I returned from Paris on November 5th. I spent 7 nights in Paris at the Hotel de France in the 7th (thanks St. Cirq for the recommendation - I loved the hotel). This was my 4th trip to Paris, but my first trip by myself and I loved it. Since I had been there before, and "done" the usual sites, this time, I roamed the streets (walking about 7-8 miles a day - I rarely took the Metro), sat and experienced Paris in various spots, people-watched and saw some museums that I hadn't had time for previously.

I never felt unsafe - the weather was mostly wonderful (brisk enough for a coat, but gloves and a scarf weren't necessary for me)and I loved doing exactly what I wanted to do each minute of the day.

Can't wait for my next solo trip.

Glad you had a wonderful time in Paris - I am considering a few days on my own there at the end of a vaction with my husband (its easier for me to get vacation time) but my only hesitation is eating alone in the evenings. I wouldn't hesitate in an outdoor cafe setting but am a little concerned that indoor dining in nice establishments may feel a bit akward. I'm assuming by your name that you are a female, any comments on solo dining? Thanks! SueC1

I thought that eating alone would be the most difficult part of traveling solo - but surprisingly, I enjoyed it. I ate mostly in bistro-type places, but a couple of evenings, ate in nicer restaurants and the staff couldn't have been nicer. I conversed with some people seated close to me and one evening met a lovely couple from Canada. If I had been with someone, I probably wouldn't have met people around me.

I will say, though, that I travel about half the time on business in the USA, so am used to eating alone in restaurants. It is just a little trickier in a foreign country when you don't speak the language very well (I can read French fairly well, and do speak French, but am not fluent).

We just returned from a mid-November trip to Paris. Every meal, we noticed at least one person eating alone in the restaurant. There were more women alone than men (that we saw) and it seems to be fairly common.

Sometimes we saw several loners and they seemed to be enjoying their lunches and dinners.

I don't think you should worry about it. Just go and have a good time.

I was in Paris also from oct 31 to nov 8-
I enjoyed the fact that it was not too crowded; in fact, the day we took the train to Fontainebleau, I was astounded we were practically the only ones there.

I do think we lucked out on the weather; I heard it could have been colder at that time.
On nov 5, the afternoon warmed up enough
to sit in les Jardins du Luxembourg in a very light jacket and it seems like every parisian went there that day and sat in those lovely green chairs scattered through the park.

Lynn, is Hotel de France the exact name of your hotel? I'm trying to find it through Google without success. If you have a web address, please post it.

I'm planning a few independent days in Paris this spring too. Like you, I've been to Paris several times but never solo.

http://www.hoteldefrance.com/

http://www.parishotels.com

102, boulevard de La-Tour-Maubourg 75007 Paris FRANCE
Subway: Ecole Militaire
Tel: +33 1 47 05 40 49
Fax: +33 1 45 56 96 78

Thanks, Travelnut. I should have tried the obvious URL before posting!

Not a problem - I have this one saved as a potential backup as well, so already had the webs...