I am on my 40's and going to Paris alone IDEAS PLEASE!
 

I am very excited about this trip and I would like to get some ideas of people who have been in Paris alone, mainly women! What to do, where to go as for night life and mingle with the people? I live in CT close to NYC and go there often all by myself as well as to Boston MA. But the fact that I don't speak french and I don't know their culture well, its a little concern of mine. Please if you are a single woman over 35 or so and have been in Paris alone, I would like to get your input. I will be going from April 12 to the 21st and I will be staying at a hotel in the Latin Quarter. I like to go out at night but I don't know what is the custom/etiquette there for a woman sitting alone at a bar or at a restaurant at night... is there anywhere in the area I will be staying I can meet other singles? :-)
Thank you very much for your help

There's no problem eating in a restaurant or sitting in a cafe with a glass of wine in the evening. There is no custom/etiquette - you sit down if it's a cafe and the waiter will come to the table. In restaurants you're normally seated by one of the staff. You'll get the bill when you're ready to leave. It's much the same as at home.

It's nice to know a few phrases/words such as please, thank you, hello but not necessary to speak French as people in Paris who deal with tourists will speak English.

The only things I've done at night are dinner, concert, boat ride. Usually I'm tucked up by 10:00 after a full sightseeing day. I haven't connected with many people to hang with during my travels. Sometimes I strike up conversations with other singles at a cafe and once I met another woman on a walking tour and we had dinner together. I think it's easier for young people to connect.

In terms of knowing French customs - please pick up a guide book and read the introduction. This will tell you just about everything you'll need to know.

Thank you very much Adrienne, I checked out French language classes on CD from the library to listen on the car for the next month or so. Maybe I'll learn something. You might be right about a full day of sightseeing, I might be in bed by ten too.....
Thanks again, I really appreciate it :-)
V

I read somewhere about "meetups" in other countries, so googled and found this: http://www.meetup.com/brunchclub-135/#calendar

Looks like they have a weekly meetup with cocktails and hors d'ouevres. I know NOTHING about this and have never done anything like this...just thought I'd pass it on.

I have traveled all over the world by myself, including to Paris many, many times, and have no hesitation about going to a café or bistro or bar or restaurant alone. There's no real etiquette involved, other than knowing how to greet people and order what you want, and I've always been treated very well. I've actually met quite a few people this way (but I've spoken French for most of my life, and that's a definite plus). I'm sure if you googled a bit you might find some places in Paris where English speakers tend to hang out in the evening, if you feel you need that kind of interaction. But if you don't, you'll be just fine. Most folks in businesses you're likely to frequent speak at least some English. Have a ball!

Yay! that's a great idea! Thank you for taking the time to help me... I do want to have a ball...
Best Regards,
V

ticlinda,

I've not been to Paris on my own, but I think that if I were planning to do so for more than a few days, early in the visit I'd go on one of the Fat Tyre bike rides or a guided walk, in the hope that i might meet some like-minded people. I'd also join in something like St. Cirq mentions [good as it's specifically for singles] and/or see of there were any fodorites interested in a GTG.

and I'd get going on those CDs!

Bonne chance!

he he thanks annhig I am staying there and only there for 8 days, so I want to at least get some flavor of the night life and socialize a bit...your sugegstions are great :-)
Thanks again...
V

Have been in Paris several times alone - before or after meetings - but have not been looking to meet someone.

Sitting in a cafe or dining - in any type of restaurant - is fine for a woman alone - no problems at all.

In the evening dinner is usually the big activity - since I like nice food. Have gone to the ballet once and a concert once. Also to a film festival a couple of times (these are very popular in Paris).

I have found I met a lot of people in the hotel - lobby or bar - sometimes a couple, or two women and once or twice a man (but I'm very cautious about the latter). I will go for a drink with the latter - but not more. Have had dinner with a some of the others. But I always stay in large full-service hotels - so there are a number of other adult travelers in the lounge, lobby, bar etc.

Not sure if you have a hotel yet but I think that's a much better venue than one of the cute tiny hotels Paris specializes in.

Thanks nytraveler, I am staying at the Latin Quarters Area (5a) and even though I am not there specifically to meet anyone in particular, I would like to be able to meet other singles and basically have a good night life...
I really appreciate your input :-)
V

While this site seems like it might cater to a slightly younger woman, I'm about your age and I love it!: http://girlsguidetoparis.com/

Thank you very much thisiswater, I will def check it out
V

nice, thiswater.

V - did you see that they do their own tours?

Yes annhig, I am still browsing through the site...it is awesome... :-)

I recently returned from a Paris visit, and I've been there a bunch of times on my own, more often than not, actually. I just stayed in the Latin Quarter; which hotel did you choose?
I would recommend a guided walking tour for an overview. There are many tour agencies; Context Travel is one, but they tend to offer a lot of historical detail, which I like. Michael Osman also provides private tours and I found my time with him very well spent. http://about.me/parisfind

Hi TicaLinda, one of my last visit to Paris was three years ago for 3-4 days (after being in Lyon for work). It happened to be the Easter weekend. I stayed in Saint Germain des Pres. It was a bit different being on my own but I kept myself very busy. I found a number of guided walking tours (Montmartre, Les Marais, "Main sights...") and planned one for each day. I figured that this would be my chance to do these walks as my husband is not too fond of them. On the Montmartre tour I ended up meeting a Judge, his wife and friend and we went for supper together after the walking tour; it was great. One other evening I walked in Saint Germain's area where it is a bit more touristy. And on one other evening I did a Seine River cruise. One thing that I had looked into doing at the time but didn't was taking a French cooking evening French... That could be a neat experience too. It all depends on what you would like to do.

