You are so lucky! Nobody with whom to negotiate for the schedule, the menu, the sights... You get to do exactly what you want.

Where are you going to be staying in the 10th? There are some jazz clubs in the 10th, but parts of it aren't that great. I hope the hotel is very near a metro stop, in any case, as that is the biggest tip I might give on this topic. I go to Paris alone all the time and always try to make sure I am staying within a couple blocks of a metro stop, as you do not want to be wandering around dark streets late at night alone for a long period. Now I wouldn't worry about it in areas where there are lots of people on the streets so much, even at night. Although I stay in Montparnasse and am kind of surprised at how many "unusual" people you'll find on the streets compared to the old days, even right in front of cafes. IN fact, there was some guy lying down on the sidewalk in front of the Rotonde, one of my favorite hangouts -- not sure if he was passed out from being drunk or what. But my point is, I didn't think a guy lying on the sidewalk was exactly "okay", so I went up to a waiter in the Rotonde and pointed out the guy and asked if he should call the police or SAMU or something, and he just shrugged and said no. So, due to economic circumstances or whatever, I've noticed an increase in people begging for money in the street, drunks passed out, various things like that, even coming along the area where you are sitting outside in front of a cafe and perhaps harrassing you for money a little bit.

I have seen the police call SAMU or something for a drunk passed out in front of a cafe along the quai in front of Notre Dame, though. They came and took him off.

so my best tips are to be cautious like any big city. There is nothing about eating alone to watch out for, not sure what you mean about that, don't you eat alone at home sometimes? I don't frequent clubs at my age so can't comment on that experience for a single female. I'm pretty independent and not timid, but I don't think even when I was younger that I'd roam around a city at night alone going to clubs by myself. I was never really a club-type person, though, so maybe that's why.

I don't go to bars in Paris, either, I go to cafes which can serve a similar purpose but where it is normal to sit at a table by yourself on the sidewalk and have a drink. I prefer being out on the street, actually, I suppose that's one reason I don't go to bars, also (any place outside where people are visible is "easier" to hang out for me as a single female, but maybe that's my quirk).

I suppose you'll figure out how to use the metro and bus system, but it probably will be a challenge if you've never been on such things, at least in the beginning. Im' sure you'll pick things up easily, but don't be careless on the metro/bus with your belongings, don't not be aware of where they are, let things dangle open down at your side, etc., or you could be pickpocketed. These seem normal to me, but if you've never used public transportation, maybe you wouldn't think of it.

www.eurocheapo.com Paris

www.parisvoice.com

might search airb&b here and on google recent lawsuits

negative complaints always have a back up plan... somtimes

In Paris they cram u in a multiple shared bath room flat so

always have a backup plan and insuremytrip.com

www.mije.com www.hotel-collegedefrance.com

couple of nice budget places I like.

NukeSafe

reputable reliable poster here had negative experience

in Amsterdam wit Airbnb reviewed below

so be VERY careful lots of negatives


We were met at the door by Robert, our host, who immediately informed us that we owed him €35 more a night for the room, because he had "made a mistake". We had the copy of our Airbnb receipt in hand, so we put off that discussion until we saw the room. He led us down a short flight of stairs from the hallway to a single dark room.

"Where is the door?", we asked. "Oh, you won't need a door, you are at the bottom of the steps", he replied. We could see that the steps led off a common hallway right next to the bathroom. Anyone using the bathroom, or going into the kitchen would have to turn on the hall light which would shine right through the open banister railings onto our bed, and we would hear all of the conversations and traffic in the hallway and kitchen. "Robert", we said, "a room without a door is NOT a PRIVATE room!" A private room should have a door that both closes and LOCKS.

Ignoring that, Robert explained that the dingy room could be brightened by opening the Venetian blinds that covered the two large windows on the far side of the room. When we did so, we could see there was a well traveled footpath right outside the windows. No privacy there. With the shades closed, there was only a single thin strip fluorescent light on one side of the bed and a floor lamp with what looked like a ten watt bulb on the other side. Instead of a shade, that lamp had a small pink plastic laundry basket turned upside down on top. Robert is an artist, and one huge canvas on it's stretcher leaned against the stairway beside the bed.

