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France/Things to Do in Paris, with kids

Shakespeare and Company (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Shakespeare and Company?

62%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: Older children can hunt for English picture books and attend occasional story hours, making the visit educational and fun. Narrow stairs, no stroller room and no play area demand close supervision.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 23,949 reviews)
How I spent my birthday in Paris! 🇫🇷 Shakespeare & Company - Before Sunset Bookstore Scene Location
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How I spent my birthday in Paris! 🇫🇷 Shakespeare & Company - Before Sunset Bookstore Scene Location
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Positives:

  • Free Reading Activities: Children’s section and occasional story sessions are free.
  • Souvenir Keepsakes: Book stamping and wrapping make memorable gifts.

Challenges:

  • Limited Space: Narrow aisles and tight staircases make strollers and large bags difficult.
  • Brief Visit: Recommended duration is under an hour to match kids’ attention spans.
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🏖️ Explore Shakespeare and Company with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Shakespeare and Company. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Shakespeare and Company?

  • An iconic English-language bookstore on Paris’s Left Bank of the Seine, established in 1951
  • Home to a curated selection of new and secondhand titles displayed in bohemian, book-lined interiors
  • A cultural landmark overlooking Notre-Dame de Paris and sustaining a legacy of avant-garde literary publishing

What is so special about Shakespeare and Company for with kids?

  1. Located on the Seine with views of Notre-Dame
  2. Free English children’s book section upstairs
  3. Seasonal story sessions engage young readers
  4. Quick café snacks for recharging
  5. Iconic book stamping and gift wrapping

Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 hour

Why 0.5-1 hour visit duration is ideal for with kids: Short visits fit young children’s attention spans and cover key spots.

(View Shakespeare and Company on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Shakespeare and Company

Children’s Section:

Browse picture books and young-adult titles in English.

Tip: Let each child pick one book as a souvenir.

Literary Scavenger Hunt:

Join a guided treasure walk around the Latin Quarter.

Tip: Book in advance to secure a family slot (€40 per family).

Book Stamping:

Get the Shakespeare and Company logo stamped on any purchase.

Tip: Ask for free gift wrapping to keep pages safe.

Photo Spot:

Pose in front of the green façade with Notre-Dame across the Seine.

Tip: Visit at opening time for clear shots without crowds.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shakespeare and Company

  1. Arrive Early: Beat crowds by visiting right at opening time.
  2. Check Events Calendar: Look online for children’s story hours before your visit.
  3. Use Baby Carriers: Carry toddlers in wraps since strollers aren’t allowed.
🏖️ Tour Shakespeare and Company like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Shakespeare and Company. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Shakespeare and Company

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Off to see the World

Off to see the World

Sep 2025

We love this book store! It has so much character, so much charm and magic. You can’t take pictures inside so it’s definitely worth seeing for yourself! They have a great selection of books and just a great souvenir when visiting Paris. The kids section is also very charming. Lots of nooks to sit and read. So if you want a rest while touring, this is a great spot. There will be a line to get i...

Breanna Johnston

Breanna Johnston

Sep 2025

Walked a ways from our hotel to be able to check out this book store and we were glad we did. Don’t let the longer line scare you off, we found it moved quite efficiently and I appreciated how the staff limited the number of people in at a time to improve shopper experience, so I’m okay to wait in exchange for not getting pushed around inside. The store was well stocked and organized and the readi...

Wei-Chieh Tai

Wei-Chieh Tai

Sep 2025

I could only spend sadly 15 minutes in the store, but being surrounded by all the books and the franchise was magical. The interior wasn't very spacious, and photography was forbidden, just to make sure all customers could enjoy the sea of knowledge and the lovely atmosphere.

Mostafa Saad

Mostafa Saad

Jul 2025

I love coming here when I visit Paris. Shakespeare and Company is a truly beautiful bookstore with a great selection of books across many genres, and it feels so cozy and homey as you navigate the bookstore. It's never a surprise to see a line outside, and the short wait is always worth it. The only negative I'd say is that the sociopolitical books are biased towards liberalism, without any conser...

Alborz

Alborz

Jun 2025

Taking photos inside the store is prohibited, this is a very famous bookstore in Paris. I liked the fact that they had an eclectic selection of english language books in stock, the prices are a little high, so you could order the same books for cheaper on amazon. If you enjoy the in person experience of buying books in store, this is the place for you. I would say their collection isn’t complete a...

When is the best time to visit Shakespeare and Company (Paris, France)?

Summer weekends may host free story sessions for younger kids—check the events calendar. Winters and weekdays are quieter for browsing.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Paris on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Guided scavenger huntEUR 40
Café snacks for 4EUR 20
Souvenir booksEUR 40
Total EstimatedEUR 100

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Shakespeare and Company

Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

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About Shakespeare and Company

Opening Hours

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 – 9:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday:12:00 – 7:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+33 1 43 25 40 93

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