VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets & here’s why!
This guide forms part of our complete France Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across France.
This article is also part of our 🚗 4-Day Paris Travel Guide series, exploring major attractions in Paris including; Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Galeries Lafayette, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and a River Cruise on the Seine. Beginning at Paris CDG and then to central Paris, our 4 days were packed with tours and adventures. Read the complete itinerary here.
Classic French café favourites just steps from Notre-Dame, an easy, authentic stop in the heart of historic Paris.
As we did our day tripping around Paris, we would stop for a little refreshment & to dry out a bit from all of the rain.
We stopped at Les Deux Palais, a charming café right on Boulevard du Palais and instantly knew it was worth mentioning. Even though we didn’t have time to sit down for a full meal, the menu caught our attention straight away. From rich French onion soup and escargots to lighter options like salmon gravlax and fresh salads, plus classic Croque Monsieur and Madame, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to find in Paris for a quick bite. Perfectly located, relaxed, and unpretentious, this is one to bookmark if you’re in the area. The bistro tables & decor were really nice & despite being in the warm cozy atmosphere, you looked like you were dining on the street.
📍 What’s Nearby (Top Tourist Sites Within Walking Distance)
You’re in one of the most historic parts of Paris, so you’re surrounded:
Notre-Dame Cathedral: 3–4 min walk
Sainte-Chapelle: 2 min walk
Conciergerie: 1 min walk (literally next door)
Île de la Cité: you’re already on it
Pont Neuf: 5 min walk
Latin Quarter: 8–10 min walk
🎯 Why This Spot Works
Prime location without being overly touristy
Classic French menu, easy win for visitors
Ideal midday stop between major attractions
Once again we had our usual – a cappuccino & a chocolat chaud. The server was quick & polite. We enjoyed our drinks, felt a little warmer & rejuvenated, then continued our exploring.
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
