There are bookshops… and then there’s Shakespeare and Company – a vibrant tribute to literature, history, and cultural connection which I had the joy of visiting this week.

Given that Shakespeare and Company champions English-language books from around the world – in Paris, the heart of France – it aligns perfectly with the ethos of Mixed Heritage Press. It is a place where stories from different cultures sit side by side – just how we like it here.

As someone who’s not only passionate about books but also deeply involved in book publishing, my focus was less on finding a specific title and more on the browsing experience. I love studying book covers, reading blurbs, and simply soaking in the atmosphere… This bookstore is the sort of place where you can feel the spirit of the book – something digital bookstores could never replicate.

Touching the covers, breathing in the smell of paper, and knowing that this shop has such a rich legacy – over 100 years! – made the experience all the more meaningful. Seeing the faces of writers from a range of cultural and historical backgrounds on its walls – from Virginia Woolf to James Baldwin and Maya Angelou, among many others – made me take notice.

As it is located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, right by the Seine, my walk to the shop took me past Notre-Dame Cathedral, which only added to the anticipation. Paris is such a special city – and although I’ve visited many times, I find myself appreciating its beauty more and more with age.

But back to Shakespeare and Company and its bohemian cultural blend – an American free-spirited icon in the heart of France, founded by George Whitman, a book-loving immigrant from the United States who made Paris his home. It doesn’t get much more mixed heritage than that. The shop feels a little ancient – in the best possible way – with its creaking wooden floors and timeworn bookshelves, as well as old typewriters proudly on display, including one that reminded me of my grandmother’s – a bit worn, but appreciated all the same.

The only downside? The crowd. It’s peak summer in Paris, and the city was swarming with tourists – many of whom were queuing to get into Shakespeare and Company at the same time I was there. So yes, the shop felt a little too busy for my liking. That said, I wouldn’t mind returning in winter, when Paris settles into a quieter, more local rhythm.

I can imagine coming back to the shop, finding a quiet corner in one of its upper rooms with the perfect book in hand, getting completely lost in the story – the shop itself becoming the ideal backdrop. And of course, I’d almost certainly write about it afterwards – a kind of full-circle moment.

As evident from the queues outside, the bookshop’s reputation clearly precedes it. Again, Shakespeare and Company proves to be one of those rare places that keep the true spirit of the book alive in our digital age. I hope paperbacks never fully go out of fashion, and that language fusions and global storytelling traditions thrive…

Finally, this iconic bookstore has its own publishing imprint, reportedly producing anthologies and limited editions – something we truly appreciate here at Mixed Heritage Press.

On this note, do you have a story that needs telling?

We specialise in supporting diverse voices and powerful personal narratives as they find their place in the world. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your book to the next level, we offer editing, publishing, and consultation services tailored to your unique journey.

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions on our homepage to learn more, or get in touch here.

Let’s bring your story to life – beautifully and authentically.

Because stories that matter deserve to be read.

Monika

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like: Poetry in Motion: My Reflective Walk Through Bordeaux – another story in another French city. A reflective blend of travel, poetry, and cultural identity, set against the soulful backdrop of Bordeaux.