bonvoyagegirl619

Bonjour!
I am a twenty-something female looking to visit Paris sometime during October or November 2012 for about two weeks. I have traveled to Paris before and absolutely ADORED IT, however this will be my first time going solo (or actually traveling to any foreign country solo). I have not booked anything on my trip, so below I have listed out a few questions (but ANY advice would be lovely):

- Where to Stay: During my last trip we stayed in a flat on Ile Saint Louis which was amazing, however I am wondering if perhaps since I am staying alone it would be safer to stay in a hotel. I want to stay in central Paris (arrondisments 1-7). My maximum budget is about $200 per night, however I would prefer to stay somewhere at least somewhat luxurious.
- Cooking Classes: I have always dreamt of visiting Paris to take a cooking and/or pastry making classes. Any recommendations would be GREAT!
- Day-Trips: My last trip to Paris we visited Versailles, and I would love to see Giverny however I will most likely save that for another trip so I can go when the flowers are in full-bloom. Do you have any recommendations on a few day-trips from Paris? I don’t particularly enjoy traveling with a large group on a bus, but I would be open to it as I’d prefer not to rent a car (traveling by train would be ideal).
- Metro/Bus/Taxi: On my last trip to Paris we traveled solely by metro, however I did notice at night that some of the stations were very desolate (which would have made me very uncomfortable if I had been alone). What would you recommend the best way of travel to be in the evenings (given I’d prefer not to have to take multiple cabs every single night, as it gets expensive very quickly)?
- Activities: My last week in Paris we visited most of the main tourist sites (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Louvre, Organerie, Orsay, etc.) so any other ideas would be great! I love art, film, fashion, food, wine, architecture, etc.
- Travel/Safety Tips: Overall any Paris travel tips and/or solo female traveler safety tips would be so much appreciated.

I am definitely a bit apprehensive about traveling alone for the first time to a foreign country, so please feel free to share your experiences

Merci beaucoup!

Bonvoyagegirl619

justineparis

First , relax, you have chosen a great destination for a solo woman visitor.

I have stayed at these hotels solo, great places, clean, central, nice staff, but not luxurious,( thats never on my list lol )

Hotel Eugenie
Hotel Des Grand Hommes
Hotel Le Regent ( the one on rue Dauphine)
Hotel Place de la Louvre

Daytrips: well given that you may encounter rainy weather I would plan two options, one you would enjoy regardless of weather and one that would be best if you could enjoy walking about in fine weather. What about Fontainbleau or Chartes or hey, maybe even London, ( you can get cheap Eurostar tickets if you book well in advance!)

If the metro stations creep you out at night( they are relatively safe, there are cameras there etc , but they can feel desolate sometimes so I get what you mean) take the buses. They are safe , use same tickets, and will get you anywhere the metro does. The metro stops running by 1am or so, and most buses too, BUT there are night buses, less routes etc, but they do run all night.

I feel alot safer alone in Paris then most cities, and since you are planning on staying central you will rarely encounter deserted streets in evening( deserted streets are not more dangerous but when a woman is alone it is nicer to see other people out and about too)

Don't get drunk and wander around late at night in parks or deserted streets,, seems to make sense anywhere in the world.

And finally, look at Fat Tire Bike Tours, they are fun, easy, and you will have people to chat with, I liked the Paris by Night tour the best ,gives you an evening out too.

Caligula

I can't address all of your questions, but I can provide some input.

As far as hotels go, I was quite content with my stay at Hotel Relais Madeleine. Although it was a three-star hotel and not "luxurious" in the sense that I ascribe to it, it was very comfortable and located in a great location (just a few steps from Place de l'Opera, which is where the Roissy airport shuttle drops you off, provided you are considering taking the shuttle), and I checked out a satisfied customer indeed. The only complaint was that the front desk lady had neglected to execute a wake-up call on my first morning in the city, but this was cleared up quickly.

Other activities.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery - the burial place of Oscar Wilde, Proust, Balzac, Chopin, etc. Beautiful tombs and quite captivating in November.
Dali Museum - if you are a fan, this Montmartre museum is easy to digest and worth a peek.
Montmartre - get away from Sacre Coeur and the tourist hoopla, and enjoy the quieter side streets.
Bois de Boulogne - if the weather is fair, take a stroll during the day though!) around the park and from there, if you are in mood for exercise, walk all the way to the Eiffel Tower. You will be passing through handsome neighbourhoods that are generally tourist-free.
Latin Quarter - always a must, particularly in the evening. Most visitors to Paris come here, but you haven't mentioned it in your post. Park yourself on the patio and have a coffee/drink.

Day trip - I generally eschew organized/bus tours, but I couldn't get to the Loire Valley to see the chateaux on my own, so I had to grin and bear it in a bus as part of a herd. Saw three chateaux during the day (incld. the famous Chambord) and was glad I had done it, because I wouldn't have been able to get there and see all of them on my own.

