StCirq - thanks for the advice. I have read and reread it, and will bookmark it for easy reference!

You seem like a woman who tries to weave vacation style into everyday life. You must be a very happy person!

I am particularly fond of your advice to not let your pace get out of hand. From my brief observation of Parisien life, that appeared to be the greatest difference between "them" and "us." Words to live by! Thanks again.

Oh Iregeo. What a nerve this whole thread has struck! My life couldn't be much better (knock on wood), but it is very complex right now... and yes I do ache to escape it for a week BY MYSELF to Paris. Maybe I'd take a spin down to the Loire...up to Malmaison... but yes, ache. So? I cook "French", drink "french", do the scents; decorate my spaces with french touches (minus the roosters...can't do the roosters)...LeJournal news around 6:00 on PBS, movies, books, all the resourses on the web...the ache somewhat subsides.
WAAAAAH... whine, whine... I so need my soul refreshed.

Iregeo,
It sounds like you had an absolute fabulous time in Paris! I'm hoping you can offer me some advice. My sister and I will be traveling to Brussels for business and have extended our trip to include a 3 night stay in Paris. It's the first time to Europe for both of us. I've looked into booked Le Regent, but apparently they do not have availability. Do you have any other recommendations for a hotel in the city? Also, how safe is it in Paris at night and on the Metro? Our back-up option is to stay at the Sheraton CDG all 3 nights and travel on the RER back each evening after a long day sight-seeing. I'm concerned about night safety but I definitely don't want to miss Paris at night! Your suggestions would be most appreciated!
-Kate

Iregeo, first, I'm so glad you enjoyed the 16th, especially Scossa, my favorite cafe.
And lucky you to have a week to yourself! I have done many day trips on my own and quite a few short solo overnights (one to three nights) but have never had an entire week to myself. Sounds wonderful (not meant in ANY way as a slam against my DH or my DC--darling cocker).

Oh, Iregeo, your post has been a total delight. I am married to a lovely guy who just plain prefers to stay home. He has done one or two trips a year with me for over twenty years; but that is not nearly enough to feed my demons. I go solo all the time. And you are right, it can be very romantic.

LoveItaly, take the inspiration from this wonderful post and start planning your trip for next year. My French is appalling; but, I seem to be understood (an adorable Frenchman...is that redundant...once stood smiling as I stumbled through a request. He said "I speak English, but your French is so charming I didn't want to stop you." Oh my gosh. I pulled an Amelie (you remember where she turns to water? That is it exactly).

St.Cirq has exactly the right idea, bring home things you can use every day, it keeps the spirit with you. I love both Paris and London and the souvenirs are everywhere in my house. Ordinary things which lift my heart.

Today I am so sick at heart over all that the week has shown us, this post has given me a lovely trip to Paris with you and I enjoyed every single minute. Merci beaucoup!

Hello BTilke, I understand your post to Iregeo about wanting a week to yourself. I think most women tend to feel guilty about this feeling but the last few weeks coincidently I have had several conversation with various women (all different ages by the way) and every one of them has expressed the need to just have a week to themselves. And as my stepdaughter said today "a week by myself in Paris, that would go waaaaay beyond the description of paradise" LOL. She has not been to Paris for ages. I had no idea how much she longed to go back.

Anyway, just a suggestion to any of you women out there that feel a need for some time to yourself. Do not feel guilty, do not feel you need to make explinations. Spouses, children, parents, friends, pets, etc. should be able to manage just fine without you for at least a week or so.

Hugs to all of you.

Hello cmcfong, after I posted last I saw your post. Thank you dear one for your encouragement! It is truly appreciated. I know I probably will not be going to Europe the rest of this year. But then again who knows? Sometimes I have surprised myself. ;;)

But in any case, thank you again for your encouragement. If you read my post that I last posted you will see that most of the dear women in my life also need to "get away" for a bit. Best wishes.

Oh what a lovely note, LoveItaly. I always enjoy reading your posts, you manage to share such encouragement and affection so nicely. It is a pleasure to be on the receiving end. Thank you.

Kate716: I can recommend both the Hotel Duquesne-Eiffel and the Hôtel de France, the first a *** star and the second a 2**. You should be fine on the métro in Paris at night but late night I'd avoid the Chatelet station.

Oh how I would love to be Ira on Wednesday!
For anyone who would love to travel solo but just hasn't felt comfortable actually doing it, here is a suggestion. I have a friend that falls in this category. She is very comfortable strolling about Paris by herself but just doesn't like the thought of being in a foreign country alone. We will often book an apartment together or make reservations in the same hotel. Once we are in Paris we each head off and do our own things. We both have cell phones that work internationally so if we want to meet up during the day for lunch or dinner we just text message. Sometimes she will travel with another friend and the two of them will be attached at the hip while I am off alone searching for a new Parisian discovery. If I am there for a week or more, I will often purchase a France rail pass and take day trips all over France. Last trip, my friend went to Catherine's (best perfume shop in Paris)and Fanny inquired if I was in Paris. My friend responded "Yes, she is somewhere in France". Apparently they had a good laugh.
Simone-When I am having dinner alone, I will often sit and look at a French magazine with a drink after my meal. The waiters love to start up a conversation regarding some article in the magazine and will keep returning to my table when they are not busy. They appreciate the fact that you are interested in their culture. I do this in the bistro's and brasseries. I think reading a book/magazine in a ***** restaurant would be a society no no.

