Paris is an absolute dream for book lovers. Parisians are obsessed with reading, and there are actually over 700 bookstores in the city. Even if your French is limited to bonjour and merci, there’s no need to worry, Paris has some FANTASTIC English-language bookshops. And honestly, what better souvenir than a book set in Paris that you bought in Paris? From the city’s oldest bookshop to cozy, lesser-known gems, here are the best English bookshops in Paris to wander through during your trip.
Image Courtesy of Shakespeare and Company via Facebook
Shakespeare and Company
Even if it’s a bit over-hyped, no book lover’s Paris guide is complete without this iconic spot. The “original” Shakespeare & Co. was opened in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, a few blocks from here on rue de l’Odéon, which quickly became the hangout for 1920s expat writers.
The current shop has its own story. Opened by George Whitman in 1951, it was first called Le Mistral before he renamed it Shakespeare and Company in 1964 (with Sylvia Beach’s blessing). It’s now run by his daughter, also called Sylvia, who added the café next door. Yes, it gets crowded, but it’s still worth visiting. To avoid the line, show up right at 10 am when it opens, or pop by in the early evening when most tourists have already come and gone.
Shakespeare and Company | 5th Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Abbey Bookshop via Facebook
Abbey Bookshop
Hidden away in the Latin Quarter, just a stone’s throw from Shakespeare & Co., and on the walking route of Day 2 of our Paris Itinerary, this quirky little spot is a treasure hunt waiting to happen. Run by Canadian Brian Spence, the shop is a maze of books, towering stacks of them, so be prepared to shimmy and squeeze your way through, and that’s totally part of the fun. You’ll find both new and used reads, and if you need a boost, they’ll hand you a free cup of “Canadian coffee” (loaded with maple syrup). It’s perfect if you want cozy book vibes without crowds.
Abbey Bookshop | 5th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of San Francisco Books
San Francisco Books
On the hunt for bargain second-hand books? San Francisco Books has been in the game since 1997 and is packed with good deals. It’s also not far from where the original Shakespeare & Company once stood. The whole area is sprinkled with charming French bookstores, so even if your French is rusty, it’s worth poking your head into some of them while you’re over here.
San Francisco Books | 6th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Red Wheelbarrow Books via Instagram
The Red Wheelbarrow
Right across from the Luxembourg Gardens, this cheery Canadian-owned bookshop is the kind of place where you walk in for one book and leave with four. Their shelves stretch across two nearby shops—one for adults, one for kids. Pick up a good read and find yourself a nice shady bench over in the Luxembourg Gardens to start reading. They also host frequent author events, so check their website to see what’s on while you’re in town.
Red Wheelbarrow | 6th Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Galignani via Facebook
Galignani
If your book-buying fantasy includes elegant wooden bookshelves and a dash of old-world glamour, this is your spot. Facing the Tuileries Gardens, Galignani is actually the oldest bookstore in Paris, opened all the way back in 1801. While not exclusively English, it has a big selection of English books, especially gorgeous art books, coffee-table titles, and classic reads.
Galignani | 1st Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Smith & Sons via Facebook
Smiths & Sons
Just a short stroll from Galignani, this spacious British bookshop has everything. One of the best English bookshops in Paris, it’s a good fit if you want to browse a big collection of books in a tidy and organized space. In addition to a HUGE range, they stock international magazines, quirky British gifts, and even have a sweet little tea room upstairs. They also have a smaller branch in the Marais, if that’s more convenient for you.
Smiths & Sons | 1st and 4th Arrondissements
Image Courtesy of Librairie Jousseaume via Facebook
Librairie Jousseaume
This adorable bookshop doesn’t look like it’s changed at all since it opened back in 1826. It’s got a wonderful location too, tucked at the end of the Galerie Vivienne, a gorgeous covered shopping arcade along the walking route of Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary. Run by the same family for three generations, it really feels like you’re stepping back in time. Most of the books inside are in French, but don’t miss the bargain bins out front – some are packed with English titles.
Librairie Jousseaume | 2nd Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of La Mouette Rieuse via Instagram
La Mouette Rieuse
I’m including this one at the end because, technically, it’s a bookstore, but you might want to come here for other things rather than books. This bookshop-concept store in the Marais has some cool English books on Paris, but it also has some fun Paris-themed notebooks, postcards, and other treasures. Included on Day 3 of our Paris Itinerary, there’s a nice café in the back, and the smaller Smith & Sons is just around the corner, so it makes a perfect browsing combo in the area.
La Mouette Rieuse | 3rd Arrondissement | WA
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