The choice of holiday reading is wide in France thanks to Paris' famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore near Notre Dame.

Established in 1951 by the now legendary American-born George Whitman, it spans three floors crammed full of classics, best sellers, non-fiction, travel guides and magazines.

The sheer range of titles available, as well as its messy charm, have made the shop one of the most popular European book retailers in the world.

Notoriety grew further when it featured in the hit movie Before Sunset, starring local beauty Julie Delphy and Ethan Hawke as her short-lived love interest.

Shakespeare and Company is located in the 5th arrondissement on the left bank of the River Seine.

It also doubles up as makeshift accommodation for struggling writers who are visiting the city. Those too poor to make a donation towards their board can compensate by helping out on the shop floor for a few hours the next day.