Head here to hang out after exploring the Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame de Paris is one of the world’s most famous cathedrals, and it’s easy to see why once you visit!
Located smack dab in the center of Paris, Notre Dame is one of the oldest structures in the city, with its construction dating back to 1163, and coming to completion more than 150 years later in 1345. The Ile de la Cité, the island where you find the cathedral, is the original island that made up Paris when it was founded by the Romans in 52 BC.
Victor Hugo made the church even more famous with his novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The book is definitely worth the read, if you’re looking for something to add to your lists!
Enter the church for free, and if your feeling ambitious and want to see a great view of the city, climb the south tower for 10 euros!
Enough with the history stuff (if you’re interested in learning more with us, why not book our Paris Along the Seine tour? Use the discount code NDCAFE and save 5 euros per person per ticket)! Have you just used up all of your energy taking in all of the beauty that Notre Dame has to offer? Keep reading to learn about the 5 best cafés near the cathedral!
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1. Au Bougnat
This is a lovely little upscale bistro we all love here at Sight Seeker’s, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Notre Dame (one of the rare exceptions to the ’get out of touristy areas for good eats’ rule!).
Traditional French dishes are all made completely in-house, and the menu daily depending on what the chef gets at the market. 2-course meal for 27 euros.
26 rue Chanoinesse 75004
Open: Non-stop service every day 12pm-10pm
01 43 54 50 74
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2. Le Vent d’Armor
Image: gillespudlowski.comThis restaurant will please anyone who loves fish and seafood. Options for starters include staples such as fresh oysters and fish soup. Mains have unique and ingenious dishes like lobster cassoulet (cassoulet is typically a sausage-heavy dish, so this is a wonderful lighter alternative that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the city!), fresh caught fish with champagne sauce, and more.
As someone who grew up on the seaside, this seafood haven was an excellent discovery!
It’s truly a gastronomic sea experience and is reasonably priced at about 60 euros per person. Note that this restaurant specifies a nicer dress code – this is pretty rare in Paris, but there you go! Generally this means no gym shoes, flip flops, shorts, or t-shirts. Try button-down shirts and dark jeans or slacks, skirts, or dress.
25 Quai de la Tournelle 75005
Open : M-Sa noon-2pm, 7 :30-10pm
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3. Pain d’Epices
Image: tripadvisor.comThis cute and homey restaurant/tea salon is open for lunch and dinner and is a great address for a traditional meal in the city center. The menu nearly always has fish, beef, and poultry options give everyone an option! You’ll see traditional French favorites like steak frites and duck breast, but the menu is varied and also includes things like fish and chips, and burgers. (Parisians absolutely LOVE burgers…so do I!). Main dishes 15-20 euros.
12 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004
Open: every day noon-4pm, 7-9pm
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4. Le Comptoir du 5ème
A tiny, local restaurant recommended to us by a food-writer client. She loved it! The food is great, servers are friendly, and best of all it’s close to Notre Dame. I came here for a dinner with friends and it was really a cozy and yummy experience. Main dishes around 18 euros.
1 rue des Grands Degrés 75005
Open : Every day noon-10:30pm, non stop
001 43 29 38 49
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5. Cafe Panis
Image: flickr.comThis place is Karen’s go-to cafe stop before her Seine tours – it’s just across the river from Notre Dame! The café fare is typical and good, and the servers are quite friendly. This is a great place to stop if you want a decent lunch before getting right back into sight-seeing, but aren’t about to get all “Foodie”! Main dishes around 15 euros.
21 Quai Montebello 75005
Open: every day 8am-1pm (non-stop)
01 43 54 19 71
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CONCLUSION
Head to any of these spots and I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself. Any of these options are great for grabbing a quick coffee or tea, if that’s more your speed too!
As always, let us know in the comments below if I’ve forgotten one of your favorite places!
Want more ideas for restaurants in other areas of Paris?
Don’t worry, we can help you out!
Whether you’re in the Marais, strolling through Montmartre checking out Notre Dame, or walking along the Seine, or exploring Pere Lachaise cemetery, we’ve got your back!
Special thanks to Claire Thomas for her major part in writing this article. Claire worked and wrote for Sight Seeker’s Delight for 7 years – read more here.
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