RainyDay09

You can try Couchsurfers, even if you are not one of them, for a social meeting. Use your judgment, of course, and adjust to your comfort level.

elizzie4000

Good for you! You'll have such a good time, I'm sure.

I have gone to Paris solo many times. You've already been given some excellent advice. I, too, walk a LOT. But, I also spend a fair amount of time sitting in cafes and parks taking in the surroundings and people watching. I'm not one to be uncomfortable eating alone. But, I always have paper and pen so can jot down what I did that day and my thoughts. Maybe have a map or guide with me to see what I want to do the next day. I'm not one who goes with a day by day itinerary. I have a general idea as to what I'd like to do and see and then decide as I go when I'll do those things.

It's really great to be able to what you want to do when you want to.

I never over worry about safety but do take basic precautions. I never carry more than I can afford to lose. I don't keep my cash, credit card and ATM cards in the same spot in my purse. If I kept them all in a wallet and the wallet gets stolen, I've lost it all. BUT, I also leave a CC & ATM card for another account in my room. I also no longer carry my Passport with me just a copy of it. Back when we used to use Travelers Checks you needed your Passort to cash them. But, now that we no longer us TC's I have never once needed my Passport for anything once in a city. If I rent audio guides my California Driver's License is also accepted.

I have not taken one trip when I didn't meet fellow travelers while out. Usually while sitting in a cafe or restaurant we start talking. And then we've met up for sightseeing together and / or meals.

I have meet many people in Paris that I knew from traveler forums. We always meet in a public place like a restaurant for a drink and / or a meal and sightseeing. I've done that in Paris, London and Florence.

welltraveledbrit

I was in Paris with my husband but over four months in the city I did lots of things on my own including lots of walking. I agree that Paris Walks is great when you are on your own though I found some of the groups to large. Because you pay at the beginning you can pass if the size doesn't suit. I also liked the Street Art Walking Tour which was interesting and takes you out of the main tourist neighborhoods.

The Albert Kahn garden has some beautiful azaleas at that time of year and it's lovely Japanese Garden. I also enjoyed the audio tour at the Jaquemart Andre which is good when you are on your own and the guided tour of the historic Grand Mosque.

I cover all of these and lots of other museums, walks and restaurants on my blog (it's completely non-commercial) and may be helpful.

http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/search/label/Paris

irishface

I have been to Paris (and many other cities) on my own many times. Selfish of me, but I love it. No one to get mad if I get lost, can go when and where I want. As someone said, no waiting to use the bathroom. No one will get mad about my snoring (I don't do it on purpose, honest!) Lots to do!

indyhiker

You've already gotten wonderful advice. I just wanted to chime in and wish you well. In my thirties--before I got married at 40--I took several solo trips, including three to Paris. I don't like to advertise this fact to my husband, but those are my most cherished vacations. While he and I travel well together and have a wonderful time, I thoroughly enjoyed being on my own. As someone else said upthread, it feels luxurious. Paris, in my opinion, is the perfect place for a first solo trip. I hope you find it to be an enchanting as I did.

suze

Paris is a really easy city. I was more comfortable walking (the metro underground intimidated me, I admit). So just had a good paper street map and went exploring.

Carry the business card of your hotel or address of your apartment and taxi fare, in case you get lost so you can easily get back "home".

cigalechanta

I've been solo twice. Like you, I was nervous the first time but not about anything special, just that I'm not the swifst kid on the block. The best thing I bought was the Paris Par arrondissment it tells you where the numbers of the sreets are and the nearest Metro stops. You will have a good time. If it rains, step into a café for a glass of wine. One time I walked into a salon and got my hair cut. The parks are lovely
Amazing shops, Architecture. Overwhelmed was I.

suze

<Is it here that I can post to meet for dinner or a tour with another solo traveler? Maybe a group of people?>

Now THAT idea would definitely make me "nervous"! But being alone in Paris, not at all. Meeting strangers just isn't my thing and wouldn't be of any comfort to me.

