers of VO literature, and today boasts over 70,000 books, plus stationery and toys. To enter is to cross the Channel and find yourself in a large London bookshop. A change of scenery guaranteed, and the promise of leaving with a book to your taste!
📍248 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
San Francisco Book Company the most West Coast
Travel to the West Coast, straight into the Bay Area. San Francisco Book Company is a real neighborhood bookstore, American style. The shelves are overflowing with books from floor to ceiling, and you’re sure to get lost for hours exploring the entire collection of the place. Many second-hand books are available: the best way to find old editions that no longer exist!
📍17 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris
Galignani the most historic
The Galignani family history dates back to 1520 in Venice. But it was in Paris, in 1801, that the first bookshop opened. In 1856, the booksellers and their books moved to rue de Rivoli, not far from WH Smith, also under the arcades. Although the Galignani bookshop is not exclusively Anglo-Saxon, the majority of its books are written in the language of Shakespeare. And anything not on the shelves can be ordered. Yes, everything. In the past, Galignani has even counted Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway among its customers.
📍224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris