Shakespeare and Company Café
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
Sunday: 12:00 – 19:00
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 – 20:00
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00
Nestled right next to the world-famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore on the Left Bank of the Seine, Shakespeare and Company Café seamlessly blends the rich aroma of coffee with a deep literary atmosphere. Whether you are looking to cozy up with a book or enjoy a picturesque view of Parisian street life, this charming café offers an unforgettable experience.
Café Highlights & Menu Favorites
Signature Drinks: The café serves rich flat whites that are especially comforting on chilly days, alongside beautifully latticed lattes.
Delicious Eats: Highly recommended items include peanut butter or classic overnight oats, broccoli and fennel soup, and grilled butter-cheese mushroom sandwiches.
Sweet Treats: Pair your coffee with a scone served with clotted cream and jam, a cinnamon roll, or a pecan pie.
Ambiance: Though cozy and compact, the interior features rustic bookshelf styling, great background music, and friendly vibes shared among locals, travelers, and warm strangers alike.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
Situated directly on the Seine in the historic Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement), Shakespeare and Company Café is surrounded by some of Paris’s most iconic Gothic landmarks, historic islands, and vibrant neighborhoods:
Notre-Dame Cathedral (3-minute walk): Located just across the Pont au Double bridge on the Île de la Cité, this magnificent masterpiece of French Gothic architecture offers iconic views along the river.
Île Saint-Louis (5-minute walk): Cross over to the tranquil neighboring island on the Seine, famous for its elegant 17th-century architecture, quiet residential streets, and the original Berthillon ice cream shop.
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie (8-minute walk): A short walk across the island brings you to Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its breathtaking 13th-century stained glass windows, and the historic medieval royal palace turned prison.
The Latin Quarter & Panthéon (10-minute walk): Stroll up the winding medieval streets of the 5th Arrondissement past Sorbonne University to reach the grand Panthéon, the final resting place of France’s legendary historical figures.
Cluny Museum / National Museum of the Middle Ages (6-minute walk): Explore centuries of medieval art, including the famous "The Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries, housed inside Gallo-Roman baths and a medieval mansion.
Visitor Tips
Arrive Early: Get there early to snag one of the sought-after indoor tables and potentially catch a street musician playing saxophone across the street.
Pair with the Bookstore: Combine your café visit with a trip next door to the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore, but note that photography is strictly prohibited inside the bookshop.
Outdoor Seating: If the indoor space is too crowded, grab a takeaway coffee or sit at the outdoor wooden benches to soak in the lively Left Bank atmosphere.