Please do not feed Aggie the cat

You can't feed Aggie, because she may get sick if you do. But you can feed your soul, if you go visit Aggie.

I first met Aggie in the late summer of 2021. Aggie lives in a bookstore. But it wasn't until later that I realized what an amazing place it was.

Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookshop in the heart of Paris. In fact, exactly at kilometer zero. Point zero is a particular location from which traveled distances are traditionally measured and the French one is facing the main entrance of Notre Dame. Right next to the bookstore, on Rue de la Bûcherie in the 5th arrondissement. They even have it printed on their merch.

So Aggie lives happily in the heart of Paris, next to Notre Dame, in one of the most famous and cute bookstores in the world. When I first walked in, I didn't know it at all. I didn't even realize how lucky I was that day when not a single foot was inside (except for Aggie and the pianist, who filled the entire building with a pleasant melody), or that I wasn't even standing in line to be let in. It was a weekday. And there are few tourists on a weekday.

Aggie was sitting on the 1st floor gallery, not far from "her sign". Of course, I didn't feed her as instructed, just petted her. But despite the instructions, I took a picture. Of the sign. Aggie has escaped in the meantime – probably to sue, because taking pictures is prohibited here. But I couldn't resist. I've never been to a more beautiful bookstore.

Shakespeare and Company was opened in 1951 and has several floors and small rooms that basically separate book genres. There's a room for fantasy, poetry, comics, classic literature, etc. On the first floor there's a gallery with a view of the bookshop, a piano place, and a couple of corners to sit - in armchairs or on the carpets and cushions like in a tea room. You can rest for a while, think, and feed your soul.

I created this bookstore like a man would write a novel, building each room like a chapter, and I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations. George Whitman, the bookseller

The bookstore even offers a haven for travelers in exchange for a few hours of daily work in the bookstore. This is a tradition started by founder George Whitman and continues today, out of respect for his legacy. Almost like the freelance artists' squat "Le 59 Rivoli", but more about that next time...

The bookstore hosts author meetings, readings, and events that connect books with other forms of art – painting, for example. And right next door is the little café Shakespeare and Company, which is a blend of anglo-style sweets and french patisserie. With uninterrupted views over Notre Dame, it's the perfect place to dream away an afternoon with a good book.

Voilà. Are you on your way?

For me, Shakespeare and Company will forever be a "must have" stop on my annual visit to Paris. I'll go there again. And again. And one day, maybe I won't even have to leave.

Meow.

With love, Vi. ❤︎