I've been to Paris twice on my own - love it! I find it a wonderful self-indulgence to do exactly what I want, when I want, and Paris is a very easy city in which to do that. It will help if you learn a few pleasantries in French, but otherwise, you don't need to worry about the language.

Enjoy!

I went to Paris on a school trip and while I wasn't on my own I do have some things that are on my list for the next time I'm there.

Arc de Triomphe - My roommate and I visited here on a fluke when we were heading back towards the hotel on our free evening. Seeing the city from the top is well worth the fee and the climb up the stairs (we got a work out since we had just bought some large hardbacks at Yves St Laurent). You are about rooftop. Even more special is timing it towards dusk as they have a ceremony for the "Unnamed Soldier Memorial". I don't know if it happens everyday but we came down and saw an influx of police and soldiers. The ceremony was very moving although simple and short.

Notre Dame Gardens - I was there in Feb last time and next time I want to schedule enough time to go meander about the Gardens.

Versailles Gardens - This is a big maybe as I prefer free or inexpensive so would pick Notre Dame over Versailles.

I just read that the Petit Palais is a mini Louvre and even better is free. I haven't researched it to confirm but I'd rather go to a small museum than deal with the crowds at the Louvre.

As said above most places we went had menus in French with English subtitles and the staff spoke reasonable English. The one place we went that was the exception to the rule we still got buy as I had a rudimentary background in French and could identify most of the meats. Our waiter there barely spoke hello but was good humored and we just took a stab in the dark and treated it as an adventure.

One recommendation I would make is to find out the terms for any food allergies and have them written down for easy reference. Good luck in your planning.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m#last-comment

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...l-to-paris.cfm

Happy Travels!

Meeting other singles on vacation is VERY much hit or miss - since most of the singles aren't. I once had a drink with a guy who told me all about his wife - after I made it clear that I was committed and not up for anything more - and 2 nights later overheard him telling another woman he was single (I guess he was for the trip).

That's why I usually have dinner or evening activities only with couples or small groups.

I am a 82 year old female who has traveled extensively on busines trips to Europe and Asia,some solo and some with business associates.

Before my husband passed away 8 years ago we always took lovely trips to Europe. Since his passing I have continued the tradition but now going solo.On a few trips some family members have joined me for 1 week.
I am now finalizing all plans for my annual trip to Europe.
I will be travelling for 7 weeks.
I will be in Paris for 3 weeks, I will go to the Opera, ballet, concerts, museums alone .
I also love the walks that PARIS WALKS offers, which incidentlly is a good way to mingle with other people.
I eat most meals out even though I normally rent an apartment in Paris. I will be celebrating my 83rd birthday while in Paris and plan on having a lovely dinner to celebrate.

I go to nice restaurants, ride the metro and take buses.
I never feel unsafe.
I live in NYC and am used to the hustle of city life.
I am giving you all this background to give you encouragement for your trip. I do not speak French but know the basic polite phrases, can read enough to decipher most menus.
Just take the same precautions that you take in any city in the USA

Have a great trip , Sorry that I will not be there when you are it would have been nice to meet up for a cofee or a glass of wine

tdk320 you sound so interesting, I hope we can meet one day for a drink in Paris!

Tcilinda, I have visited Paris alone ( and London) and love it,, its actually my favorite way to enjoy Paris( not having to cater to others wishes or what they want to see etc).
I actually find Paris is nicer then London for a lady alone, I definately never feel funny eating alone in a cafe or restaurant in Paris .
I don't do nightlife, but find I can keep busy by eating a long meal, going for a walk, or visiting a museum for their late night openings( Orsay and Louvre both are open one or two nights till 9:30 or so, and its less crowded visiting them then too!) .
I have also done all the Fat Tire Bike tours, not all on one trip but over the years, enjoyed the Night Bike Tour and the one to Monets Gardens the best.

Walking tours are a good way to chat with people too.

I don't actually need to meet anyone, but have over the years been able to meet a few posters from tripadvisor.com that I have "chatted" with over the forums for a few years. We have done coffee meets, lunch meets, and took a daytrip to Brugges with one lady and her daughter.

Go and have a good time, read forums for tips. Watch your wallet, and remember to always always greet anyone you have to talk to ( waiter, clerk in store, metro kiosk clerk, literally anyone ) with "Bonjour Madame/monsuier BEFORE you say anything else.. its considered rude not to greet first then ask question or make request for service or ticket etc.

tdk320n - I'm impressed that you're traveling solo. Good for you!