With the shades open, we could see that the room was absolutely filled with stuff. Every bookshelf was full, the tops of the book cases were crammed with bric-a-brac.. There was, literally, no flat surface to put anything down other than the floor. There was no dresser, and the only place to hang clothes was a pole under the stairs that was completely jammed with clothing. Not a single free hanger, or even a place to force one in. It was obvious we would have to live out of our suitcases on the floor. When we asked him if he could move some of the stuff out, he said, "Well, this is MY room!"
Evidently the "regular" rental rooms were booked, so we were in his own dungeon.

No, Robert, it is OUR room. We rented it.

We told him that we doubted we could stay in the space with no privacy, no security, and no place to put our gear. His response was he could show us another room, but it was already rented, and he doubted the other couple would be willing to switch with us. Since we had not seen the other rooms, and/or other guests, my wife asked him how many people would be using the single bathroom. "Seven", he replied, "and of course me and my partner."

www.ratp.fr - everything you need to know about public transportation in Paris. Learn about it ahead of time to avoid surprises.

thank you everyone! especially kerouac in fact, i really do feel liberated for traveling alone, anywhere i am is exactly where i need to be!

and qwovadis i appreciate your warnings but i really hope i researched the place i decided on finally enough to know it is reputable, the renter has many positive reviews and i have communicated with her quite a bit, i feel confident about it, though i know very little about the neighborhood having never been to paris

thank you too christina, i hope i chose a favorable part of the tenth, my main reason for visiting clubs was because i was hoping to meet some of the locals, either way i'll smile! or have picnics on the street!

thank you all for your advice, most of it has made me more fearful...but i guess that's what i get for booking a trip on a whim because of a dream...im still confident that it will all work out for me even if i have to-"rely on the kindness of strangers"

I love traveling solo and I love Paris. 10th arrondisement would not have been my choice as I would have gone for something more central (1, 4, 5, 6). When I'm traveling alone I don't go out to clubs and bars at night. I stick with sightseeing by day, having a few nice meals, and being back before it's dark. But you can certainly decide for yourself once you see the neighborhood you've chosen. You might feel safer using taxis at night instead of public transportation. The Metro can be kind of confusing so take the good advice to study up on it ahead of time so you understand how things work.

A regular folding paper map of Paris is your friend.

If you must go out at night take a taxi, is much safer than taking the metro.

You will have a great time in Paris. Just use your common sense and take the usual precautions as in any big city. The Metro is easy to use after one or two trips. Reading some guide books will give you a better idea on what to expect and should help in planning your intineary.

Ronald
http://paris-france-holiday.blogspot.com/

Hi Cybilvane -

I thought I would go by myself last Oct. too - but in the end my husband ending up coming with me. At any rate, I took special note of women by themselves, since that would have been me. And, in hindsight I think I would have been perfectly content and completely free on my own. There are woman going about their day alone just as a woman would in any big city - and as as you likely do in your daily life - shopping, sitting at outdoor cafes. Please don't be fearful! This will be a dream come true for you - this was my third trip back since it is truly is the most wonderful city.

I think sitting outside in a cafe with your sunglasses on (and a cute colorful scarf on) so you can people watching is a great time. Also, you will be able to browse in shops for as long as you like - and eat when and where you want. Take a book and hang out at the Luxembourg Garden - I didn't read my book very much (but its a nice security blanket)- so much to watch.

The browsing/shopping in the 4th (Marais) is young, fun and boutiquey.

Have a wonderful trip to Paris.

I found my solo trip to Paris to be much more "productive" than subsequent visits. Keep your guidebook handy and make notes of everything you want to see and do. Nobody there to complain about your schedule or lack thereof. I've always felt very safe in Paris, but I don't usually stay out very late. When I was there solo, I'd make a dinner reservation and relax and enjoy both the food and observing the other diners, then head home to come up with the next day's plan and get a good nights sleep. I got a little lonely toward the end of the trip, but that was before I started taking a laptop with me.

You will be fabulous on your own!

I have made several solo trips to Paris and loved the freedom to set my own schedule, be spontaneous, and do the kinds of things my friends and family might not be so likely to enjoy. I have written some of these trips up, and you might get some ideas from my trip reports:

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/cannibals-and-carnivals-nikkis-trip-to-paris.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/whipped-and-kissed-at-the-cirque-dhiver-nikki-runs-away-to-paris.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/november-in-paris-nikkis-trip-report.cfm

I too have loved being in Paris on my own. Here's my trip report from last year, and you'll see why. You'll be fine in the 10th. October is a perfect time to be there.

