Searching for English bookshops in Paris to add to your Paris bucket list? Discover all the best English bookstores in Paris in this post! Paris has been an inspiration to so many incredible authors. From novels, to short stories, to coffee table books, to the classics, there is something for everyone. All of these Paris bookshops sell books in English. Stop by to browse or pick up a couple of books as Paris souvenirs. I highly recommend visiting an English bookstore in Paris during your trip! Love literature? Take the Paris Writers and Painters Guided Tour!
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The Best English Bookshops in Paris You Need to Know About
Shakespeare & Company
Address : 37 rue de la Bûcherie 75005 Paris
History, piano and beds upstairs for travellers at Shakespeare & Company. The cutest kids section with classics, newer kids books and the sweetest little reading nook. Vintage typewriter where traveling writers could work on their tomes when they were visiting Paris. A dedicated part of the bookshop offer rare vintage finds and first, second and third editions of well known and more obscure books in English. (I have my eye on a few first editions of some of Hemingway’s works.) Second hand books for very reduced prices outside the front of the bookstore.
Shakespeare & Company also organizes all kinds of author events, such as book readings with famous Anglophone authors.
To make you Shakepeare & Co. purchase extra special, ask them to stamp your book. They stamps both new and used books with their fabulous stamp with features Shakespeare’s head!
Smith & Son Paris (Formerly WH Smith)
Address : 248 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Smith & Son Paris is an English language bookstore in Paris with the sweetest English tearoom. They have a wide selection of books in English for adults, teenagers and kids.
They also sell English gifts such as wool scarves, journals, notebooks, school supplies and even British candy and teas.
Brentano’s
Address : 37 Avenue de l’opera 75002 Paris
Brentano’s offers a collection of treasures, ranging from hardcover coffee table books in English, to planners and agendas in English, to Parisian Christmas tree ornaments (year round), journals, postcards and other unique Parisian souvenirs.
The beautiful bookstore was founded in America and the Paris branch was opened in 1895.
There is something for every English-speaking, Paris lover here. Since I first moved to Paris, this has been one of my favorite bookstores in Paris.
The Abbey Bookshop
Address : 29 rue de la Parcheminerie 75005 Paris
The Abbey Bookshop is a little gem in the Latin Quarter. It is a must-visit English language bookstore in Paris. Founded in 1989 by Canadian book lover, Brian Spence.
It was the city’s first English/Candian bookstore and has 40,000+ books on offer.
Librairie Galignani
Address : 224 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Librairie Galignani is just down the street, under the arches along the rue Rivoli from WH Smith. This bookstore is an absolute gem. You can find all kinds of beautiful, chic, coffee table books to bring home as a fabulous souvenir from your time in Paris. You can also find softcover books (old and new). This is one of the best bookstores in Paris.
The Red Wheelbarrow
Address : 9 rue de Medecis 75006 Paris
The Red Wheelbarrow is an independent bookstore on the Left Bank of Paris opposite the Luxembourg Gardens. They just launched a bilingual English and French children’s bookstore as well.
San Francisco Book Company
Address : 17 rue Monsieur le Prince 75006 Paris
Founded in 1997, the San Francisco Book Company is an English language bookshop near Odéon exclusively selling used books. They will also special order books that are out of print or hard to find.
Taschen
Address : 2 rue de Buci 75006 Paris
Located on the rue de Buci in the 6th arrondissement, Taschen Paris was Taschen’s first store. Visit to see the beautiful space designed by the legendary French architect and designer, Philippe Starck and the gorgeous coffee table books.
English Bookstores in Paris Map
More Fun Things to Do in Paris
- 50+ Paris Travel Tips from a Local Couple
- 10 Non Touristy Things to Do in Paris
- Don’t Miss These Cafes in Paris!
- High Tea in Paris
Memorable Activities in Paris You Will Love
We have included affiliate links in this post for your convenience. You can read our disclosures here. Thanks for supporting A Hedgehog in the Kitchen!
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Louvre
- Paris Dinner Cruise on the Seine
- Take a Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower
- Explore Versailles as a Day Trip from Paris
- Seine Cruise with Music
Where to stay in Paris
- Hotel du Louvre – this hotel is perfectly located across the street from the Palais Royal and steps away from the Louvre and the Tuileries.
- Maison Souquet – a luxury hotel in the 9th arrondissement housed in a maison particulière from the 1800s. (Their bar is stellar too!)
- Maison Proust – a gorgeous new hotel in Paris that also has an absolutely dreamy La Mer spa!
- Hotel Parister – a more affordable stay in the trendy 9th arrondissement.
- Hotel Delavigne – an affordable option centrally located in the 6th arrondissement near Odéon.
- Hotel La Comtesse – 4-star hotel with Eiffel Tower views from all the rooms!
English Language Bookstores in Paris
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First published June 3, 2022. Last updated October 8, 2023 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.
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