Timeline
15:49
Find your spot at Eglise Saint-Étienne-du-Mont. The church faces west, perfectly aligned to catch the morning sun as it breaks over the skyline. Arrive early to secure a quiet corner inside or on the steps.
16:29
Watch the golden light hit the façade. The sun sets toward the WSW, meaning the morning light illuminates the front of the church and the surrounding square in a warm, early glow.
16:49
Walk 11 minutes to Shakespeare and Co. It opens at 12:00, so arrive early to browse the eccentric stacks of new and second-hand books while waiting for the lunch rush. The three rambling floors are packed with literary history.
17:14
Head to Le Grenier de Notre Dame for a late morning snack. This vegetarian restaurant opens at 09:00 on weekends and 12:00 on weekdays. Given the 08:38 start time, if you are visiting on a weekend, you can grab a vegan item or light meal immediately after your bookstore browse. If on a weekday, wait until 12:00 or choose The Bombardier (open 12:00) for a quick coffee nearby.
Local tip
The walk from the church to the bookshop is short and atmospheric, passing through the heart of the Latin Quarter. If you visit on a weekday, remember that Le Grenier de Notre Dame opens at noon, so plan your bookstore visit to bridge the gap.
Check before you go
- Shakespeare and Co. is cash only.
- Le Grenier de Notre Dame is open Mo-Fr 12:00-23:00 and Sa-Su 09:00-23:00.
- The Bombardier is open daily 12:00-02:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Paris (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).