First trip to Paris
 

It looks like I'll be taking my first trip to Paris alone : (
I truly have mixed feelings and feeling maybe I should wait for a travel companion. Have been researching where to stay and what to see and am feeling it won't be much fun to do alone. Also, I would need to budget travel and am afraid if I go alone I won't venture out much for fear of getting lost. I have longed to see Paris forever and having recently retired feel this is my time. I have read about others who have done it alone and was getting pumped up to go but now I am getting cold feet. Any suggestions for this chicken?

Only you know how important company is to you, but in terms of the practicalities, you needn't worry too much. Getting lost is unlikely to be an issue.

Find a hotel with a helpful front desk - there are plenty of suggestions here.

There are plenty of local tours if you prefer the safety of a group, and hop-on hop-off buses to help you orientate yourself.

Even if you haven't got a comprehensive guidebook, you can get plenty of varieties of map locally; every Metro station has maps of the surrounding streets; most bus stops have maps and route plans. If in doubt, retreat to a café for a drink, a sit-down and a consultation of the map. Don't forget, a "Bonjour" and "S'il vous plait" go a long way toward breaking the ice of asking for help from a local.

If in doubt, head for a main road and look for a traffic intersection - if it doesn't have a metro station, there'll probably be a bus stop nearby, and if there isn't a bus stop there will be a café.

My guess is, within the first day or so you'll be wondering why you ever worried....

http://www.ratp.info/touristes/index.php?langue=en

Many people here travel solo, and Paris is one of the cities that is especially conducive to this.

Travelling solo gives you the flexibility to apln your trip...for you. You can see what you want, at your pace. If you want to stop for a cafe creme at the local cafe, you can. Want to just wander one day, you can. See a particular museum...

Paris ia a great walking city. There is so much to see just wandering down little streets (cobblestone in some cases), small shops, tiny restaurants...as well as grand boulevards and fantastic architecture.

The Metro is..everywhere. If can undertand it, and it is not that complicated, you can get anywhere, and get back from anywhere. I carry with me a map, and use the Metro to start and end my day.

Eating? Do not worry, At first, I worried about eating alone. Until I saw that lots of people did. From the little old lady upstairs from the restaurant, to the business man starting his day with a coffee at his local cafe, it's very common. I bring a journal, or a guidebook to keep me occupied, but often there is enough to see around me that I never get to them.

English...if you just use a bit of basic french (hello, goodbye, thank you), the rest will happen in English. We'll even help with a menu translator.

Go...please go. If it is your dream, you must. It's a beautiful place that will stay with you.

We will help you pick a hotel, set up an itinerary, give you some restaurants, some cultural tips, what museums to see, where to walk,how to get around, some books to read beforehand,etc..

You could even plan around being there when other Fodorites are going.

So...when are you going? Make the committment today!!!!

You might want to look at http://www.ourparisforum.com

We are an international group who all love Paris and quite a few of the members travel solo. Always lots of good advice available

Thanks to all for your support and encouragement, I will definitely do it!

If you carry a card with the name and addresss of your hotel, you can always take a taxi, show the driver the card, and be back quickly if you start to feel lost or overwhelmed.

Michel_Paris

Thank you so much for your kindness! I plan to go in mid to late November, don't have my air fare yet because I am undecided as to air & package, finding an apart etc. As I stated, am definitely on a budget,was looking to stay in the Latin Quarters but may be too expensive. I would truly appreciate any and all assistance you offer. I will flying out from Washington Dulles Airport and my time I'd very flexible... Thanks again!

My time is very flexible ( spellcheck on Iphone often takes over) lol

<< I won't venture out much for fear of getting lost >>

What's so bad about being lost? I get lost all the time!

First, you'll see things you never planned to see - an added bonus.

Second, you'll find your way back to wherever you want to go.

Third, you say you're retired which means you're of a certain age. Have you never been lost in your life? You probably have been lost and yet, here you are, back home at your computer - you found your way.

Forth, nobody dies from being lost.

You should read my Czech Rep trip report, driving solo, where I was lost daily (or several times daily) and survived and had fun and saw some great things!

Don't let fear of the unknown stop you from your dreams.

I travelled for 6 weeks one time by myself through Germany, Yugoslavia and Greece. On one leg of the trip I met some English schoolteachers who were also on their way to Greece, and we joined up later. As someone said, only you can decide how important it is to have someone along to share the trip. In some ways, I enjoy being alone. In others maybe not. I would not let it stand in my way IF I really wanted to do the trip. I think Paris is very safe. Just as ANYwhere, including my southern home town, just be aware of your surroundings and be alert.