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-new-discoveries-and-old-favorites.cfm

Congrats on planning this trip and taking the leap to do it solo. A couple of these posts scared me a bit too, and I've been to Paris solo several times , but don't worry, it will all be good. Paris is an easy city in which to travel solo since there is so much to see and do. Agree with the above poster to get a guidebook to learn the basics of the metro travel--Paris is one of the easiest systems I've used. One price for each trip within central Paris, but buy a "carnet" of 10 tickets to get the best per trip price, assuming you'll be using the metro quite a bit during your trip.

When I'm solo, I don't like going to restaurants for every meal...I'll often pick up a crepe or sandwich (you'll see these things sold street-side everywhere), or even pick up convenience foods from a Monoprix or similar store (combo small Target-type and grocery store). I'm sure you'll spend plenty of time sitting in sidewalk cafes...IME you just take any open seat and a waiter will eventually notice you, no need to wait to be seated (but I do try to make eye contact with any waiter hovering outside when I walk up). Again, a guidebook will help you learn how to order your drink of choice so you don't have to rely on English entirely (you'll probably be understood, but it's always nice to use some French). Also learn basic phrases in French and be polite.

As far as the area where you're staying, I would ask your host for advice on your particular neighborhood after dark, and from there you'll just have to judge for yourself. Assuming you won't be out too late on night one due to jetlag, if the 'hood feels creepy that night, don't walk around by yourself after dark on other nights. General common sense stuff. It sounds like you don't live in a big city if you've not used public transportation (unless you live in LA), but just keep your purse/bag close to your body, keep it zipped, don't leave it hanging over the back of a chair, etc. Basically, assume someone wants to walk away with your purse or its contents at all times and handle it as such.

You should do some searches for Paris trip reports on this board, you'll find a lot more info from solo female travelers. Have a great trip!!

We could be more helpful about your accommodation if you could specify where in the 10th the studio is. There's a world of difference between being right on top of the Gare du Nord, and in a side-street off République.

I love traveling solo for exactly the kinds of reasons that kerouac and others are noting. I find it a wonderfully self indulgent experience and far prefer going alone to traveling with someone. I'm a woman, and I think you'll find lots of women and lots of men on this board (and others) who enjoy solo journeys.

I've travelled by myself fairly extensively, and think Paris is one of the easiest cities to explore solo - there is SO much to do there! Before my first visit, I remember thinking that it would be a shame to visit such a romantic city by myself. I'm sure it is a wonderful place to go with one's lover, but I think it is enchanting under any circumstance.

As for eating out, do keep in mind that anyone who chooses to spend time paying attention to whether you are alone or not is using HIS / HER time to do so. Keep in mind that MANY people enjoy people-watching, so you'll be noted whether you are alone or with a party of 10, and no matter whether you are by yourself or with a multitude, why would it be anyone else's business? In contrast, if YOU choose to spend YOUR time and energy worrying about what others are thinking, that's YOUR choice. Don't go there!

I've eaten alone at everything from sandwich shops to Michelin 3 star restaurants and basically everything in between, and I've had some absolutely wonderful experiences! I usually take a book (or a Kindle in recent years) and I savor the chance to choose the restaurant I want and the way I want to experience it. And I believe that attitudes have changed over time: 20 or 25 years ago, I think people were less accustomed to seeing solo female diners and some of them "worried" about whether etiquette required them to somehow reach out to us (and of course some were simply too curious to hide their interest). Even in those days, the more comfortable I allowed myself to be, the fewer awkward moments I experienced. I haven't encountered those reactions very often in recent years. Instead, I'm more likely to hear either overt or whispered comments that explicitly acknowledge how nice it is that someone can, today, feel free to treat him/herself to whatever meal or other experience they want.

Go and enjoy!
Hope this helps.

PS: Here's a Fodor's site devoted to solo travel. Please post when you return!

http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/goin-solonothing-like-it-a-trip-report-collection.cfm

I traveled to Paris solo in May 2010 and am going again in October. I love being alone, it is me going at my own pace, doing the things I love to do and eating when I want. I travel with my sister often and she's more of a go-go-go type traveler, so we spend some time debating our daily plans.

I don't really like sitting alone in bistros or cafes, but did it twice last year and got great service. I'll try to do more of it this upcoming trip. What I did was buy lunch from La Grande Epicerie (usually a sandwich on baguette, great meat, cheese) and then fix pasta or steak for dinner in my apartment. There are thousands of meal options, so you can pick whatever style suits you best.