Dear Iregeo,

You are an inspiration. You're trip report has described my dream trip to Paris perfectly. It has been five (I can't believe that!) years since I have been there, and I still long to go back. The problem is, I went to Rome last fall, and I also really want to return there, too! Dilemas, dilemas...

I have really enjoyed reading your report. I am glad you had a wonderful and safe time.

Parisnow – thanks for the tip. I wasn’t planning to take reading material with me while eating, even though I know that solo travelers feel better with a book in their hands. Your suggestion of reading a French magazine makes sense. I can see how it would attract good gestures from the locals.

I wondered if restaurants and waiters are not as happy to see you because, after all, you will be paying only half their usual tab.

I am preparing for my trip in various ways. I am walking 2 miles daily and pushing for more. Iregeo walked 10-12 miles daily, help. I know that if I were alone in Paris, I’d be walking everywhere as I would be doing all the things that me, myself and I love to be doing.

I am also listening to French TV daily. I know my french will not be perfect, I don’t even care if I speak it well. I want to understand what they are saying to me and around me. I can always gesture my way out of any problem.

Anyway, Iregeo's report is such a pleasure that you can't help but wish to be on the plane for Paris today!

Just fyi, I dined solo in Paris recently and the waiters were very nice regardless.

Thank you all so much for your kind words. It is theraputic for me to write. I'm just glad there's someone out there to read it! Only one day left to report on. I'm trying to make it last!

Kate716, I had done so much hotel research before I left, I got a kick out of seeing their locations while actually in Paris! Before I recommend a place, tell me a bit about what you and your sister would be interested in seeing, where you might like to be near, and approximately what you would like to spend.

Being a woman traveling alone, I specifically chose a hotel in the 6th, in a lively part of town, where I knew I'd feel safe walking around at night. I felt completely safe walking/bussing/metroing during the day, but knew I'd be most comfortable staying relatively "close to home" at night. I did walk at night, even late at night, throughout the 6th, and I never felt uncomfortable. Plus, there were always people around and it was easy to strike up conversation, even while just walking! (2 young law students walking on the blvd. st. germain; this gorgeous hunk of an Italian man on the rue mazarine...) Of course, restaurants, cafes and nightlife is also right outside your door.

Let me know a little about what you two want and I'll do my best!

Kate716, I just re-read your post and now realize it will be your first trip and you may not know where you want to be. In my opinion, for a first trip (girls only), I would look at the 6th, 1st and 4th arr., in that order. You may also wish to include the 5th (not my favorite) or 7th, which I love, but its a bit quiet for nighttime activities.

In the 6th, I have previously stayed at Hotel Bonaparte, a small 2 star in a fabulous location, right across the street from the church St. Sulpice. Clean, affordable, nice staff, but I can't say enough good things about the location.

I was also considering the du Danube, but no a/c (which may not be an issue for you) the d'Anglaterre, and Le Madison. I will try to find my notes for other (affordable) hotels in the 6th.

For a splurge in the 6th, I will next stay at the Relais St. Germain, 4 rue carrefour d'Odeon. (Thanks, Patrick. You have exquisite taste!) I went inside this small hotel and to me, it is pure understated elegance. Also in this category (4*) is the d'Aubusson on rue Dauphine, a short block up from LeRegent.

In the 1st, I'd consider the Hotel Brighton, Hotel Therese and Hotel Britannique.

In the 4th, I'd consider the Caron du Beaumarchais, Hotel de la Place des Vosges, or the Bretonnerie.

In the 7th, I was considering the d'Orsay, Le Vernueil, and one other. As I said, I'll hunt down my notes and get back to you.

Kate 716, Hotel de Varenne and Relais Bosquet, both in the 7th, were 2 others I considered. Still looking for those in the 6th.

Iregeo,

I think we'll definitely want to stay in St. Germain or the 1st, 7th a possibility given the prximity to the Eiffel Tower and/or views of it. I looked up Danube, no a/c and no non-smoking rooms so that's out. Also finding that many hotels are booked. Might have a chance with Le Madison and D'Angleterre, but not sure how to book D'Angleterre -- doesn't look like it has a website.
While in Paris will be looking to do the typical "touristy" things I guess - Eiffel Tower, Arc, Louvre, Notre Dame, St. Chappelle, etc. Safety in getting around via Metro and getting back to the hotel at night is #1 for me. I appreciate your suggestions! Keep them coming! (BTW- if I can't locate a hotel, what do you think about us commuting back and forth via the RER to Sheraton where I already have a guaranteed reservation? Not ideal I know, but given availability at the recommended in-city hotels, might be required.)
-Kate

The Angleterre has had a website now for about a year or so:

http://www.hotel-dangleterre.com

One other question... what do you think of the Hotel Dusquesne Eiffel that someone recommended here earlier. It looks like it has an amazing view and is pretty decent. Again, safety is my 1st concern, so interested in thoughts from you or the person who recommended it.

Kate, I think that hotel was recommended here by StCirq. I would take any recommendation she gives, if you like the location. She's one of our resident experts!