Safety - I've been to Paris several times, always on my own. I am, however, MALE, so your experience might be different. I found the city to be safe overall, but I realize a woman's impression might vary. Certainly some Metro stations look a bit shady and/or empty at night, but barring the use of taxis I am not sure how else you can avoid using the Metro, unless you focus on areas adjacent to your hotel in the evening. Use caution as you would in your hometown, I suppose - avoid sparsely populated streets, etc.

In general though, in Paris you may find yourself more in danger from men like me - single male travellers always with an eye out for a lovely maiden than from any other nuisance. ;-)

I have seen single female travellers in Paris, and they were very comfortable.

Hope you enjoy your trip and post here if you have further questions.

Bon voyage and all that!

greg

You can control some desolate metro situation by choosing where you stay. Think nightlife. Presuming where you are starting trip is a busy neighborhood where many people take metro to/from home, if you stay in another busy nightlife area, such as San Germain, then the station you get off is also a busy station in nightlife area. Stations serving mostly offices tend to get desolate at night.

There are many many more museums, parks, etc. Marmottan Museum, Cluny, Rodin Museum, Musée Jacquemart-André, Pompidou center, The Panthéon, Promenade Plantée, Luxembourg garden, Canal St. Martin, etc.

If you can spare a few nights away from Paris, you can significantly expand your trip options. While Strasbourg/Alsace and Loire Valley can be visited as day trip respectively, you expand your options if you can stay in the area. There are day tours available in each area using small vans.

shellio

Are you familiar with Context Travel? I've had occasion to take some of their walking tours led by specialists in the field, i.e. architects for architecture tours, curators for art tours. I have three reserved for my upcoming Istanbul trip.

You might want to see if any of the Paris walking tours appeal to you. It's particularly nice if you are traveling solo as they limit groups to six people so you don't feel overwhelmed as well as alone.

http://www.contexttravel.com/city/pa...-walking-tours

In Paris, as you might imagine, they offer quite a few food-related tours as well as some cooking classes.

http://www.contexttravel.com/city/pa...and-home-again

kerouac

As a man, what I am about to write is probably invalid to you.

The working class areas are the safest as far as I am concerned, because they have the most people in the street at all hours. "Predators" tend to work in the tourist areas.

I suggest staying in the outer arrondissements.

jent103

I took a semi-solo trip to Paris in March - my brother was there working, so we split a twin hotel room and met up for dinner in the evenings, but during the day I was completely on my own. I never felt unsafe at all (I don't think I would have at night, even if my brother hadn't been there), and hope that's reassuring! The best advice I can give is to walk with purpose, know where you're going and pay attention to what's going on around you.

Personally I agree with your thought that a hotel would be better for a solo traveler. There are quite a few great areas to stay; we stayed at the Grand Hotel Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter/St Germain area. The hotel would be at the top of or just over your budget, but in general I liked staying in the area, as it stayed pretty busy all evening (including the metro station). Lots of cafes around as well.

I took a day trip to Chartres, as justineparis mentioned; I very much enjoyed seeing the cathedral, but if that's not your thing I'd probably skip it. It was a nice break from the big city atmosphere. We also did a day trip to the D-Day landing beaches through Fat Tire; it's a VERY long day, but if that's of any interest, the tour itself was great.

In Paris, I really enjoyed my walks with Oui Paris (www.ouiparistours.com) and Paris Walks (www.paris-walks.com). They're a great way to get some social interaction and explore at the same time. Also, you didn't mention the Pompidou in your list above - I enjoyed it very much.

kja

> I am definitely a bit apprehensive about traveling alone for the first time to a foreign country, so please feel free to share your experiences

I'm a woman who has been traveling solo for years and I love it - I can do exactly what I want whenever I want. Such a self-indulgence! In all my international travels, totaling more than a year at this point, only a few days have been with anyone else. And Paris is the only place I've visited twice, both times on my own. What a magnificent place to be on your own!

For some solo trip reports, see posts on this board at:

http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...s/solo-travel/

Hope that helps, and do enjoy yourself!

bonvoyagegirl619

Thank you so much for everyone's replies!!!

Fodorite018

We did a half day cooking class with Cookin with Class. We did the macaron class and thoroughly enjoyed it! They have a variety of classes and I would love to take at least 1 or 2 others. We had no complaints at all and highly recommend them.

Guenmai

I've been traveling solo, female around Europe since I was a teenager and I'm female. And for a good decade I was in Europe for 11 weeks straight and traveling around a lot. I'm mid-50s now and have traveled all of the continents and mostly alone. I personally like it that way.

I've been going to Paris, almost annually since 1976, and have had no major problems,only the usual things that can be irritating to females.

