The 5 Best Places to Write in Paris

The 5 Best Places to Write in Paris

Ernest Hemingway... Oscar Wilde... Victor Hugo... Many famous writers have used Paris as their muse. Here's a list of the 10 best places to write in Paris, so that you can follow in their footsteps.

I've lived in Paris for the past 4 years, and in that time, I've found plenty of hidden gems to open my laptop and start writing. 

Whether you're a journalist, a content writer, a novelist—or you just want to get some decent journalling in—check out these stunning locations to get a fresh spark of inspiration.

1. La Salle Ovale

Best places to write in Paris: La Salle Ovale

With 160 work stations available, and 20,000 books that anyone can access, 'La Salle Ovale' at the BNF Richelieu library is a dream writing space. It even has a 9000-strong comic book section, complete with comfy sofas and chairs to unwind.

But best of all are the desks, complete with vintage headlamps and plenty of charging ports, where anyone can set up with their laptop and work in the peace. However, be warned, places fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive at 09:55 to grab your spot.

2. Le Peloton Café

Best places to write in Paris: Le Peloton Café

Le Peloton Café is a space that thrives on "coffee, cycling, and community." It's also a cosy, open workspace, where anyone can open a laptop and enjoy chatting with the local clientele.

If you're looking for a lively, welcoming place to make some new friends and write with a delicious coffee next to you, then you'll love Le Peloton. (Plus, you can make the most of its bicycle tours if you need to stretch your legs later!)

3. Shakespeare & Company Café

Best places to write in Paris: Shakespeare & Company

Next to the renowned bookshop, and sitting on the banks of the Seine, the Shakespeare and Company Café has an unobstructed view of the Notre Dame cathedral. Inside, you can enjoy a whole range of hot drinks and baked goods.

If you're looking for a classic, cosy café with literary roots, then this is the best writing spot for you. However, just bear in mind it can get quite busy with tourists, so it's worth showing up early to claim your table.

4. Bibliothèque Mazarine

Best places to write in Paris: Bibliothèque Mazarine

Founded 350 years ago, the Bibliothèque Mazarine is France's oldest public library—and still accessible for most of the week. You can get a temporary pass for 5 days to try out the reading room, where 140 seats are available, and then pay €15 for the year (a bargain).

If you're looking for a Hogwarts-style library that's steeped in history for your writing space, then look no further. Plus, if you're a member, you can access ancient heritage manuscripts to inspire your work.

5. Prêt à Manger Marbeuf

Best places to write in Paris: Prêt à Manger Marbeuf
  • Address: 15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
  • Opening times: Weekdays 07:30—19:00 / Saturdays 08:30—19:00 / Sundays 09:00—19:00
  • Cost: Coffees start at €2.50

Granted, this is not an independent establishment—but it's a very beautiful one! I recently started my Prêt à Manger subscription (€25 per month for 5x free drinks a day), and I discovered this hidden gem on Rue Marbeuf. 

Once you head upstairs, there's a stunning coworking space that's practically empty in the mornings, and you have your choice of comfy seats and standing tables to get some words in. And there are some gorgeous window views of the Parisian streets below for you to daydream.

Over to you

Hopefully you enjoyed reading this article on the best places to write in Paris. There's something about a change of air that can get the words flowing, so try out these different locations and see which one works the best for you.

And of course, let me know if you have any other suggestions, and we can grow this master list together. In the meantime, happy writing!

About the author

Megan Bouton is a British writer based in Paris. She works as a freelance content marketer and author via her business The Paris Writer. To keep in touch, you can join the monthly newsletter to get insider tips and insights into what it looks like to be a writer in 2024.

Best places to write in Paris: Megan Bouton