Start at Notre-Dame Cathedral when it opens, around 8:15 a.m. on Saturday. Entry to the cathedral is free; check the official site for a free timed reservation, and allow extra time for security or a queue. Give yourself about 1½ hours to see the restored interior and walk around the exterior on Île de la Cité. Then head a few minutes on foot to Sainte-Chapelle. Its stained glass is best appreciated in daylight, so late morning works well; book ahead if you can, and budget roughly €13 and an hour for the visit.
Continue next door to the Conciergerie, the former royal palace turned Revolutionary-era prison. It usually opens at 9:30 a.m.; allow about an hour and check the official site for current admission prices and any combined-ticket options. From there, cross the river to the Latin Quarter for lunch at Bouillon Racine. The ornate Art Nouveau dining room is part of the pleasure, and classic French dishes typically run about €25–40 per person. It’s popular, so reserve if possible; otherwise, leave a little flexibility for a wait.
After lunch, stroll toward the Left Bank and Shakespeare and Company, near the Seine. Set aside around 45 minutes to browse its English-language books and literary corners. The shop can get crowded, especially on weekends, so be patient around the narrow aisles and check its posted hours before setting out. Between stops, the lanes around Place Saint-Michel are an easy place to pause for a coffee or simply wander.
Walk from Île de la Cité to The Louvre Museum in about 20–30 minutes; leave enough time to reach your reserved entry slot. On Sunday, the museum is generally open 9 a.m.–6 p.m., but check its official site for any schedule changes and book ahead. Three hours is plenty for a focused visit: choose a few highlights rather than trying to cross the whole collection, and check the museum map before you start.
Exit toward the Jardin des Tuileries, just beyond the museum, for an easy hour among the tree-lined paths and fountains. Take a seat by one of the basins if you need a break from the galleries; the garden is a lovely place to slow the pace before your café stop.
Head to Angelina on Rue de Rivoli for its celebrated hot chocolate and pastries. Expect roughly €15–25 per person for a light café visit, and allow a little extra time if there’s a Sunday queue. From there, make your way toward Pont Neuf for your Seine River Cruise; the ride takes about an hour and offers a welcome chance to rest while seeing the riverfront landmarks from the water. Check the operator’s departure point and timetable in advance, since boats and schedules can vary.
Spend about 1½ hours at Musée de Montmartre, a small, atmospheric museum in a former artists’ residence, with a lovely garden looking out toward the old village. It’s generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; allow roughly €15–18 for admission and check the museum’s website for current tickets. From here, walk uphill for about 10–15 minutes to Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. The basilica is free to enter and usually open from early morning until late evening; the climb to the dome costs extra and involves many steps, so the broad views from the terrace are a fine option if you’d rather save your legs.
Wander over to Place du Tertre for around 45 minutes. It’s busy and decidedly touristy, but the painters’ easels and old village lanes still make it a fun place to pause and people-watch. Then walk a few minutes to Le Consulat for lunch. Budget about €20–35 per person for a French café meal; it’s a popular spot, so expect a wait at peak lunchtime and take your time rather than trying to squeeze in a quick meal.
Finish with the Montmartre funicular, riding downhill toward the lower neighborhood instead of tackling the steep steps again. The ride takes only a couple of minutes, though allow 10–15 minutes for queues and finding the entrance. It uses a valid Metro–Train ticket; check the Île-de-France Mobilités app or station machines for the current fare. Keep the rest of the afternoon open for an unhurried wander through the surrounding lanes.
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