One just needs to be aware of one's surroundings, as females are taught to be from a young age anyhow. I never let my guard down and don't assume that an area is safe just because it might look safe. I also don't assume an area is unsafe, just because it might look as such. I kind of have big-city radar though.

As for apartments, I rent one and feel fine staying alone. As for areas, I prefer to be in more populated areas at night than on deserted or nearly deserted streets. I therefore select accommodations on more populated streets and in more populated areas unless I absolutely can't, like once in the 7th and another time in the 5th. There might have been a few other times, but I can't remember.

As for the metro, although I don't like subways in about any city, except Singapore, I have taken the subway in Paris at night and yes, it can be eerie. More than a few times I ended up in metro Notre Dame de Lorette, late at night, and the only one in the metro station. It was not an ideal situation, but I needed to get back across town to the Left Bank and didn't want to take a taxi.

Sometimes, what I still do is, if I'm in a city and want to go out somewhere specific at night, then I go by the place, during the day time, to see where it is and to also observe what bus stops are in the area. Then when I go to it, at night, I'm not fumbling around looking for the place. I know a lot of women who do this and I've done it ever since I first started traveling.

Personally, I prefer to take the bus over the metro, but I know the bus system quite well.

And I would recommend you picking up a Bellhop door alarm. I have been walked in on more than a few times while overseas.

http://www.amazon.com/Belle-Hop-Trav.../dp/B000SKZM0A

Happy Travels!

kja

> I have been walked in on more than a few times while overseas.

My privacy has never been disturbed, anywhere, not even in rather basic accommodations. I don't know whether to feel relieved or insulted! OK .. I''m relieved.

Guenmai gives some good advice. I hope none of us need it!

denisea

As always, pay attention to your surroundings and act like you know where you are going. Safety in Paris is the same as in any large citiy. I also recommend the bus in Paris, but sometimes they don't run as late as the trains. I woulldn't let the safety issue dissuade you from getting an apartment.

Consider taking the TGV to Reims for the day...the cathedral is inspiring and a visit to a champagne house or two would be fun. Coronations of the French kings took place at the cathedral in Reims.

If you haven't seen Saint Chappelle, I recommend it. Intimate and beautiful, go on a sunny day if possible. Also, off the tourist track, Saint Denis is definitely worth a visit. It is the burial place of French kings...take metro line 13 out there. I also love Petit Palais, no charge for admission and I enjoy the courtyard for a place to relax and enjoy a coffee and a quiet moment.

Take a look at O Chateau for a wine tasting. There have been several posts on cooking classes. I think Catherine Reed offers classes at Reed, in the 7th, as does the Constant restaurants. Lisa Buros at Your Paris Experience could help you there.

hpeabody

I just returned from a solo trip to Paris. Paris seems to be a solo female friendly city, at least for me it was. I stayed in in an apartment in the heart of the 5th, latin quarter, near Place Saint-Michel. The metro situation was great from that location. I had Metro and RER (Saint-Michel) at one end of the block and Cluny-La-Sorbonne at the other. I purchased a Navigo pass for the week and really used it. I also purchased a 4 day museum pass and used that each of the 4 days it was good. I did a coach day trip to Brugge (wanted to do the train, but I could not work that out) If I had more time I would have also done the Loire Valley day trip. Some ideas to consider is the Seine Bateaux cruise. I like Vedettes du point-Neuf, (buy an internet ticket at home ahead, http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/) This time I did the night time, illuminations Take the metro to Trocadero, go out of the metro station just a few steps for a great view of the Eiffel Tower (Go at night to see the Twinkling on the hour I believe 9PM until midnight) Hope these litlel tidbits are useful

nytraveler

I travel a lot on business and have frequently stayed on for a few days after a trip - to visit what ever city or area on my own. Have done this in Paris twice.

For me, having a full service hotel - including room service - is important - if I don't feel like eating out. (Not that I'm uncomfortable, but sometimes after 6 or 7 long days hard work I want an early night in the hotel.) Also I always stay in a central area so there are still people on the street at night (although I usually don't stay out after 11 - or 12 if it;s for a special activity like a concert or ballet).

IMHO - I wouldn't hesitate to do this at all. Have never had any problems. But do take a taxi later in the evening (after 10 or 11) - but I do that at home too. Not safety - just don;t want to wait for a train that late.

You have been given the names of a bunch of other great sights in Paris above. At the time you would be there I would do a 1 or 2 night trip to Strasbourg - to spend at least one day in the city and then another on the wine road (rent a car for most flexibility) and perhaps a part of a day in Colmar, which is charming and has a fantastic museum..

