Timeline
07:45
Arrive at the west portal of Notre-Dame de Paris the moment it opens. Since queues can be long, being there at 07:45 gives you the best chance to enter the quiet, early morning atmosphere before the tour groups arrive.
08:30
Walk three minutes across the bridge to Shakespeare and Co. Browse the eccentric, rambling floors of this historic bookstore. Note that it opens at 12:00, so for a morning plan, this step is better suited for an afternoon return. Instead, skip to the next step which is open earlier.
08:35
Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II
Head to the Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II on the north side of the Ile de la Cité. Open from 08:00, this bustling flower market is the perfect early stop. Browse the exotic tropical plants and fresh blooms in the cool morning air.
09:15
Walk two minutes to Le Grenier de Notre Dame for lunch. This vegetarian-friendly restaurant is just around the corner from the cathedral. The staff are English-speaking and friendly, making it an easy spot to sit and recharge after your walk.
10:15
Return to Notre-Dame de Paris for a second look. With the morning rush gone, you can explore the interior more deeply. The cathedral is open until 18:45, so you have plenty of time to absorb the Gothic architecture and the history of the site.
Local tip
Notre-Dame de Paris is free but booking is recommended as queues can be long. Arriving right at opening time (07:45) is your best strategy to avoid the wait.
Check before you go
- Notre-Dame de Paris opens at 07:45 daily.
- Shakespeare and Co. is open from 12:00, so if you prefer to visit the bookstore, plan for the afternoon.
- Le Grenier de Notre Dame is open 12:00-23:00 on weekdays and 09:00-23:00 on weekends.
- The flower market is open 08:00-19:30 daily.
Worth knowing
- Le Grenier de Notre Dame is open at 09:15 only on Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Paris (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).