Paris Books

Shakespeare and Co., 37 rue de la Bûcherie (☎01 43 25 40 93; www.shakespeareco.org), Shakespeare and Co. is an absolutely lovable English-language bookshop and miniature socialist utopia. Scenes from the film Before Sunset were shot here. Allegedly, the owners allow passing “tumbleweeds” to sleep for free, provided they volunteer in the shop and read a book a day. An adjacent storefront holds an impressive colleciton of first editions, with empahsis on the Beat Generation. Bargain bins outside include French classics translated into English. Open M-F 10am-11pm, Sa-Su 11am-11pm. Takes credit cards.
Abbey Bookshop, 29 rue de la Parcheminerie (☎01 46 33 16 24; www.abbeybookshop.net), Clear your afternoon; if you're going to to Abbey Bookshop, you'll need the time. Set in a back alley, you'll need a few minutes to get used to the sheer number of books surrounding you. With a collection that includes everything from Why Sex is Fun, to Bin Laden: Behind the Mask of a Terrorist, this Canadian-owned shop probably has what you're looking for, and if not they'll order it for you. Plus they carry T Let's Go—they've obviously got the right idea. Books in English and other langauges available. Open M-Sa 10am-7pm. Does not take credit cards.
Lady Long Solo, 38 rue Keller (☎09 52 73 81 53; ladylongsolo.com), An odd assortment of counter-cultural books that includes communist pamphlets and guides to the wonders of medical marijuana. Basically, where the druggies who decide to write books sell them. Hours unreliable at best. Pamphlets advocating for the legalization of pota lying about. Books as low as €2. Open M,Tu 11am-4pm, W 2-8pm, Th,F,Sa 11am-4pm. Sometimes Sunday. Does not take credit cards.
Les Mots à la Bouche, 6 rue Ste-Croix de la Bretonnerie 01 42 78 88 30 (www.motsbouche.com), A two-story bookstore offering mostly queer literature, photography, magazines, and art, with everything from Proust to guides on lesbian lovemaking. The international DVD collection is somewhat hidden in the corner of the bottom level (€10-€28); titles range from artistic to pornographic. Also a small English section. Takes credit cards.
L'Harmattan, 16, 21 bis, 24 rue des Ecoles 01 40 46 79 10 or 01 40 46 79 14 (www.librarieharmattan.com), You might not immediately recognize that you're in a bookstore when you walk into L'Harmattan. With maps of different countries on the walls, and books from all over the world, it has a War Room feel to it that might make you want to talk military strategy. Takes credit cards.
Le Manoeuvre, 58 rue de la Roquette Paris 01 47 00 79 70 A small French-language bookstore stacked with international literature on translation, from Central European to North African. Takes credit cards.
The Village Voice, 6 rue Princesse 01 46 33 36 47 (www.villagevoicebookshop.com), When The Village Voice opened in 1982, the narrow streets of this neighborhood were still lined with 16th- and 17th-century homes. Named both as a tribute to the local artistic community and to the New York publication, the Village Voice's guest lecturers have included John Ashbery, Margaret Atwood, and David Sedaris. Takes credit cards.
Gibert Jeune, 5 pl. St-Michel 01 56 81 22 (www.gibertjeune.fr), If you're studying abroad in Paris this is probably where you'll want to buy your textbooks—Gibert Jeune carries over 300,000 titles. The selection is organized by academic subject—we were particular fans of their social sciences section. By the time you're through shopping here, you'll be set to look like a real savant parisien. Plus it's air conditioned, which can be a welcome change from the heat of a Parisian summer. Takes credit cards. Has air conditioning.
San Francisco Book Co., 17 rue Monsieur le Prince 01 43 29 15 70 (www.sanfranciscobooksofparis.com), San Francisco Book Co. certainly has a laid back Cali feel to it. Selling everything from trashy English crime lit to the classics like Chaucer and Flaubert, San Francisco Book Co. has things under control. Takes credit cards.