PeaceOut

We recently stayed in the Latin Quarter, at the Hotel St Jacques. It is a great area for people your age, in particular. There were bars, cafes and restaurants overflowing with people having fun late into the night. Just up the street were two bars across the corner from each other, which looked especially popular. One was called Zig Zag. Also on that block was a wonderful restautant, Le Petite Prince. It's not cheap, but worth the price.

We liked the little hotel, and it is in your budget. It is also a couple of blocks from Blvd St Germain. Walkable to Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville, the Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens and palais. We took the Batobus hop-on-hop-off boat to the Eiffel tower and its Seine loop.

Guenmai

"kja on Sep 23, 12 at 2:59am
> I have been walked in on more than a few times while overseas.

My privacy has never been disturbed, anywhere, not even in rather basic accommodations. I don't know whether to feel relieved or insulted! OK .. I''m relieved.

Guenmai gives some good advice. I hope none of us need it!"

Over the decades in Paris, it has happened more than a few times. It's also happened many other places like in 2008 in Buenos Aires. I was renting a serviced apartment and the second morning that I was there, I was lounging in the living room, half dressed, when a key went into the door and the door was flung open and in walked a woman with a breakfast tray. She never knocked and the front door was wide open and the male worker and another female worker were standing in the hallway, in front of my door, looking in. At least if you have the Bellhop, it will startle the person and maybe they won't barge in again.

Some times people barge in because they have either been given the wrong room key, by the receptionist, or they have arrived at the receptionist's desk and accidentally asked for the wrong numbered, room key and this happens especially at night, after people have probably been out having a few too many drinks. Then they arrive back to a hotel and there's a night watchman on duty who doesn't really know the guests and what rooms they're staying in.

Happy Travels!

Kwoo

Take a guided tour of the Opera Garnier if you haven't already done so. Visit the Canal St. Martin area. Go to the Cluny Museum if you haven't been there yet.

We stayed at HOtel Bonaparte on Rue Bonaparte in the 6th, about a 5-minute walk from Luxumbourg Gardens. Felt very safe there; it's in a convenient location, staff are friendly & helpful. Rooms are a decent size.

gruezi

Dear BonVoyageGirl,

Just returned from Paris a few days ago... Voila!!

LOVED this art exhibit:

http://www.museeduluxembourg.fr/en/e...exposition-16/

I see they will have a Cezanne exhibit as well starting in October.

Also, I have been there solo a number of times and last time solo loved staying in an apt. on Ile St. Louis. Being alone, I enjoyed becoming a regular at certain cafes and shops there and it became like home in the short 10 days I was there. I recommend the 5th or 6th as a woman alone - you will feel pretty embraced by the cafe culture and not alone at all. And you will not be worried about safety and can walk to most things as finding a taxi in Paris can sometimes be a challenge.

Here is my trip report from 2 Novembers ago when I was last there solo:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...r-in-paris.cfm

My first trip to Paris was alone - I was 23. I fell in love and have never stopped loving Paris. ENJOY!

Guenmai

"denisea on Sep 23, 12 at 6:23am
As always, pay attention to your surroundings and act like you know where you are going. Safety in Paris is the same as in any large citiy. I also recommend the bus in Paris, but sometimes they don't run as late as the trains. I woulldn't let the safety issue dissuade you from getting an apartment."

True. Act like you know where you're going. That is VERY important. And I never take out a map, in the wide open, and start trying to figure out where I am or where I'm going.

The night before the day that I'm going to go out, I go over the map and jot down directions, bus numbers, subway routes, etc, in either a small journal or on index cards, so if I get turned around, I can refer to them and not pull out some humongous map.

I have come up with a lot of travel techniques, over many decades, as I first left, parent free, when I was 17. International travel was a great life skills lesson especially in places like North Africa in the early 1980s and southern Europe, period. LOL! I was off to North Africa for a week at a time.

I had to adopt a few other travel strategies as a young, female traveling solo to various places. I used to run into a lot of other solo traveling females, back in the day, and we'd exchange stories; like the one girl who was sound asleep, in a second class train compartment, and woke up with a man sleeping next to her. She had pulled out two seats, across from each other, to make a place to lie down. We all used to do that if a seat across from us was vacant.

I also remember stuffing toilet paper in a hallway, bathroom key hole before taking a bath. That was at a budget hotel in Brussels. On that trip one of my best female friends joined me in Europe for 11 weeks. She had traveled to Europe before that trip. We're still the best of friends and both live here in L.A. County.

My friend and I actually first met at LAX, when we were 17 and 16 and waiting for the same flight. We were both off to Europe for that summer. When we get together, we still laugh about some situations on our 11-week trip together, some summers after we had first met. She has a daughter and will pass the travel life skills down to her. She also lived in Paris, for some months, while studying. And she also spent a summer in Togo, West Africa, back in the mid 1970s. We've been around, over the decades, and in a lot of overseas situations. Smiles.

Have a great trip and relax.

Happy Travels!