An amusing story - when I went to Portugal last year I memorized three phrases before I left and some Portuguese folks at the airport gate before boarding helped me pronounce the most important phrase - estoy perdida - I AM LOST. They laughed at me and asked if I really expected to use this phrase and I assured them that it would be very helpful. Other than "good day," this was the phrase I used the most. I build extra time into the itinerary for getting lost! LOL

Thanks again to all for your encouraging responses.

adrienne, your first post made me smile and see how silly I was being.

Michle_Paris, I certainly will take you up on your offer to help me with my itinerary.

LOOK OUT PARIS HERE I COME. I AM EXCITED!!!

I definitely want to see all the major tourists sites but am very interested in thrift shopping for clothing. Locating flea markets, thrift stores, consignment shops, etc would be a plus. I read somewhere about under ground shopping???

I think I meant under rail???

I don't know what you mean by "under rail," but the only underground shopping I can think of in Paris is the Forum des Halles, which isn't at all bargain shopping. Far from it.

Designer depots, which is what consignment shops are called in Paris, include:

Griff-Troc, 119 Boul. Malesherbes in the 17ème
Priscilla, 4 rue Mouton-Duvernet in the 14ème
Le Jupon Rouge, 9 rue de Rochechouat in the 9ème.

Don't expect the kind of bargains you'd find in the USA. At all.

The flea markets at St-Ouen, Porte de Vanves, and Porte de Montreuil are OK, but I've never found a real bargain there, either, compared to what I can find at a brocante in the countryside. It's worth a trip just for the atmosphere, though.

Generally speaking, nothing you'll find in Paris will be anything like the kind of bargains you can find in the USA at Goodwills and thrift and consignment stores, in my experience.

StCirq thanks for the heads up and locations. I would still enjoy looking.

Another idea...fly into London, then take the Eurostar train to Paris. Fly home out of Paris. Going into London, you land in a place that is not totally different from home. You get your Europe "legs", get over jet lag, then on to Paris.

Shopping is not my forte. I know that the market at St Ouen/Cligancourt is well know and large.Been once, as a rookie. Now, I'd go with a map.

Hi Chyonijp,
I'm very excited for you! You will have a fabulous time. :)

If you want to stay in an apt, this company has a very good reputation http://www.parisbestlodge.com/ Thierry is very helpful and responds very quickly to emails. Unfortunately when we were in Paris last August they were out of town so we could not rent from them. Very disappointing.

We really enjoy apt rentals as it gives you your own space to come back to at the end of the day. Fixing a few of your own meals is also kind of fun...shopping for food in the local markets is interesting.

Have a great time. And remember, the Fodorites are right here to help you through your times of uncertainty. :)

Hi, Chyonijp!

You can totally do this and Paris is really the place to do it. I noticed you said that you have an iPhone.

A couple of hints - If you're on a budget, call AT&T and have them walk you through how to turn OFF international roaming and only have on wi-fi. There's a special way to do it and I can't remember the steps.

Also, there is a RATP tube/rail station map for iPhone with major streets on it if you search for RATP Official Map. Also, there was a free French/English trnaslator on iPhone that I found.

Check hotels that you particularly like for location and call to see if they have a single room. They sometimes do not advertise these and offer them at a reduced rate. Try the Hotel Du College, the Hotel Minerve, or it's less expensive sister next door, the Hotel du Familia. These are tourist class hotels, but the locations are very good. There's another one with some very ugly but very clean rooms called the Hotel le Home Latin. My parents used to stay there for its proximity until they found the Hotel du College.

Michel may have more/better recommendations. These are just some we've stayed in when on a budget over the years. I have other suggestions in other parts of Paris.

I would consider a flat or apartment if I were going to be there for any length of time, but you will have to be a little more independent to do that. You might enjoy having a front desk and concierge for suggestions.

We've done the London to Paris via the channel tunnel and it was easy. You can do it!

Don't discount still seeking a travel partner. One just might turn up!

Oh - and one more thing... traveling alone can be such a joy! You can read every sign in the museum you want, spend three days wandering about the Louvre, linger over that last bite of omelette, sit for too long in Notre Dame, stand in front of the Hediard store wondering who drinks all of that and how much can you bring home? If you buy an organic bottle of bordeau in the Marais and keep it in your room, you'll know that when you return later, no one else will have had the last glass. No one will suggest it's time to turn off the light when you finally get to page 17 of Moliere. Flirt with the waiters with no shame because there's no one to judge you. Wear that scarf that's so out of character. Buy that handbag that you deserve.

