8 Must-Visit English Bookstores in Paris

English bookstores in Paris, you say? Oh, yes! If you’re a lover of English-language literature, then you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding great bookstores in Paris.

From independent stores to international chains, there are plenty of places where you can find both new and used books in English.

And as an added extra, many of the English bookstores in Paris are absolutely gorgeous. Here is a list of some of the best English bookstores in Paris, each with its unique charm and character.

Bookstores that have been around for centuries, some that are hidden away in secret corners, and others that are famous internationally.

The most charming English Bookstores in Paris

Here’s for you a list of the 7 most iconic English bookstores in Paris that are sure to delight any literature lover.

#1 Shakespeare & Company

37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

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#2 The Abbey Bookstore

29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris

The Abbey Bookstore is another great option for English bookstores in Paris and is located not too far from Shakespeare & Company. This independent bookstore, run by a Canadian, specializes in second-hand books and has an impressive collection of both fiction and non-fiction titles.

But even though the books are used, you find tons of newly published titles as well. The bookstore opened in the 1990s and quickly became Paris’ second most famous English bookstore.

The tiny store is filled to the brim with books, so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon browsing. You might even find yourself stumbling upon a rare edition or two.

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#3 The Red Wheelbarrow

 9 – 11 rue de Medicis , 75006 Paris

The Red Wheelbarrow is a small independent English-language bookstore located in the Quartier Latin neighborhood of Paris, not far from the Jardin du Luxembourg. The store specializes in English-language books of all sorts and genres with a focus on classic and contemporary literature, but also poetry, history, and politics.

If you are looking for an English bookstore in Paris for children’s books, The Red Wheelbarrow is a great option as well. They opened a second store recently, specializing in children’s books, with an extensive collection of both fiction and non-fiction books for kids of all ages.

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#4 Taschen

2 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris

If you are looking for Coffee Table Books or Art Books in English, Taschen is the place to go. This large bookstore, with locations around the world, specializes in books on art, fashion, design, and photography. The Paris location is no different, and you can find a wonderful selection of beautiful books, collectibles, rare editions, and gifts.

While Taschen is not your typical English bookstore in Paris, it is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the arts. They also have books in German and French.

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#5 Smith & Son Paris (formerly WHSmith)

248 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Smith & Son Paris is another international chain that has several branches in the city. The store specializes in English-language books, as well as stationery and other office supplies. It’s located on Rue Rivoli just across from the Tuileries Garden.

This English bookstore in Paris is a great option if you are seeking books on business, travel, or self-improvement as they have an extensive selection in these genres. They also carry a wide range of English-language magazines and newspapers. So if you are planning to spend a relaxed afternoon reading in the park, this is the place to go to stock up on reading material.

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#6 San Francisco Book Company

17 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris

San Francisco Book Company specializes in second-hand books and is a great place to find bargains. The store is located on the Left Bank in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and is only a short walk from the Seine River.

In case you’re looking for a reading spot! But it’s also only 10 minutes from Shakespeare & Company and The Abby Bookstores if you want to make a day of it and visit multiple English bookstores in Paris.

San Francisco Book Company has been around since 1997 and is one of the newer English bookstores in Paris. You can’t miss it, its red facade sticks out!

#7 Librairie Galignan

224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Librairie Galignani is probably the oldest English bookstore in Paris, having been founded in 1801. The family Glaignani comes from a long line of Italian publishers, starting in the early 16th century when the printing press was freshly invented.

Roughly 200 years later, Giovanni Antonio Galignani opened a bookstore in Paris, that included a reading room specialized in the English language. They even pride themselves on being the first English bookstore on the continent!

Today, the Libraries Galignani kept its focus on English literature, stock however as well as French language books.

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#8 Brentano’s

37 Av. de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris

Brentano’s is one of the English language bookstores in Paris that belong to a chain of bookstores but one with a long history. Brentano was founded back in New York in 1853 by August Brentano, it expanded to Paris in 1895. It is with Galignani the oldest English bookstore still in activity in Paris.

The bookstore had to close in the early 2000s due to financial trouble but after an agreement with investors, a library with the same name was opened at the same location. Today, it’s a bookstore that is stocking all sorts of genres of English literature, but also souvenirs and gifts.

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Voilà, the prettiest English Bookstores in Paris to be added to your agenda. Enjoy!

FAQ English Bookstore in Paris