cigalechanta

If you have been here long enough, you get a feel of the posters and I met up with many on my two trips in Paris
because I had good feeling about them here.

pariswat

Yes, meeting regulars from forum can be nice.
But I wouldn't before starting to know them - I've met some regulars from TA, and it is a lot of fun, but not you Elizzie !
Mvg

smalltowntraveller

Thank you so much! Elizzie, you have inspired me to really do Paris on my own. I'm going to keep a journal and wing it! I am getting more and more excited as the days go by! I'm going to take this time to rediscover myself. After 2 kids and 14 years of marriage I am going to Do Whatever I Want!!!!!! Nerves be gone, I'm going to Paris!!!!!

CJT0427

I spent two weeks solo in Paris and enjoyed every minute. It's a very manageable city, safe - if you take normal precautions - and you probably won't even feel alone most of the time. You might get some ideas from my blog at www.cjtparis2013.blogspot.com
Have a wonderful trip.

justineparis

I have met posters from forums in Paris.. several times.. as Pariswat says you do get to "know" people a bit on the forums first ( but its often a surprise they often look nothing like you thought.. lol ) .

I have always enjoyed the time I spent with them.. sometimes its just meeting for a coffee.. sometimes a dinner or lunch.. and sometimes we have got along well enough on meeting to do a daytrip together on subsequent days..

I find it easiest to get to know ( as far as that can be) people via the tripadvisor.com forums .

I have met a huge variety.. some locals( expats) some solo travellers.. both women and men.. young and old.. and have never had a bad experience.. how bad can a meeting be.. you meet first in a public place ,, chat.. share your experiences. If it was not a good match in person you have only given away an hour or two.. and I can always find something good or interesting at least.. about everyone I have met.

elizzie4000

Mvg - Someday !

smalltowntraveler - You have to right attitude!

Did I miss when you said you are going?

pariswat

Lizzie !
Whenever you want ... you know how to find me.
But I must confess/explain : 'mvg' are not my initials, it is short for 'met vriendelijke groeten' - meaning best regards in Flemish... sorry for the confusion...

powhatangal

You've gotten so many great responses. I've been to Paris solo over a dozen times and it's all about me on those trips. I can change my plans at my whim, eat when I want, get up when I want.....I don't have any problems eating out by myself and will relax, people watch, sometimes write in my journal.

I am leaving for Paris in a week and will be there again in August. Both times I will be with friends and honestly, I'm already sort of missing being solo on those trips!!

Enjoy every minute of your week being solo.

smalltowntraveller

I leave in a week and can not wait to see what happens. What smells I will smell? who I will meet? what I will see? What I will taste? Thank you for the advice on only carrying what I can loose and keeping cards and cash separate. My husband was thinking of joining me for my second week, but I am really looking forward to the adventure of being in my thoughts. I was very nervous because with two kids two cats and a husband I'm never off duty or alone to experience things on my own. Its always a house full. After so long like this, being all by myself was daunting...I will really enjoy this time to rediscover myself!

TDudette

Good luck, smalltowntraveller. As with Nikki above, look at my solo TR to Madrid and London.

The freedom of choice is huge going solo. I always work on my travel notes at meals and wine breaks. Please report back!

RainyDay09

so excited for you. Please update us when you get back.

Sue4

Paris solo is wonderful. I've done it many times, and there is so much to do, I'm sure you'll love it. Eating alone in restaurants is fine, especially if you go early. After a couple of Paris trips solo, I decided to travel to other parts of France, and rent a car to see the areas. I was quite nervous the first time I did that, in the Loire Valley for 10 days. People were SO nice and helpful, all over. I ended up touring Provence, Burgundy, Dordogne, Normandy, Brittany, and Alsace that way, alone each time. I wouldn't have missed those trips for anything! My daughters were a little taken aback at first, but they know me.

You will have a wonderful time, and feel empowered!