Really. You can do it!!

Thanks again to all for the great advice and encouragement.

Michel_Paris, I read taking that route through RyanAir would be much cheaper, is that your logic as well?

Michele_d, thanks, checked Thierry's place out on yesterday and it's not in my budget : (
It is lovely, though.

mom23 rugrats, I think you are right about the need for front desk assistance and that I should probably stay in hotel for interaction with others. Thanks for the AT&T tips, hotels and the hopes of a travel companion possibly turning up.

I have been researching, researching, and am becoming as ovewhelmed as I am excited. But, I know things will fall into place. I am so excited and tickled.

Should I purchase Museum and train passes, if so where?

If you are concerned about being overwhelmed/lost, you may want to stay in a hotel, at least the first few days, where you can ask questions and get advice from staff.

The good thing about the museum pass is that it allows you to skip the lines (or wait in a shorter line) at many places. It will not allow you to skip security lines though. Another advantage is that it encourages you to just pop into a place to check it out if you are in the area, and if you don't want to spend much time there, you don't feel like you have wasted the price of admission. You can go in and out of museums, spend an hour at a time and then come back the next day.

The museum pass is available at every museum that accepts it, so it is a good idea to buy it at one of the less busy ones and go there first. If you buy it before you get to Paris, you pay more.

While a flight between Paris and London might be more inexpensive than the train, you have to figure in the cost of getting to and from the airports (as well as the time). The train takes you from the center of one city to the center of the other one.

<< I think I meant under rail??? >>

I think you mean the Viaduc des Arts.

http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/a...c-des-arts.htm

I agree with staying in a hotel for your first time so you can get help with buses, metro, taxis, etc.

I disagree with buying the museum pass. You should figure out how many museums you will see (and if they are free or have admission fees) and then figure out if the museum pass is worth the money you pay for it. I don't normally see more than one museum in a day (two if they're small) as I like to vary my daily sightseeing so the museum pass would cost me a lot of additional money.

If you want to see some specific museums, you can buy advanced tickets on the museum web sites. And many of the smaller museums are free.

<< Flirt with the waiters >>

Marco Polo restaurant (in the 6th) has the flirtyest waiters! They're very good for women traveling solo.

I wish I were going with you!

Keep in mind that most museums have a free day or evening. You have plenty of time and can set your schedule around the free days.

However, we ALWAYS buy a city pass when we go somewhere and it typically includes museums. It's just our thing. Check for discounts for seniors through the company or through AAA. Even in New Orleans, which I visit a couple of times a year for work, we bought the city passes and saw much more than we would have without them. We just did whatever the pass would let us do and planned our days around them.

We also buy train passes. That way, if you wake up one day and think you'd like to go to Giverny, you have your pass, as opposed to thinking, hmmmm.... Giverney is 60Euro round trip. Do I want to spend that today? With the pass you just go and feel like you're getting your money's worth out of your pass.

These are things that you can buy in advance and not worry about the expense while you are there. It's already paid for and it won't make you think twice about whether you should/can splurge on something at that moment.

Adrienne, you and I could go with her!! LOL

Good Morning and again thanks to all!

You've been so helpful and generous with your experiences and advice. You don't know howuch it means to me.

adrienne, thanks for the link and to mom23rugrats, to you and Adrienne coming along, now that sounds like a plan. LOL


I was thinking I would wait to close to my departure date to purchase airfare but I think I should book now why as low as 726.00 non stop? I randomly ran a departure for Sept 26 and return on Oct 4 and the fare was over 1300. I would hate for my ticket to go up as high because of my procrastination. I am thinking of leaving Nov 30-Dec 8 and booking a hotel for 3 nights to get the feel. Any thoughts on this? I hope I am not asking too many questions.

YES! Road Trip!!!!

The problem with taking a plane between London and Paris, is that by the time you get out to the airport, security, fly, out of airport, get bag, get into city..you would have been there already if taking the train, and at a cheaper rate.

If London appeals, look at Open Jaw...fly into London, out of Paris.

Hotel for first stay might be easier, but that will be a personal preference. You will see lots of reviews here on hotels and appartments.

Yeah, sounds like much, I think I'll pass on London. What kind of taxes and how much can I expect to pay in addition to hotel stay?

