Paris' Independent Bookshops
Centuries of intellectual heritage have shaped the legacy of French literature and culture, uniquely celebrated in the numerous bookstores scattered across Paris. These charming literary havens capture the essence of the city; alluring and captivating. While mostly steeped in French traditions, Paris also nurtures vibrant spaces for independent English-language bookstores to flourish as well. These bookshops serve as more than physical and historical spaces but also as spaces that embody the verging of literary worlds for readers, writers, and enthusiasts.
This is the heart of literary heritage — a testament to cultural reflection and society’s enduring passion for words, kept alive in sanctuaries like these.
The inspiration behind this bookstore’s name lies in the beloved poem The Red Wheelbarrow by Willam Carlos Williams, reflecting the store’s deep dedication to poetry.
"So much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens."
Founded by Penelope Fletcher, the bookstore specializes in works from independent and international publishers. Originally located at separate sites, The Red Wheelbarrow now thrives as two adjacent shops in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Next to the main store lies The Red Balloon, a space dedicated to bilingual children’s books. Here, young readers are invited to nurture their curiosity and love for stories.
Nestled near the Luxembourg Gardens, the bookstore has its own enchanting love story: a couple who frequented the shop celebrated both their engagement and intimate wedding reception there. The proposal was planned with the help of the store’s owner and staff. The engagement ring, hidden in a hollowed-out book on the couple's favorite shelf, set the stage for a heartfelt "yes," making the bookstore a lasting part of their relationship.
Among the bookstore’s recent arrivals is All You Can Ever Know (2024) by Nicole Chung, a memoir exploring childhood, family, and the secrets that shape us. Another noteworthy addition is Michael Lewis’s The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (2021), praised by critics as "riveting and propulsive," is a gripping account of the COVID-19 pandemic and the CDC’s response.
San Francisco Books Co. (1997)
Near the Sorbonne, San Francisco Books Co. was founded by expatriate and bibliophile Philippe Guedj. The shop boasts an eclectic and meticulously curated collection of classic and contemporary English-language works.
Its charm even inspired a murder mystery novel, Death on Rue Monsieur le Prince by Chloe Ramsey. A frequent visitor of the store during her research, Ramsey captured the store’s shadowy corners, dust-laden bookshelves, and air of intrigue with remarkable accuracy in her later work. The staff, years later, were delighted to discover their bookstore had become the backdrop for the novel’s crime scene, complete with vivid depictions of its ambiance and the surrounding 5th arrondissement. Specializing in second-hand books, San Francisco Books Co. also showcases rare and exquisitely covered editions on its Instagram, offering a glimpse into literary treasures that are seldom seen in circulation today.
Among the latest arrivals at San Francisco Books Co. is The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird (1973), a fascinating exploration of plant phenomena, including their ability to communicate and their potential sentience. The book also highlights progressive farming philosophies, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the natural world. Another notable addition is a rare 1970 manuscript of Tarantula by Robert Zimmerman, a.k.a. Bob Dylan. This book, previously owned by Michael Neal, features stream-of-consciousness poetry and prose, providing fans with a deeper connection to the influential poet and singer, as well as insight into his creative mind.
Tucked behind a picturesque arched doorway, which was once the entrance of the 18th-century Hôtel Dubuisson, lies The Abbey Bookshop, a treasure trove of used and new books. Inside, intricate bookshelves and towering stacks create a maze-like charm, offering over 43,000 (and counting) English titles, thanks to generous donations.
The shop is maintained by its founder, Brian Spence, who traveled from Canada to bring this remarkable collection to a broader audience. Despite its tight-fit space, the store offers a wide array of sections, including plays, current affairs, new and noteworthy titles, and books in various languages such as Italian, German, French, and Chinese. The Abbey’s walls are famously lined with books reaching ceiling heights and stacked in every corner, ensuring a find for any literary hunt.
Among the notable authors on its shelves are Haruki Murakami, the acclaimed Japanese writer known for exploring themes of alienation, detachment, and the search for meaning, often leaving readers with lingering mysteries in works like Pinball, 1973 (1980) and Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki (2013). Another standout is Dutch author Jente Posthuma, whose novel What I'd Rather Not Think About (2020), translated by Sarah Timmer Harvey, delves into the story of twin siblings. Through the lens of grief, mental health, and the passage of time, readers are drawn into the unnamed narrator’s life, forever altered by loss.
Shakespeare and Company (1951)
Right across the river from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is one of Paris’s most iconic bookstores. Founded by American expat George Whitman, it is celebrated for its rich collection of classic English literature and its cozy on-site café. A destination beloved by both locals and tourists, this corner shop invites visitors to linger for hours, exploring its treasures. Beyond being a bookstore, it serves as a cultural hub, hosting readings, book launches, and even book festivals.
Shakespeare and Co. boasts a storied history intertwined with literary legends. Ernest Hemingway, for example, is said to have kept a "secret shelf" here, reserving his favorite titles, including works by James Joyce. In times of financial struggle, Hemingway and other emerging writers were generously allowed to borrow books freely — a symbol of nicety and trust that helped shape many voices of literary genius. Today, the bookstore remains an enduring symbol of creativity and culture in Paris.
Recent arrivals include Juice by Tim Winton, a short story exploring themes of growing up and inner conflict, part of his collection The Turning. Another delightful addition is What I Ate in One Year (and Related Thoughts) (2024) by Stanley Tucci, a charming account of twelve months of meals — whether enjoyed solo, with strangers, or among friends — that captures the joy of shared and personal culinary experiences.
In 2020, the renowned bookstore previously known as WHSmith reclaimed its independence, once again becoming a cherished English bookstore in Paris. It offers a quintessentially British experience, complete with a café-restaurant upstairs serving classic teas and hearty fare. The café also transforms into a vibrant spot for piano nights on Fridays.
Adding to its charm, the store features a grocery section stocked with British products and snacks. One of its standout attractions is its extensive magazine department, boasting one of the largest selections of international fashion magazines in Paris.
Among the recent highlights on its bookshelves is Annihilation (2022) by Michel Houellebecq, a gripping metaphysical mystery that weaves together themes of espionage, nihilism, and romanticism while exposing the ironies of politics. Another notable addition is Want (2024) by Gillian Anderson, a bold and candid novel where women from across the globe share anonymous reflections on sex, shame, and desire, exploring liberation through their unfiltered voices.
Book lovers feel right at home in Paris, where the city’s bookstores nurture vibrant communities that beautifully blend French and English literary cultures. Every visit to these bookshops is a new experience, each one thoughtfully curating inviting spaces to linger, discover, and enjoy the world of new and used books.
