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Paris is the city of love and art. Many famous authors have lived there. They wrote their masterpieces and then shared them with their colleagues and their pupils. A lot of cafes, libraries, and other literary spots in Paris were the venues where they used to meet daily to eat, work and discuss their ideas. Though a lot of time has passed, their spirit still lives in all of them.
If you are a passionate book lover, you should definitely check our top 6 literary spots in Paris. Even more so if you’re also a writer and need the perfect location to find some inspiration. What’s better than the places where some of the most famous authors in history have passed and left their mark?
1. Shakespeare and Company
Let’s begin with a great classic. If you’re a book lover it’s very likely you’ve already heard of this very popular library. Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookstore that first opened way back in 1951. It was founded by George Whitman who gave it its current name in 1964, on the 400th birthday of the great English author. Moreover, the place quickly became a very popular meeting spot for writers and passionate readers, leading to the place you can visit nowadays. You can find it right across Notre Dame! Check out its timeless style, its book catalog, and the calendar to find out about the weekly free literary events you may want to attend. You can’t leave Paris without visiting this bookish paradise first!
2. The Bouquinistes
Another traditional choice among the literary spots in Paris are the Bouquinistes. You can also find them for more than 3 kilometers by the bank of the River Seine and in front of the Notre-Dame cathedral. The Bouquinistes are a series of booths that sell second-hand books as well as souvenirs. They’ve been there for more than 150 years – they’re a beautiful part of Parisian history. Just imagine yourself strolling through the heart of Paris by the Seine and then stopping at these stalls to check out antique books, smell their pages, maybe find a beautiful old edition of your favorite classic.
You will feel like you’re the main character from a movie, getting lost in the beauty of Paris and daydreaming while distractingly checking out books, vintage pictures, comics, records, and souvenirs. Perfect choice for an afternoon walk on a sunny day.
3. Café de Flore
Let’s move on to the famous restaurants and cafes that were regularly visited by some renowned authors. Café de Flore has supposedly been around since 1887 and since then many writers, artists, and philosophers have been there at least once and brought their ideas to light. You should stop there to drink a coffee and immerse yourself in the suggestive atmosphere. Apollinaire, Pascal, Picasso, Roman Polanski, Brigitte Bardo, Givenchy, Paco Rabanne, and many others have stopped by the cafe. Go there and get inspired by the place, and maybe meet some fellow writers and book lovers!
4. Literary spots in Paris: La Closerie des Lilas
Our next recommendation is a really special one. You definitely should stop by even just to take a look at it from the outside. So, go to 171 boulevards du Montparnasse and find a stunning vintage Parisian style. Choose if you want to grab a table outside or enjoy the view from the beautiful interiors. So much history has been made here! It is even said that it was here that Francis Scott Fitzgerald in person gave his manuscript of The Great Gatsby to Ernest Hemingway. It was also here that Marcel Duchamp and other artists shared his modern ideas about art and explored the currents of dadaism, cubism, surrealism, and postimpressionism.
You can go there from breakfast time until late at night for a drink, and sometimes even find some good live music. The menu also offers vegetarian-friendly options. This refined place will charm you with its suggestive style and unmatched history.
5. Bar Hemingway
Moreover, here is another good classic. Go to the Ritz Hotel and find the Bar Hemingway, founded in 1898 and originally known as the Petite Bar. They later changed the name of the café in 1979 to dedicate it to this author, who was a regular client. There you’ll be welcomed by a cozy atmosphere, a great vintage style, and beautiful decorations. It also features an old-fashioned typewriter which you could use to take some very good pictures. Pretend to be a writer from another time working to your next best-selling novel. You should definitely try to go there for a drink starting from 6 PM. It’s a great spot to meet new people and have a great time while enjoying the beauty of a place so full of history and art.
6. Literary spots in Paris: Café de la Paix
― Oscar Wilde
And finally, we must mention this other literary spot in Paris which is a true gem. It was founded way back in 1862. It hosted great figures such as Guy de Maupassant, Victor Hugo, Ernest Hemingway, and Emile Zola. Oscar Wilde used to come here as well during his stays in the city. The Irish writer loved Paris. He took inspiration from it, was in love there, visited many cultural environments. He met many fellow authors and even spent the last days of his life at Paris’ Hôtel d’Alsace.
You will find it right next to the famous Palais Garnier. So you could come here after a fancy night at the opera, or even just for a cup of tea or a coffee. Admire its stunning interiors and location. Travel to the past and sit at the tables of the very same place where other great minds have been years and years ago.
