English Bookshops in Paris France

There are over 40 English bookshops in Paris, each with it's own character. Some deal in secondhand books, some exchange books, others are strictly new books, and others act as English libraries, lending books out.

Among the most popular are Galignani, the oldest in Europe, in the rue de Rivoli,  Tuileries at 224 rue de Rivoli Metro, and Berkeley in Rue Casimir Delavigne for rare or antique books. There is a WH Smith on rue Rivoli but I presume that if you have come all the way to Paris you would prefer a store with a little Parisian flair. There is also The Village Voice where there are weekly author's appearances, and more of a community feel. For a list of all the English bookstores in Paris go to this address.

The most famous English bookshop in Paris is Shakespeare&co. It spreads over 2 floors and has a reading area, café and a writer's room. Browsing is encouraged as are literary discussions. The store was established in 1951, and is still run by the same family, but the history of the shop is a much more complicated plot.

The store has always encouraged budding writers, including many famous authors who frequented the store. There is a writer's room, and writers without means can sleep on mattresses in amongst the books, so long as they read a book a day. The place buzzes with energy, and the atmosphere is one of greatness in the making, as literary aficionados excitedly thrive on this academic haven. The store also offers workshops, author readings, a biannual book festival and there is a café attached. You can find Shakespeare & co at  37 rue de la Bûcherie.

I absolutely love to curl up with a good book and a cuppa, especially if it is in a bookshop with some character. At "Tea&Tattered Pages" a second-hand English book shop you will be spoilt for "character". Take the time to find this haven which is tucked away, and you will be glad you made the effort. A visit to this store will also get you away from the tourist sights. 

Their books are reasonably priced, and cover a range of fiction and non-fiction subjects. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and you will be made welcome and even offered English scones, tea and carrot cake in the small tea room at the back. Like any English house there is a resident feline that suns himself on the store windowsill.

There is a bookstore of the same name in the USA so if you read up about it on the net make sure you have the right one.

Where: Go to http://www.teaandtatteredpages.com/loc.html for a map of the store's location at 24 rue Mayet in the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Getting there:The closest Metro is Duroc, or Falguiere. From Duroc Metro walk along Rue de Sevres, in the opposite direction to the one way traffic, and Rue Mayet is on your right. Alternatively take buses 28, 39, 70, 82, 87, 89, 92.

Open Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-19:00 and Sun Noon-18:00