I remember reading somewhere that fossils can be seen in the polished limestone of some cathedrals. Any of them in Paris?
Secondarily, are there any good areas in Paris or Chartres for fossil hunting? I know the Atlantic coast has some great Jurassic fossils on the beach. Too far for our itinerary though.
What you want to do is look for the yellow limestone. Exterior surfaces are usually too weathered, and frankly too dirty (a lot of these historic places could really use a good pressure washing). Most of the fossils I've seen are nautical, seashells and plants. Some of the American Battlefield Monuments have some very heavily infused rock in their structures.
Based on history, Couvier was instrumental in working with fossils in the late 1700's, there should be some good sites, but I don't know any close to Paris off hand. Over the border in Germany I can give you dozens of pointers.
I did find it very interesting to see just how much chert and flint you can find on some of the Norman towns. It's everywhere in Rouen for example, cobblestones, loose gravel, in the walls of churches, etc. Considering just how important flint was to paleolithic man this must have been a very important area.
Do visit the minerology museum in Paris. I was there a couple months ago. Very good. https://www.musee.minesparis.psl.eu/Accueil/
So, not the kind of fossils looking for the early opening restaurants that offer cheap prix fixe dinners?