Look for posts by Gracejoan describing her trips to Paris on her own. She always has a wonderful time.

I am a 50 year old male from NYC who has the advantage of speaking fluent French and is not put off by traveling alone. In over 20 years of traveling to France, half of my trips of been solo. This said, although you do not speak French, Parisians on balance are a pleasant and helpful lot and contrary to uninformed opinion, are willing to communicate with you in either broken French, simplified French or even hand gestures. Ticalinda...take your trip and do not fret and worry about being alone etc, just go and enjoy my favorite European city.

I did my first solo trip to Paris...10 years ago. My o my how time flies! Anyway, I was on a budget, so I decided to have my big meal at chosen restaurants at Lunch and take something light home to the apartment - I like the privacy of apartments rather than hotels. Anyway, I had my agenda for the museums schedule and LOTS of time just to sit. I did have 1 special dinner, my Thanksgiving Dinner and the Maitre'D seated me nicely so that I could see the Louvre and be part of a hip young crowd. Not that I was hip or young!

Do not miss Musee des Arts Decoratifs, near the Louvre, right bank with a Lanvin apartment to die for; afterwards, go to Angelina (also on Rue Rivoli) for Chocolat l'Africain. Lots of tourists but it's a classic of Belle Epoque style. Other faves: L'Orangerie, Petit Palis, D'Orsay, Rodin. Walking tours great idea. In Latin Quarter, dine at Polidor, one of city's oldest, and Les Papilles near Luxembourg Gardens. Read Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. Parisians have always been courteous and helpful to us. It'll be fabulous.

Thank you all for all of your great ideas and suggestions, I'll def print this page out to highlight main points, attractions and entertainment...
Mercy :-)
V

ticalinda1969, I think staying in the 5th arrondissement puts you in the midst of a very lively atmosphere during the day and night. My daughter stayed there on a couple of solo trips to Paris and found it very comfortable. Since you have already traveled as a solo in New York, you should have no trouble being solo in Paris. Have a great trip. Deborah

Thanks so much Deborah...I am soooo excited, I can't hardly wait :-)

tdk320 I really want to be like you. Your adventurous spirit is amazing.

justineparis, I followed your advice to greet anyone I met in Paris with 'Bonjour Monsieur/Madame/etc' and everyone was friendly and helpful. I remembered seeing you say this in another older thread and was very glad for your tip. Thank you for that!

ticalinda1969, it sounds like you are going to have a ball! I saw lots of women on their own, sitting alone in cafes and restaurants, often people-watching, smoking or reading a book (or all three) so it is not at all out of place.

Glad that helped Maccbee, it does make a difference to them, and how they (locals) treat us( based on whether they perceive us to be rude or demanding rather then polite and repsectful) makes a difference to us!

Thank you maccabee, I really am looking forward to this trip, taking my own time, going on my own pace and taking decisions myself, I can hardly wait!
Merci :-)
V

ticalinda- Thank you for asking this question. I will be in Paris in May and had the same concerns.

These responses are so encouraging.

Hi Ticalinda,

I sense that I may be some decades older than you, but I did do a solo trip to Paris last June which I reported on Fodors. If you click on my name, my trip report will come up. I am mostly interested in museums and historical sites. You will find many other solo flyers on this site with a wide range of interests in Paris.

Good luck….

Le sigh. I was still in my 30s when I took my solo Paris trip. It was wonderful! I wrote a report--long and boring, but it may have some tips you will find helpful. Regardless, have fun. Paris is a perfect solo destination.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-decadence.cfm

Lots of good information here but one tiny correction: you are unlikely to get your bill in a cafe or restaurant unless you ask for it. How unlikely? We have never been given a bill without asking for it in many trips to Paris.

How? Catch the waiter's eye and make a writing motion.

Be courteous, say bonjour, au revoir, merci to people and go with the flow. It would be nice perhaps to find one afternoon of activities you can do with a group. Could be a walk, or an afternoon of cooking, macaron making, praline making.

There's absolutely no issue with women being on their own in cafe's, restaurants, like many people here have already said.

I like going to small neighbourhood movie theatres when I'm in Paris on my own. The 5th has several of them, and most of them specialize in "classic" art house films that they show in one or two seances every night.

http://www.parisiensalon.com/2009/07...emas-of-paris/

As you're in the 5th, don't forget to have tea at the Paris Mosque. Lovely selection of small pastries, and a covered courtyard that's heated in winter.

OOOhhh I am so excited! you guys are the best, thank you so much for all your nice messages, comments, advice, tips and words of encouragement....my anxiety melted away already and I am counting the days to be on my own in Paris...9 days to my adventure...
Merci :-)

If we run into each other, I'll wave ;)

Ticalinda: being in the 5 eme, may be you can visit a great patisserie:
http://www.carlmarletti.com/
Also, don't miss Luxembourg Gardens, Musee D'Orsay, a cruise on the Seine(may be the one starting at the tip of Ile de la Cite), musee Rodin is great, plus all the usual suspects.And walk, walk, walk.
Related to ice cream, we prefer Amorino , and the macarons from Laduree are the best.
Enjoy!!!