I am also a single traveler - am actually planning my 8th trip to Paris around the same time as your dates.

I don't know what type of pass you would need other than possibly a Museum pass if that works out for you. Usually a carnet of 10 tickets for the Metro/bus is sufficient. You can buy the weekly pass but that entails a one time fee of €5 for the card plus you need a small photo - you can see all the info on the Paris Transit site ratp.fr.

Most nearby out of town trips are fairly inexpensive - I just checked the fare to Giverny/Vernon and it was about €13 each way. If you are thinking of a longer trip on the TGV, then it can work out to buy the ticket online ahead of time for a discount....

If you state your nightly budget maybe some folks can come up with ideas for a hotel.....

I'm sure you will love Paris!

Taxes? Value added tax is included in the price of everything, there's no additional price added on at the register. So if you go into a supermarket and buy a quart of milk for E1.25 then that's the price you will pay at the checkout. Same for restaurants and hotels.

There will be a daily tax (tax de sejour) at the hotel; it's been a while since I've stayed in a hotel in Paris but the tax was added on to the bill - more than E1 and less than E2 - not very much.

So you're thinking of a hotel for 3 days and then an apartment for the other 5 days? I think you should stay in a hotel the entire time so you won't be tempted to wimp out and hibernate in the apartment rather than getting out for dinner and a walk in the evening.

How much in addition to the hotel? You can see Paris on just about any budget. Expenses are determined by the sights (type and number) you'll see and food. I'd say budget $125 per day for all but hotel expenses. That way you won't have to scrimp and can stop for those extra glasses of wine! :)

Lunch w/o wine should be about $10; dinners can be anywhere from $15 to $50+.

I'm glad you'll be in Paris the whole time. That's what your companions (moi & mom23rugrats) wanted to do! LOL

Part of planning will be budget, interests, location (land/leave from Paris seems to be your plan), and time of year.

If you are flexible, certain times of year may appeal to your interests. For example, right now there are two major MOnet exhibits going on in Paris. If gardens are your thing, early summer would be a nice time to go, perhaps adding in Giverny for Monet's garden.

I've survived by only buying metro tickets and using that to get around, using the RER train to enter city from airport and as a way to go see Versailles.

Museum pass will help bypass lines, but part of decision will depend on how many museums you want to see and when (consecutive days)

Thanks Mara, I would love to spend less than 125 usd a night but it seems virtually possible for a clean place with good location. I just saw Hotel Abbatial Saint Germaine will run about 605 euros for a six night stay but would love to pay less. Is 605 euros about 780 usd?

I've also done an Expedia package to Paris, for flight and hotel. That is another way to save a few $

http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/en/75budget2.html
http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/hotels/price/cheap.html

I haven't stayed in a hotel in quite a few years and the ones I stayed in aren't cheap anymore. Above are two websites where you can find some inexpensive hotels - also you can check out tripadvisor.com.....

I've never done a package as Michel_Paris suggested - when I did check them out they seemed very expensive as I needed to pay a single supplement....

Mara,

I've never seen a single supplement for any Expedia or Travelocity package. You pay for the room, no difference if you are solo or not.

I went to London May 2009 also on a package deal

The quickest way to figure currency conversion is via google. Type "605 euros in USD" and google tells you that right now that would equal 815 dollars.

I love dancing. Is there anywhere for the older crowd to dance? I can do younger but would prefer not to. I don't drink but may sip a little wine at least once during my stay.

Michel_Paris - interesting, I guess packages have changed -I haven't looked at one in years...thanks for the info...

Thanks Mara, the listing you posted shows the best budget prices I have seen thus far. Now, I have read to try and stay in the lower number arrondissements, does it really matter? I do notice they are the most expensive areas. Again, it's going to be key for me to learn how to get around on the train. I willl do fine and I love walking.

Everyone has been so kind and I can't thank you enough.

There are also two threads here with lots of hotel recommendations. They are called Paris Left Bank Hotels and Paris Right Bank Hotels (you can search above - use advanced search).

Many people stay in the 4, 5, 6, or 7 arrondisement for easy access to the sights. Probably the 6th will be the most expensive. You will get all sorts of opinions on which area is the best as people have their favorites.

If you want a hotel that is a bit less expensive you can stay in the 14th or the southern end of the 5th.

Since you don't drink it's probably important to tell you that you'll pay at least as much for soda as for wine. Your best bet on a budget is tap water.