Shakespeare and Company

Paris, FR

Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company
Location
Paris, FR
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
48.8525, 2.34694444
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Shakespeare and Company, situated on the Left Bank of Paris directly facing Notre Dame Cathedral, stands as a renowned independent English-language bookstore established by George Whitman in 1951. Originally named 'Le Mistral,' it was rechristened in 1964 as a tribute to Sylvia Beach's original iconic bookstore, which had served as a hub for literary modernists. This establishment is more than just a retail space; it functions as a cultural institution and a haven for writers and readers alike. Visitors exploring places to visit in Paris often seek out this unique locale for its rich literary history, its distinctive ambiance, and its extensive collection of new and used books. The store's enduring legacy is built upon its philosophy of hospitality, offering aspiring writers a place to sleep among the shelves in exchange for help around the shop and a commitment to reading a book daily. A visit offers a tangible connection to generations of literary figures and provides a quiet, intellectual escape from the bustling city, making it a quintessential experience for anyone considering what to do in the Latin Quarter.

General information

Shakespeare and Company, situated on the Left Bank of Paris directly facing Notre Dame Cathedral, stands as a renowned independent English-language bookstore established by George Whitman in 1951. Originally named 'Le Mistral,' it was rechristened in 1964 as a tribute to Sylvia Beach's original iconic bookstore, which had served as a hub for literary modernists. This establishment is more than just a retail space; it functions as a cultural institution and a haven for writers and readers alike. Visitors exploring places to visit in Paris often seek out this unique locale for its rich literary history, its distinctive ambiance, and its extensive collection of new and used books. The store's enduring legacy is built upon its philosophy of hospitality, offering aspiring writers a place to sleep among the shelves in exchange for help around the shop and a commitment to reading a book daily. A visit offers a tangible connection to generations of literary figures and provides a quiet, intellectual escape from the bustling city, making it a quintessential experience for anyone considering what to do in the Latin Quarter.

Did you know

  • The current Shakespeare and Company is the second bookstore of that name in Paris; the first, founded by Sylvia Beach, published James Joyce's 'Ulysses'.
  • Founder George Whitman referred to the aspiring writers who stayed at the bookstore as 'tumbleweeds,' estimating over 30,000 have passed through its doors since 1951.
  • The bookstore has been featured in several films, including Richard Linklater's 'Before Sunset' (2004) and Woody Allen's 'Midnight in Paris' (2011).
  • George Whitman was awarded the Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2006 for his contributions to literature.

History

The history of Shakespeare and Company is bifurcated, beginning with Sylvia Beach's original bookstore, which operated from 1919 to 1941 and was a central meeting point for literary modernists like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. George Whitman opened his own English-language bookstore, initially named 'Le Mistral,' in 1951 at its current location. In 1964, on the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth, Whitman renamed his establishment 'Shakespeare and Company' as a direct homage to Beach's influential venture. This act cemented its identity as a successor and spiritual inheritor of the earlier literary tradition, continuing to serve as a nexus for expatriate writers and intellectuals.

Cultural significance

Shakespeare and Company holds profound cultural significance as a living testament to Paris's enduring literary heritage. It has served as a sanctuary and meeting place for generations of writers, including members of the Beat Generation such as Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. The bookstore's unique 'tumbleweed' program, offering free lodging to aspiring writers in exchange for work and a promise to read, embodies its commitment to fostering literary creation. This philosophy has cultivated a distinct bohemian and intellectual atmosphere, making it a revered institution that transcends its commercial function to become a symbol of literary community, intellectual freedom, and the romantic ideal of the struggling artist in Paris.

Geography and landscape

Shakespeare and Company is strategically located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) of the Seine River in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Its immediate surroundings are characterized by the historic Latin Quarter, known for its universities, intellectual life, and narrow, winding streets. Crucially, the bookstore offers a direct, picturesque view of the Notre Dame Cathedral across the Seine, placing it at the heart of one of Paris's most iconic and culturally rich areas. The proximity to the river and major historical landmarks contributes significantly to its romantic and timeless appeal.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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