Visit iconic Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Paris, France • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug
16°C – 25°C, july is one of the warmest months in paris, with temperatures ranging from 15, high crowds, peak season
16°C – 25°C, july is one of the warmest months in paris, with temperatures ranging from 15, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Limited accessibility; stairs present; seating available.
Limited accessibility; stairs present; seating available.
Value for money
High
Free entry, unique experience, and lasting memories.
Free entry, unique experience, and lasting memories.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Ambiance
Couples found the historic charm and cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic afternoon.
Literary Haven
Travelers loved browsing the shelves together, finding hidden literary treasures.
Unique Experience
Visitors felt it was a special place to share a quiet moment, away from the crowds.
Overcrowded Space
Couples mentioned the small space made it hard to browse comfortably together.
Strict No
The no-photo policy disappointed those hoping to capture memories together.
Long Wait
Couples reported sometimes waiting in line, which cut into their time.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Explore a traveler's visit to Shakespeare and Company in this video.
Discover the highlights of the iconic Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.
A glimpse inside Shakespeare and Company, a beloved retreat for book lovers.
The iconic green façade of Shakespeare and Company, a sanctuary of words and wisdom.
A glimpse inside Shakespeare and Company, a beloved retreat for book lovers.
The iconic green façade of Shakespeare and Company, a sanctuary of words and wisdom.
A glimpse inside Shakespeare and Company, a beloved retreat for book lovers.
The iconic green façade of Shakespeare and Company, a sanctuary of words and wisdom.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
4-7°C
December is cold, with average highs of 6.8°C and lows of 3.6°C. Rainfall averages 45.7 mm, and the city is adorned with festive lights and decorations.
December is cold, with average highs of 6.8°C and lows of 3.6°C. Rainfall averages 45.7 mm, and the city is adorned with festive lights and decorations.
Open
No significant restrictions; the bookstore operates as usual.
No significant restrictions; the bookstore operates as usual.
Recommended
December offers a festive atmosphere at Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential holiday crowds. It's advisable to check for any special holiday events or closures.
December offers a festive atmosphere at Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential holiday crowds. It's advisable to check for any special holiday events or closures.
January
LOW
2-6°C
January in Paris is cold, with average temperatures ranging from 1.8°C to 5.9°C. Snowfall is rare but possible, and the city experiences around 14 days of precipitation, totaling approximately 46 mm of rainfall.
January in Paris is cold, with average temperatures ranging from 1.8°C to 5.9°C. Snowfall is rare but possible, and the city experiences around 14 days of precipitation, totaling approximately 46 mm of rainfall.
Open
No specific restrictions; however, it's advisable to check for any holiday closures or reduced hours.
No specific restrictions; however, it's advisable to check for any holiday closures or reduced hours.
Recommended
Visiting Shakespeare and Company in January offers a tranquil experience with fewer tourists. The colder weather makes it ideal for indoor activities, and the bookstore provides a cozy retreat from the winter chill.
Visiting Shakespeare and Company in January offers a tranquil experience with fewer tourists. The colder weather makes it ideal for indoor activities, and the bookstore provides a cozy retreat from the winter chill.
February
LOW
3-7°C
February sees slightly milder temperatures than January, with averages between 2.7°C and 7.2°C. Rainfall is common, with about 13 days of precipitation totaling around 51 mm.
February sees slightly milder temperatures than January, with averages between 2.7°C and 7.2°C. Rainfall is common, with about 13 days of precipitation totaling around 51 mm.
Open
No specific restrictions; verify operating hours, especially around Valentine's Day events.
No specific restrictions; verify operating hours, especially around Valentine's Day events.
Recommended
February offers a calm environment to explore Shakespeare and Company. The weather remains cool, so dressing warmly is recommended. The bookstore's ambiance is perfect for escaping the winter weather.
February offers a calm environment to explore Shakespeare and Company. The weather remains cool, so dressing warmly is recommended. The bookstore's ambiance is perfect for escaping the winter weather.
March
MEDIUM
3-8°C
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures ranging from 2.8°C to 8.3°C. Rainfall decreases slightly, with about 14 days of precipitation totaling approximately 41.2 mm.
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures ranging from 2.8°C to 8.3°C. Rainfall decreases slightly, with about 14 days of precipitation totaling approximately 41.2 mm.
Open
No specific restrictions; consider checking for any early spring events that might affect operating hours.
No specific restrictions; consider checking for any early spring events that might affect operating hours.
Recommended
March offers a balance between cooler weather and increasing daylight, making it a pleasant time to visit Shakespeare and Company. The emerging spring atmosphere adds to the charm of the area.
March offers a balance between cooler weather and increasing daylight, making it a pleasant time to visit Shakespeare and Company. The emerging spring atmosphere adds to the charm of the area.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Numerous bus lines (21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 63, 72, 74, 75, 76, 84, 85, 86, 87, 96) have stops near Shakespeare and Company, with key stops including Petit Pont and Saint-Michel - Saint-Germain.
Metro
Recommended
The nearest metro stations are Saint-Michel (Line 4) and Cluny - La Sorbonne (Line 10), both a short walk from the bookstore.
Walking
Recommended
Walking is a pleasant option, especially from nearby landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, along the Quai de Montebello.
Bike
Bike lanes and rental services are available for cyclists to reach the bookstore.
Boat
The Batobus river shuttle service has a stop at Notre-Dame, a short walk from the bookstore.
Car
Driving is possible, but street parking is limited. Public parking garages like Parking Saint-Michel are available.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop off passengers on Rue de la Bûcherie or nearby streets.
Train
RER lines B and C stop at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station, a one-minute walk from the bookstore.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required