Shakespeare And Company, Paris

Before Sunset

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First learned of this place in the Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke Trilogy - Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013). Located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie across Notre Dame Cathedral. The original Shakespeare and Company was founded by Sylvia Beach in 1919 and closed in 1941 in the midst of the second world war. American George Whitman opened this store in 1951 originally named Le Mistral. In 1964, he changed to the present name in tribute to Sylvia Beach and on the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth. On his passing in 2011, his daughter Sylvia Whitman took over the running of the bookstore. 

A lovely place to walk back in time, without haste, exploring interesting stories and history as time stands still. 

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I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.

Hafiz of Shiraz (1325 ~ 1390)