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  • Shakespeare and Company, bookshop in Paris, France
    Provided by: mana5280/Unsplash

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

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Europe France Paris Shopping Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company

The guide was updated:
Shakespeare and Company can feel a bit cramped these days, thanks to the steady stream of tourists squeezing into the tiny shop, but it’s still absolutely worth a visit. Above the reading room entrance, the words ‘Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise’ capture the spirit here, alongside its founding motto: ‘Give what you can; take what you need.’ Since opening in 1951, this legendary bookshop has hosted young writers and artists in exchange for help around the shop, with an estimated 30,000 people spending nights on beds tucked between the bookshelves. You don’t have to stay overnight to soak in the atmosphere; the welcoming public reading room is a quiet oasis amid the city’s buzz. In 2016, the shop published its own history, with contributions from the likes of Allen Ginsberg, Jim Morrison, and Ethan Hawke.

Useful Information

Digital Travel Guide Download

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is an upscale French department store chain with more than 50 locations in France as well as in Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai and Doha. Its flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann is a Paris institution, and its art nouveau glass dome alone is a showstopper. Alongside the big names in fashion and cosmetics, you’ll find Europe’s largest men’s department, a contemporary art gallery, plenty of cafés, and a rooftop terrace with one of the best free views in the city.
Bookable
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The Bouquinistes Along the Seine

The Bouquinistes Along the Seine

One of the most charming ways to spend time in Paris is wandering along the Seine, where the Bouquinistes set up their iconic green stalls. These book sellers offer everything from secondhand books and vintage posters to antiques and quirky souvenirs. The rows of stalls hugging the riverbank create a nostalgic vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else — perfect for book lovers and anyone who enjoys hunting for unique finds right in the heart of the city.
Read more
Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company can feel a bit cramped these days, thanks to the steady stream of tourists squeezing into the tiny shop, but it’s still absolutely worth a visit. Above the reading room entrance, the words ‘Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise’ capture the spirit here, alongside its founding motto: ‘Give what you can; take what you need.’ Since opening in 1951, this legendary bookshop has hosted young writers and artists in exchange for help around the shop, with an estimated 30,000 people spending nights on beds tucked between the bookshelves. You don’t have to stay overnight to soak in the atmosphere; the welcoming public reading room is a quiet oasis amid the city’s buzz. In 2016, the shop published its own history, with contributions from the likes of Allen Ginsberg, Jim Morrison, and Ethan Hawke.
Read more
Printemps Haussmann

Printemps Haussmann

Printemps is a significant player in Paris shopping — a bit quieter than its rival, Galeries Lafayette, but just as impressive, especially if you're into fashion and beauty. It’s got seven floors packed with everything from everyday brands to high-end names like Gucci and Chanel. Just like Galeries Lafayette, don’t miss the top floor: the stained-glass dome is stunning, and there’s a café where you can enjoy one of the best views over Paris — no ticket needed.
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Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées is a charming and historic thoroughfare, famous worldwide for its upscale shopping options. The long avenue is lined with a mix of high-end and flagship stores from renowned French and international brands. You’ll find Cartier, Dior, Guerlain, and Louis Vuitton, along with malls like Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées and Galerie des Champs. For something more casual, there’s Zara and a large Sephora for beauty lovers. But Champs-Élysées isn’t just about shopping — cafés, theatres, and a buzzing atmosphere make it a classic Paris experience.
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Westfield Forum des Halles

Westfield Forum des Halles

Located in the heart of Paris between the Louvre and Notre Dame, Westfield Forum des Halles is a vast underground shopping centre on the former site of the historic Les Halles market. It offers a diverse range of trendy shops, international brands, and independent boutiques. Beyond shopping, visitors can catch a movie, dine at various restaurants and bars, or explore nearby streets, such as Rue Montorgueil, known for its bustling food markets and cafés, and Rue Quincampoix, home to quirky boutiques and art galleries.
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