Shakespeare and Company

With cameo appearances in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris and Richard Linklater's Before Sunset, Shakespeare and Company is arguably the most iconic bookshop in the French capital. The building, a 17th century ex-monastery has become a landmark in the 5th arrondissement. Apart from being a bookstore, it also serves as a haven where aspiring writers can stay for free - Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin have both been guests in the past. Originally established in 1919 by an American called Sylvia Beach, fellow expatriate George Whitman took over after Beach's death in 1951. Crane.tv meets with Whitman's daughter, Sylvia to hear about the future of this historical, literary gem. Address: 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005, Paris. www.shakespeareandcompany.com

[@slavojjoshu5518]

I met Sylvia when she was a little one, when I was resident in 1991. Her father George was scared of winters by then, but would still get about on his scooter, use newspaper for kitchen towels, and make life hell for us all, grumpy cat that he was. He had heart and was deeply genuine, and could see through phonies in a twinkling. He'd make oatmeal pancakes early on Sunday mornings. Lemon and sugar, syrup and jam. Next door was the antiquarian bookshop - full of precious tomes. One evening, when we (the tumbleweeds) were making too much merry, I was left in charge but forgot to close up, and left the priceless books available to anyone wandering past who might try the door. Thankfully nobody did, and I kept my head on my shoulders. George was a great teacher, embodied the spirit of independence, romanticism, hard work and no-bullshit. Wherever his toes took him after he died, I hope he's found a corner to read from.

[@MultiFinlayson]

I remember Sylvia as a young girl of five or six when I lived in the bookshop in 1986, never stopped travelling after that and never stopped collecting books either, that bookshop will always stay in my heart and guide me through my life....thanks George

[@robertimmanuel577]

You're a writer?

[@MultiFinlayson]

@@robertimmanuel577 Not a creative writer, but I made a full-time living for 23 years as a travel writer for Lonely Planet which was fascinating. So more of a journalist - but the inspiration to do that all came from this shop...!

[@dramamadramama6157]

she looks like an actress❤

[@aliennetwork3751]

Amazing bookshop...how lucky to get lost in it for a day.

[@rialimpe]

She was named after Syvia Beach, the owner of the original bookshop.

[@papabakabon]

She's beautiful 😄

[@joachimsaxer4812]

When the French were on the sea. But ours is the omphalos.

[@towaritch]

Old man George was notoriously grumpy.