Solo Travel For Ladies in Paris, France
Plan a Vacation in Paris, France
Bonjour! Do you want to travel to Paris, France but would have to make it a solo trip? It can be intimidating but don't let fear keep you from having the time of your life. With proper planning and common sense you can have a fun and safe trip.
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The basic travel requirements are plane ticket, passport, airport shuttle and hotel accommodations. There are many airlines that fly to Charles De Gaulle airport. I recommend that one for your first trip. There are other airports in the countryside but you will have to take a bus into Paris. Check the major airlines and travel sites for the ticket prices. You will also need a passport that does not expire within the next 6 months. When you arrive at the airport you can choose a taxi, train, or shuttle bus to your hotel. There are many hotels or apartments to choose from. I will discuss that later.
Those are the basics! There are many great European websites that you can research and compare for prices in your budget.
Where to stay in Paris? For the purpose of this essay I'm going to tell you about my favorite place to stay. I prefer the Latin Quarter near Notre Dame. The reason is because in the evening there is street entertainment and lots of "people watching". It's very safe and I don't have to get on the metro to go back home late at night. I have observed plenty of police patrols in the Latin Quarter. I feel very safe. I found a lovely studio apartment for my three week stay. I preferred this option to a hotel because I had a small kitchen and balcony.
What to see! What to do! For your first trip to Paris there are a few "must do" places to see. Take the "hop on hop off" bus. I have done this tour in the major European cities and I find it to be an excellent orientation. I usually go around two or three times just to learn my way around.
The Eiffel Tower is Paris! You can now get tickets to go up the elevator for a specific time slot. No more waiting in line! Be sure to bring a picnic lunch to just "hang out" on the lawn there. At night they will light up the Eiffel tower in sparkles. Check the website for times. The next stop is the world famous Louvre museum and Musee d'Orsay. It is closed on Tuesdays so be sure to plan accordingly. It would take a lifetime to see everything in those two places. Just wander around and see the highlights: Mona Lisa and Monet.
My favorite gardens are Rodin, Monceau and Luxembourg. At the Rodin museum I sat by the rose garden that surrounds "The Thinker" statue for a long time. It takes that long to really get what the artist's intent. The Luxembourg garden is just delightfully Parisian. You will find people lounging around or playing boules. Check out the cafes and shops nearby. Parc Monceau is a bit more local. The gardens are impeccable.
To be in Paris, you must "people watch" at a cafe. Just pick one on a busy street corner. In Paris they enjoy life. They don't rush it. Your waiter will not be hovering over you to clear the table fast. Enjoy a glass or two or wine and maybe dessert. Gratituity is usually included in the bill
French food... I have many fond memories of delicious eatables. In the Latin Quarter there are "take aways", cafes and restaurants from around the world. Personally I skip Starbucks and McDonalds in Paris.... I will list a couple of my favorite places here but be sure to explore and find some of your own. The cafe at the Tuileries gardens by the Louvre is my favorite. I like it because its located close to the flower gardens.( Be sure to order a chafe of water instead of bottle water whenever you eat out. That will save you a few dollars. ) Up at Montmartre, there are several cafes by the artists square that I like and I haven't really found a chocolate croissant that I didn't like...
If you have more time, I suggest a day in Montmartre and Rue Clur area. Montmartre is the hilltop area that overlooks Paris. It was once an artists colony because of the cheap rents. Today it still has many budding artists gallerie's, shops, and a fantastic view of the city and the Eiffel Tower. By the Eiffel tower, visit an area called Rue Clur. It's a pedestrian only street filled with everything Parisian. I found a cute chocolate shop for gifts to bring back home... the ones I didn't eat anyway. And a paper shop with postcards and neat souvenirs.
Do you want to know the real secret for solo travel around Europe? You don't have to know the language just be nice. Be courteous. And you'll have the time of your life. Anyone can travel solo to Paris and have a safe time. Just don't go down dark alley ways. Stay with the crowds and pick an apartment in the historical areas of Paris. You will have a fantastic time! Be sure to email me and let me know about your trip.
Merci, Tricia
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