justineparis

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.

adrienne

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

Underhill

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

Langcraft

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.

sueciv

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!

aliced

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.

ticalinda1969

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

DeborahAnn

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

ticalinda1969

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

maccabee

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.

justineparis

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!

ticalinda1969

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

Y3S

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

These responses are so encouraging.

latedaytraveler

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….

Leely2

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

Ackislander

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.

menachem

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.

ticalinda1969

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

menachem

If we run into each other, I'll wave

jelopez33

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!!!