France remains one of the countries where reading is still highly valued, and it's no surprise to see people enjoying a good book while strolling through the Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg. A study from 2015 revealed that only 15% of the French population claimed not to read, and in a city like Paris—essentially an open book—the multitude of both old and new bookstores only reinforces the French passion for culture and literature. Whether they are famous central establishments or charming neighborhood shops, their allure is enhanced by the beautiful buildings that house them.
If you’re a book lover, wandering through a story like Paris makes it impossible not to stop at a few bookstores. Often, during my travels, alongside edible souvenirs, I enjoy bringing home some literary mementos to cherish upon my return and to prolong the atmosphere of the places I’ve visited. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through three Parisian bookstores where I’ve particularly enjoyed stopping (or more than once).
SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY
Paradoxically, one of the most famous bookstores in the world is actually a shop that sells books in English. This is because, during the interwar period, Shakespeare & Company became a true meeting place for foreign writers and poets living in the French capital, including notable figures such as Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Anaïs Nin, Richard Wright, Julio Cortázar, and Henry Miller.
The bookstore was founded by an American named George Whitman, originally opening in 1951 under the name Le Mistral. The name was changed in 1964 in honor of the original Shakespeare & Company, which was established in 1919 and located on Rue de l’Odéon. Sylvia Beach, the librarian whom George Whitman admired greatly, had previously gathered literary talents such as Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Eliot, and Pound at her bookstore, and Whitman sought to carry on the spirit of Shakespeare & Co.
He successfully did so, as over the years, the bookstore has evolved into more than just a place to sell books; it has created a genuine community. Tourists from around the world, literary enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and simple dreamers flock here daily to explore the bookstore's magical space and enjoy reading at the nearby café—just as Whitman envisioned. He once said, "I created this bookstore like a man would write a novel, building each room like a chapter, and I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations."
George Whitman passed away in 2011 at the age of 98, a testament to how the wonderful world of books allowed him to live a long and fulfilling life. The spirit of Shakespeare & Co. continues to thrive under the stewardship of his daughter, Sylvia. Since that year, the bookstore has also organized the Paris Literary Prize, offering unpublished writers a chance to debut their work.
A true cultural symbol, Shakespeare & Company appears in many films, including Midnight in Paris, by Woody Allen.
GIBERT JEUNE and GIBERT JOSEPH
In fact, while Gibert Jeune and Gibert Joseph may seem like entirely different entities at first glance, they are closely connected. I found myself asking the same question the first time I encountered them, and upon researching their history, I discovered that this is indeed the case.
Gibert Jeune is essentially the fulfilled dream of a literature professor from St. Etienne who came to Paris to become a bookseller along the banks of the Seine. In 1886, he successfully opened his own bookstore in the Boulevard St. Michel area. However, in 1915, after Joseph Gibert passed away and his two sons took over the thriving business, disagreements and differing visions emerged. One of the sons opened a new bookstore named Gibert Joseph, while the other retained the historic store under the name Gibert Jeune.
In a positive turn of events, I learned that this year the family has begun discussions about an administrative reunion of the two brands, which can only bode well. You can't pass by Gibert Jeune without stopping to rummage through the boxes posted outside. Whether it's literature, practical books, cookbooks, or travel guides, you'll find them in perfect or near-perfect condition, resold at the price of a coffee. It's no wonder that the bookstore quickly became a hub of interest for local students.
Inside, new titles are harmoniously lined up, waiting for their buyers—of course, I was particularly impressed by the area dedicated to gastronomy books. However, my heart remained outside, among the discount book boxes, waiting to be discovered and taken home.
LIBRARIE GOURMANDE
If you are passionate about gastronomy, a visit to this bookstore is a must. Located on Rue Montmartre since 1985, this entire bookstore, organized over two floors, is dedicated to culinary and oenological books. Whether you are a professional in the field or a simple enthusiast who finds joy in spending time in the kitchen, a stop at the Gourmet Bookstore will make you want to get lost among the books and never leave. The decor, thoughtfully designed to match the overall concept of the place, contributes to the ambiance, while the young and friendly booksellers make you feel right at home.
And perhaps the most famous and oldest bookstore in Paris is located along the banks of the Seine, where the bouquinistes and their stalls line up, no walls, doors, or sections: an open-air bookstore with the most beautiful view, brimming with poetry.
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