Michel_Paris

Absolutely, for the above reasons. I've been 7/8 times on my own. You control your day...want to sleep in, fine. Want to just wander, fine. Want crowds, take a walking tour. Tickets to events, easier when solo. It becomes your holiday, at your pace.

Eating.. a lot of people wonder about eating alone in a restaurant. Believe me, it is a non-issue. I've never been treated differently (worse table,rushed to vacate the table,etc..) because I was on my own. In some cases, I've felt the waiter talked to me a bit more. You will also see a lot of locals dining alone. I usually bring a book or journal.

I'm hoping to go, solo, for a couple of weeks this year.

Luisah

<<Is it really weird being a solo tourist in Paris?>>

Definitely not! Do your research, decide what you want to do when you're there and go!

If you're uncomfortable eating alone, bring a book to read or your journal and write while you're waiting for your meal.

TravelRibbon

I have been to Paris solo many times (about 6 or 7) as well as to other European cities. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. This past November I had 2 friends with me and while the trip was fine, it was a lot different from doing it by myself. Sometimes I have a tendency to wander off track (translation: get lost) and that's fine with me. I'll push myself until I get to a familiar place - Metro, arrondissement, etc.

Eating alone has gotten better for me over the years. I do bring a book or journal. Also, it's fun to people watch - esp. if the restaurant caters to tourists and locals alike.

Go to Paris and have fun! You might just find out that you prefer to travel solo instead of with groups (all the time, that is).

TR

Nikki

There are lots of trip reports here about women's solo Paris trips. Reading them can be inspirational.

I have done this now three times in Paris, and I have enjoyed it a lot. I definitely meet more people when I am alone and have had very interesting conversations this way. Then again, I do enjoy being alone. For people who don't, it might be less enjoyable.

NYCFoodSnob

Paris in May is DIVINE. Unless I'm with a very handsome and sexy lover, I vant to be alone.

cigalechanta

paris is a city that makes a woman feel beautiful.
Sitting in one of the beautiful parks or stopping at a cafe
as you watch the teeming crowd of locals and tourists pass is
a way to enjoy yourself. The over 100 museums can keep you busy. Just looking at the beautiful displays in boutiques and patiseries will have you mouth watering. Taste a macaron or some chololates. Take a bus ride, a good way to see the city.
The lingerie shops are so elegant. I've never had problems eating alone, The wait persons have been very nice to me.
Stop in the charming bookstores,visit the markets, relax, take time to enjoy the architecture look up and you'll see details that make this city the beauty it is.

gracejoan

As said before I go often , maybe several times a year and stay at least a month. I really prefer going alone..make my own plans and do it all 'my way'.

My running trip reports tell all that is going on and filled with the pics of dining. I meet up with so many who are there during my stays.I also have many Parisian friends now who join me for some great dining, too. We get together for lunch or dinner etc. I go to 3 star down to local bistros all the time..rarely eat at home..unless I pick something up at super Davoli.

Enjoy your planning of solo travel..

Joan

suze

Paris is a huge city. Unlikely anyone will notice you, one way of the other. Personally I LOVE traveling alone and would go to Paris solo in a heartbeat! The only thing different I do solo, than traveling with friends, is dinner. I chose more casual restaurant where I feel most comfortable. Cafes or bars, even getting a meal to-go and picnic in my room.

suze

Yup that's true about solo travel. You don't get a chance to "share" the experiences with someone else. You just enjoy everything all on your own.

scatcat

If I wait for my husband to travel with me, then I will never see another country. He has a fear of flying and does not want to get over it. I have learned to make myself happy and not to depend on another person. I enjoy traveling sometimes with friends or my sons, but I also enjoy traveling alone. No worry about pleasing anyone but myself!

cheryllj

Huh? If the OP had a man in her life who wanted to go on the trip with her, I doubt she'd be doing it solo. Maybe she's married and husband just doesn't enjoy travel, or can't get away for some reason. Either way, solo travel can be fun.

