Where to Go Next Near Notre-Dame

Having followed Notre-Dame's footsteps through the centuries, you have seen how the cathedral has weathered countless hardships and is still alive and breathing beside us today. To carry that feeling on and make the rest of your Paris trip even more special, here are a few spots nearby.

If you love books, look across the Seine as soon as you step out of the cathedral. You will spot the English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, with its worn, friendly green sign. A living piece of Parisian history that also appeared in the film Before Sunset, it is the kind of place where you can lose track of time, climbing up and down creaky wooden stairs, buried among the books. If you want something glittering, head to the Sainte-Chapelle right next door. Its stained glass is spectacular enough to make you think heaven might look like this. For a completely different atmosphere, drop by the Conciergerie beside it. It served as a prison during the French Revolution, and knowing that Marie Antoinette spent her final days there sends a shiver down your spine. It offers a multidimensional view of Parisian history, far removed from the sacredness you felt at Notre-Dame.

When your feet get tired, don't hesitate to take a Seine river cruise. Some boats depart from Notre-Dame, while the Bateaux-Mouches leave from near the Eiffel Tower. Booking your ticket through an online travel platform is said to be much cheaper than buying on site.

For food, search online and pick a place with at least 500 reviews and a rating of 4.5 or higher. If you are a cheese lover, you might try Chez Gladines, a good-value restaurant nearby. The Monge pharmacy is also close. We hope your time at Notre-Dame becomes a beautiful page of your Paris trip that you will remember for a long time.