When I travel alone I don't like being out after dark, although I've always been assured that the streets of Paris in most of the touristy areas are very safe. The last time I went with my sister we were often out until 11 pm and saw women walking alone, going about their daily routines.

You're going to have a fantastic time! Paris is wonderful, and you'll find your 11 days will go by super fast!

As far as tricks for eating alone in restaurant, I choose casual ones. I also do a Sidny mentioned and often just eat street food (crepes, hot dogs, etc.). Also bakeries in Paris often offer wonder sandwiches ready made. Sounds silly but there is one chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread eaten in a park near the Sorbonne on a sunny day that is one of my favorite Paris memories. Sometimes at the end of the day if your tired from touring around, pick up dinner at a deli, get a bottle of wine, and relax in your apartment... reading your guidebook to plan the next day.

Also once you are in Paris, it's easy to pick up more information. Get the local papers, read flyers you see posted, look at online calendars for events that are happening (that wouldn't necessarily make it into guidebooks). Finding those kinds of things, say some live music in the park, a book or poetry reading, an outdoor street fair, or likthe like, will help you get into the local scene.

I take the opposite approach from some posters here, and when I have been alone in Paris I have gone out almost every night to theater, concerts, opera, dance performances, meals in lovely restaurants. I do end up taking taxis home much of the time (but not always).

Then I have nice leisurely mornings at home to plan out my days, sleep late if I want to, eat breakfast from the local bakery or fruit from the markets.

Ever since I was six years old and would go out for lunch alone in New York for a pastrami sandwich at a delicatessen on Avenue B because my mother wasn't home during the school lunch hour, it has never occurred to me to mind eating alone in restaurants. I find it a luxury, a treat. Lots of Parisian women can be seen eating alone in restaurants at all hours.

I hope that you have a great time! Like any tourist watch out for the scams around tourist areas, watch your purse/valuables. Paris is safe and if you are smart, the way you would be at home, you will have no problems.

Do what you want (I am with Kerouac)...no reason to behave differently because you are traveling alone. It's not a crime or sad to be vacationing, dining, anything alone.

Oh Thank you!!! All your posts are so wonderful! Thank you for inspiring me and making me feel more confident! I have social anxiety disorder, and this trip is a test to myself. I just want to live like a Parisian for a few days. I want to sit at cafes, people watch and eat wonderful foods. Hopefully interact with people! The touristy museum stuff isn't even that important to me, the ambiance is! My biggest fear is hiding inside my studio till its time to leave, but of course I cant let myself do that. Getting out of my comfort zone is going to be so good for me, I can feel it!
Thank you! Thank you! Merci beaucoup!

Going alone to Paris is fine (although I agree I would;t stay in the 10th but would want to be closer to a lot of sights - since walking everywhere is one of the joys of Paris).

Eating out alone will be fine., If you are going to be clubbing just use the standard care you would use anywhere:

NEVER let go of your purse
Never leave a drink unattended - or if you do - throw the rest out (way too many guys out there with roofies)
If going home late always take a cab (have the club call you one).. While the Metro is great during the day and earlier evening it is empty at night- when and where it does run.

As for generally avoiding pickpockets:

Again - never let go of your purse anywhere - even in upscale shops

In restaurants keep it on your lap

On pubic transit or in crowds always be aware of who is around you - and be sure your valuables are well-secured (inside a zippered compartment at least)

Don't carry much cash or all of your credit/debit cards - only what you need for the day

Don't allow yourself to be scammed - your are NOT required to be nice - or even respond -- to strangers in the street - just walk straight past them and don;t make eye contact; if you feel victimized scream for the police (the best way to get rid of unwanted attention)

If you find yourself in Paris and afraid to leave your studio, get back on this message board and post. Someone here will either shame you into getting out into the city, or entice you with irresistible suggestions.

I think I had a different idea of your trip goals from your original post to this latest one. I'm going to sound motherly here for a moment, so bear with me: Get out, enjoy the city and talk to people. Be open to meeting people, but don't go off with anyone you meet to someplace private. Especially at night if you've been drinking. Standard common sense around home, but I think sometimes in another country people let their guard down a bit.

I love going to Paris solo. I certainly wish I was there right now. Paris has always felt like home to me.

Great advice about ignoring people who come up to you on the street. I pretend I can't hear them, and I've never had a problem.

I always stay in the (where else) rue de Buci area. I keep odd hours, and have been well known to roam the streets at 3 am by myself with never an issue.

Also, I've had plenty of Michelin star dinners by myself and had a fabulous time. The waiters are usually very attentive and charming.