If I waited around for a man to go with me on vacation, I'd never go anywhere. Plus, I certainly don't have a hard time finding someone to "share" the experience with, but I don't need to bring him with me, I can meet him along the way. (Didn't we cover that part? Men are everywhere, they don't need to be brought from home.)

amwosu

My husband is disinterested in cities, architecture, history and art. He has been to Paris with me but doesn't appreciate the city like I do. He and I vacation where we can hike, bike, ski, kayak or play on a beach and when I go to Paris it is not with him.

I've spent time there with my son, various friends and alone. I like wandering alone the best- no worry as to whether others enjoy the same activities as I do or not or want to travel at my pace.
Ann Marie

eliza61

Hi Malelion55,
Op here. Actually no problem traveling with men at all. LOL, I'm the Happily married mom of 3 teen/young men so I've been travellin with guys for the last 25 years.

This actually started out as a trip planned for my sister in law, myself and 2 other girlfriends. My SIL has dropped out and my 2 other friends may still commit.

I've wanted to go to Paris for so long (5 years now) that I've just decided that no matter what happens with my other friends, I'm going.

Or maybe it's just the fact of turning 50. I don't want to wake up one day wishing I had went to Paris and never done so.

eliza61

Oops forgot to add. "The old guy" LOL my husband has no interest what so ever in Paris.

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=blue>"if you are traveling by yourself, you don't get a chance to share your experience with someone else"</font></i>

How not true. If you possess charm, intellect, personality, and style, many opportunities will present themselves that might not if you were with a friend, husband or a group. Speak a little of the country's language and watch the adventures unfold.

I met most of my French and Italian friends while traveling alone and some of those relationships are 20-years-old. There's nothing more fun than being asked to dinner by a handsome stranger (and surprising you by picking up the tab). While dining alone in Venice, I sat next to the sweetest gay-male, forty-something couple from Australia. We closed the restaurant and I bought two bottles of Prosecco (they insisted on paying for one) from the owner and went back to my fabulous apartment and we chatted and laughed until 3 AM. I haven't seen them since but we stay in touch via email.

I can spend an entire day in a museum or an entire day shopping. I don't know many men or women who enjoy museums and shopping as much as I do. Being alone allows me to take my time doing the things I love. Unless you're into photography, no friend or lover wants to play assistant. I'm always happy to be a single traveler.

NYCFoodSnob

Eliza, my dad had no interest in Paris, either. My mother was always thrilled to go with me and leave her husband at home. My parents loved each other madly and lucky for me, they weren't attached to each others hips. I love men who are secure enough to let their wives do their own thing. By all means, turn 50 in Paris. Ooo-la-la!

cigalechanta

Please check back after your solo trip.
We hopefully hoping you will have a wonderful time.
If you see my post above, we with not a big budget can still enjoy this beautiful city.

Guenmai

I've been doing Paris almost annually since the mid 1970s and probably 95% of the time it's been solo. I prefer it that way. I've been doing Paris since I was around 21 years old although I've been doing Europe solo since I was 17.

I really wouldn't worry about the other travel companions and would just pack up my bags and go. I've been on every continent in the world, except Antarctica, and many times over and have been just fine solo and planning my own adventures. By traveling solo, there are no distractions or possible drama if others are traveling along. Trust me, I've had it with other people's drama ; people who just invited themselves on a few of my trips and showed up. Happy Travels!

Luisah

<<I don't want to wake up one day wishing I had went to Paris and never done so.>>

Good point. You've heard from several female solo travelers so I hope you're encouraged.

You don't sound like a woman who is afraid to be alone so I think it will a wonderful experience for you.

Spending a week or two in Paris without your husband certainly won't damage your marriage if it's good -- it may even improve it. You'll return energized instead of staying home and longing to go.

elcon

'you don't get a chance to share your experience with someone else...'
Sure you do...write a trip report and share it with all of us. By the way, I was planning a trip in May to Spain or London(can't decide), but now after this thread I am longing for Paris.