Paris. Back to Shakespeare and Co.

Easter Monday is very much like any other Monday in Paris.  It is the day of the week on which many shops are closed.  We decided it would be a good day to return to Shakespeare and Co. to pick up a few books.  The Metro took us to Boulevard Michel on the Seine from where one is treated to magnificent views of Notre Dame and the booksellers on the banks of the river.

Notre Dame and book stalls

Shakespeare and Co. is a marvellous place. It is an English language bookstore with both old and new books, but it is more than that, it is an institution.  It has rooms set aside for people to type in and there is a piano for occasional concerts.  Upstairs there is a large library where one can sit and read undisturbed except for the tourists with their cameras.

Shakespeare and Company

One of the work areas

Books and Music

Entrance to the "library"

After purchasing a few books we went just next door to a cafe for coffee.  Once again, amazing views of Notre Dame and coffee served in a bowl - true Parisien breakfast style.

Coffee

We walked through the little streets and alleys in the area passing the many inexpensive restaurants in this student area.

rue du chat qui peche

Restaurants

3 courses for 9 euros

Arriving back at the Boulevard Saint-Michel, we caught a bus back to Montmartre. Part of the trip back was on the Line 27  bus which took us from Place Saint-Michel along the banks of the Seine with all its marvellous views of the Louvre, crossing the river the bus proceeded past the Palais-Royal and comédie française up the Avenue de l'Opera and on to the Gare Saint Lazare.

After lunch and some reading, we thought it would be nice to go up to the Butte to "people watch" while we had a glass of wine.  We sat in the shade, drank our wine, and listened to an accordionist.  Again wonderful views of the square, the painters and the Sacre Coeur.

Accordionist at the Butte