MLG626

I'm planning on buying myself a college graduation gift: 8 days in Paris! I'll probably be there early in December, and will be traveling alone. Does anyone have any suggestions for a 24 yr. old traveling all on her own (Christmas themes definitely welcome, I'm such a nut for anything festive)? I'm especially concerned about enjoying the nightlife all by myself.
Also, anyone planning on being there around the same time?

dwc0201

I would say that the nightlife is difficult for a woman traveling on her own. My nightlife usually consists of dinner and then back to my hotel unless you find other travelers to meet up with. A few times I have met other people traveling solo and we may go out for some wine or dinner. I have never done any of the tours while in Paris but there are night tours of the city where you might meet others in your same situation.

Otherwise, enjoy the museums and wandering(especially the Marais area)on your own during the day and know that your evenings may consist of dinner out and you are so tired of that you are ready for a good book and going to bed early.

murphy89

Hi MLG626,

Night life when your solo is a challenge. Here is a link to quite a good thread on the subject though - lots of good suggestions.

Hi Citygirl,

I was in Paris recently and found night time a challenge - I remembered this thread though and it had some good suggestions:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34625546

Cheers,

Murphy

murphy89

Sorry about that - I also gave the link to Citygirl earlier today

O

fishee

I was only in Paris for a few nights but I had a great time going to jazz clubs in the evening and hanging out at a bistro one night while having dessert trying to plan the next day. I carried myself a bit defensively because I was traveling alone -- more defensive than necessary. People were very nice, very charming.

I would suggest theater, an opera, and/or a concert -- you get the chance to dress up! You're going to have an incredible time, have fun! (It was freezing in mid-December -- bring a warm coat, a cute hat, and a nice pair of lined, leather gloves.)

MLG626

Thanks for the feedback so far! I really want to catch a show, either the opera or cabaret, or both. Any suggestions on that? I've been looking at Opera Garnier, but I don't know if there will be any performances while I'm there.
Thanks for the thread Murphy, I checked it out and got some great info.

MLG626

Oh yeah, I've heard mixed reviews about Moulin Rouge. Some say it's a terrible tourist trap, others say it's a great show. Anyone been to the show?

Danna

Our first night (mother and daughter) we attended Jim Haynes' Sunday dinner.
http://www.jim-haynes.com/

It was really fascinating. Jim is an American Expatriot. He hosts a meal on Sunday evenings, you pay 20E and have whatever his friends cook. Then, you mingle with a mixture of folks who have found their way to his door. We met French, American, Netherlanders and didn't meet all the folks there that night.

It is a fun chance just like us "having to mingle and meet." It was well worth the 20E.

francophile03

Yes. I've been to the Moulin Rouge show. It's a nice variety show. Most of the negative comments were from people who had never even seen the show but agreed with others who said it was not good.

BootsN

For performances at the Opéra Garnier, Bastille, and others, see
http://www.operadeparis.fr/Saison060...=RechercheDate

MLG626

Thanks for that info, BootsN! That is exactly what I've been trying to find. I visited the official Opera site, but didn't find any performances in December. Guess I didn't look hard enough.

Michel_Paris

Been there solo during that time.

You will be there in full arts& entertainment season, so there should be many things to see and do.

I would also recommend some of the concerts that are held throughout central Paris at churches. Low cost, good quality, and you get to experience interiors of churches to the sound of classical music.

Moulin Rouge and similar shows are quite expensive. If you do decide to go, consider doing a late show with no dinner, and eat elsewhere before going.

Others here can confirm when the Grands Magasins do their xmas lights and window decorations. Memory tells me they were up when I was there in early december. There was also a xmas/farmers market in the Halles area and an outdoor ice rink set up in front of city hall.

Hope this helps..

AnselmAdorne

MLG626, just picking up on Michel's suggestions, buy a copy of "Pariscope" when you arrive. It's a weekly magazine that lists all the concerts, shows, exhibits, films, and plays. Very handy, and available at the newspaper kiosks that dot the city.

Anselm