Nov 4th, 2015, 02:48 PM

Quaint English-Speaking Bookstores in Paris

By Melusine Ruspoli
Image credit: Flickr/Jose Juan Luque
Don't know French? No need to worry thanks to these amazing English-speaking bookstores.

What’s more charming than aimlessly wandering through ceiling high aisles stacked with hundreds of books? Particularly catered to non-French readers, Paris is home to several English bookstores that are sure to cater to all readers.

1. Shakespeare and Company


Interior of Shakespeare and Co. Image credit: Flickr/Alexandre Duret-Lutz

Shakespeare and Company is one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world, with writers like Allen Ginsberg, Henry Miller, and others frequenting its rustic and cozy location across the Seine. It feels like you’re the star of your own personal indie movie as you rummage through the perfectly messy and endless aisles of books, careful to avoid the dozens of other strangers equally in awe. Couches and armchairs welcome you to sit and read your new favorite book. Be sure to explore the upstairs area and check out the fantastic view of the Seine and Notre Dame from the window. Fair warning: the books (new and used) are on the pricier side.

Location: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Hours: Daily 10 am - 11 pm
Price Range: $$$

2. Berkeley Books


Image credit: Flickr/Thomas Boasgaard

About a 10 minutes walk from Shakespeare and Co, Berkeley Books of Paris is another bookstore which serves English-speakers. Berkeley Books specializes in used books, particularly in the fields of philosophy, history, and poetry. The shop is similarly crammed with books in every nook and cranny, but it’s much smaller than Shakespeare and Co. A benefit of this store is that it’s less busy than Shakespeare and Co, and you don’t have to constantly maneuver around obnoxious tourists snapping photos. If you’re looking to sell your textbooks at the end of the year, Berkeley Books also buys new and used books.

Location: 8 Rue Casimir Delavigne, 75006 Paris
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11 am - 8 pm; Sunday 2 pm - 7 pm
Price Range: $$

3. San Francisco Books

 


Image Credit: Flickr/GioMagPhotographer

Down the street from Berkeley Books lies San Francisco Books, which is more conventional in its appearance, but has a wide selection of books from sci-fi to romance. The shop also specializes in high quality used books at reasonable prices. The area surrounding both bookstores is very lively, with cafes, bars, and restaurants. Go on a rainy day, buy a few books, then enjoy them them with a latte in the cozy cafes lining the streets.  

Location: 17 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11 am - 9 am; Sunday 2 pm - 7:30 pm
Price Range: $

4. Abbey Bookshop


Interior of Abbey Bookshop. Image credit: Flickr/craigfinlay

Abbey Bookshop is yet another endearing store tucked in a corner of the Latin Quarter. The lovely Canadian owner offers free coffee and tea on chilly days and can help you find every book you’ve ever wanted, or if it’s not in stock he’ll gladly order it. Again, this store is not for the claustrophobic, because the walls are lined with books from top to bottom.

Location: 29 rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 7 pm; closed Sundays
Price Range: $$

You’ll never get bored if you stop by these bookstores where books and conversation run freely. Grab a book or two and hang around to talk to the owners or other expats; you’re sure to learn something interesting!