I applaud you for having the courage to take this trip. I hope I can do the same one day. I agree with Sidny--if you need a nudge to get out of your apartment--get on here and ask for some encouragement.

To avoid the temptation to stay in the apartment, you can make reservations a day or two ahead for restaurants and buy tickets for events before you get to Paris. When you have a plan for the evening, you are less likely to sit around and watch TV.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with an evening or two watching French television and eating the great prepared foods you can pick up in the markets.

In addition to the Paris metro and the buses, look for the "RER" commuter trains, which will take you to must-visit places outside the city such as Versailles. The RER is also a much less expensive way to travel from the major airports (DeGaulle, Orly) to central Paris, about 10 Euros vs about 40-50 Euros for taxis.

Within Paris, taxis are not recommended except late at night. They are very expensive, and street traffic moves slowly, so a taxi trip often takes longer than a metro trip, particularly 8 am - 8 pm.

Also agree with another writer's posting that grocery stores like Monoprix are a great alternative to restaurants and cafes for a light meal (another similar chain is Franprix).

Keep in mind that most close by 8 pm, although the Monoprix on the Champs Elysees is open till midnight Mon-Sat (most, if not all of these, stores are closed on Sundays; the Monoprix at the Gare du Nord train station might be an exception).

As far as the social anxiety issue, you don't even have to interact with people, if that turns out to feel too much. Paris is a perfect city to just wander around by yourself on foot all day. Just get out your street map, pick a couple things to anchor your day (going to Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens for example) and figure out who to get there and take a look around.

I am sure that the SAD is challenging but I think you will be inspired to be out and about in Paris. Agree with precious poster who encouraged you to post if you find you are not getting out of your apartment! It's just too great a city not to see and experience.

What is the saying?...Do one thing everyday that scares you!

I truly hope you enjoy your trip and love Paris as much as I do!

Try a guided walk or bike tour one of your first days. Good way to get an intro to Paris sights, feel like a part of a group for a couple of hours if you're feeling lonely or isolated, and maybe even meet some people (other tourists, of course), to have a drink or meal with.

http://fattirebiketours.com/paris
http://www.discoverwalks.com/
http://www.paris-walks.com/

There is a different cultural viewpoint IMHO in Paris on dining alone. I do it all the time. I have tended to have mty big meal at dinner, but last trip also started to have a sit down leasurely lunches. Breakfasts, never eat at hotel. Last trip I found a local cafe 2 blocks from hotel and made it my morning ritual. Coffee (cafe creme), OJ, and a croissant. Maybe read newspaper,guidebook or event magazine and plan my day.

I never had the sense I was treated any differently because I was on my own, in some cases I felt I was treated better (cook come out to chat, good attention from waiter). I do always have something with me to read or write (like a journal). That way I'm not sitting there staring at other people (do that during meal )

The other thing abput going solo is it may be easier to get access to events, where tickets in pairs get sold out, singles are available.

There is a different cultural viewpoint IMHO in Paris on dining alone. I do it all the time. I have tended to have mty big meal at dinner, but last trip also started to have a sit down leasurely lunches. Breakfasts, never eat at hotel. Last trip I found a local cafe 2 blocks from hotel and made it my morning ritual. Coffee (cafe creme), OJ, and a croissant. Maybe read newspaper,guidebook or event magazine and plan my day.

I never had the sense I was treated any differently because I was on my own, in some cases I felt I was treated better (cook come out to chat, good attention from waiter). I do always have something with me to read or write (like a journal). That way I'm not sitting there staring at other people (do that during meal )

The other thing abput going solo is it may be easier to get access to events, where tickets in pairs get sold out, singles are available.

I am so happy and relieved that I have found this website. I am in Belgium as an exchange student and it has come to deciding between going to Paris alone, or not going at all and by reading these posts... How can I not? It will certainly be a dream come true. So here's to the ultimate personal challenge. Thanks again

Go for it Jeanine! You'll be amazed at how easy it is. Have a great time!

Actually I have the same problem , my friend who is supposed to go with me has difficult circumstances which prevent him from going. as a result, I am planing to travel alone which is so difficult to me because it is the first time i travel to Paris.

I will be in Paris at the beginning of October.

CybilVane, If you are interested to meet each-other that would be nice. It is my pleasure

CybilVane apparently disappeared during her trip to Paris in October 2011 and was never heard from again. Let this be a word of warning to all of you....

kerouac - I love your responses!