I have purchased tickets and booked hotels for a week in Paris Sept. 29-Oct 4. Is anyone else going to be there at the same time, especially other solo travelers? I went to Italy a year and a half ago with a friend, but this is my first time in Europe alone, and I thought it be might be fun to meet others. I will be staying in the 5th and 8th arrondissements.

Also, any hints on what the weather is like then? From what I've been able to find, it sounds like maybe 50s/60s daytime and 30s at night? How rainy is it then?

Thanks, everyone! This is a great forum.

I won't be there then, but have been. Your temps are a little off, maybe some mistake. It is getting to be Fall, of course, but I wouldn't expect nighttime temps in the 30s, which is freezing or close to it. The daytime could likely be a little warmer than 50s. I'd guess avg. around 65 daytime, 50 at night. It rains all the time in Paris every season, so assume it will some, but it shouldn't pour every day and that isn't one of their heaviest rainy periods.

Great! Thanks for pointing out my mistake, Christina. I thought I'd seen some chart that had low 40s/30s, but I checked www.weather.com, and you're right. Should be just like you said--50s at night, 60s daytime. That will leave more room in the suitcase for souvenirs!

<sigh> Sounds wonderful--it's been around 100 here for weeks! I can't wait to go!

For packing, figure on the ubiquitous "layers" for sure. Plan to get dressed every day, and bring along a sweater and waterproof jacket or raincoat. A hood precludes the need for dragging an umbrella all about every day, for those unexpected showers. I LOVE the H2Off jackets/coats at LLBean, along with their spectacular microfiber travel slacks (with deep front pockets and hidden zippered security pocket).

You'll likely add and remove all day long. When out and about, best bet is to keep a bit of cash, your ATM, one credit card, secure in a deep front pocket (zippered even better). Then, a medium casual (nylon, microfiber) tote for your "stuff" - tour guide, maps, bottle of water, other essentials.

Not to worry - you will meet up with "others" everywhere you go. In the cafes, museums, even at bus stops.

PS - Chris (of Paris PhotoTours) has opened her home in Paris as a B&B! I haven't stayed with her in Paris (as I travel with my husband, but we meet up with her there), but do know her personally, and have spent many a Bastille Day celebration in Boston with her and her delightful husband (who is nearly always traveling the world on business).

Chris could not be nicer or more charming. Her apartment is very well located. And, she's a fabulous cook! €5 for AMERICAN breakfast is a positive bargain!

She also has many, many American friends in Paris and is always "in the know" as to who will be visiting (as an avid member of the AOL travel boards).

Here's the scoop:

B&B for women traveling alone.

Description:
1 bedroom with queen size bed and private (but not attached) bathroom located in la Madeleine area (8th arr.) close to metro, buses, Champs Elysees, Louvre and department stores
Breakfast every morning with choice of fresh local produce, warm bread, croissant, homemade preservres, pain au chocolat etc.
Tea or wine with snack in late afternoon.
Antique furniture in apartment.
Piles of books and guide books on Paris.
Unlimited internet access.
TV in English.
Access to washer and dryer.
French or classical music.
Fresh flowers.
Help with directions, concerts and restaurants bookings.
Photos available on request.

Cost: 95.00 Euros a night with a 3 nights minimum.
American Breakfast: add 5 Euros.

French lessons available at additional cost.


For more infos: [email protected]

For guided walks: www.parisphototours.com

g33kgrl - I would be happy to meet for a drink/coffee somewhere in Paris and am also flying solo. Is this you first visit to Paris? Let me know when & where. There is a Fodorite GTG initiated by TravelerGina but you would have already left. Pity.
Tod

These inexpensive walking tours of 2-3 hours in various interesting parts of Paris would be a good way to get some company.

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pariswalking/

http://www.walksofparis.com/tour/wal...ing-tour.shtml

Most are 10-12 Euros and don't need to be booked.

(Don't mind me...just marking this with my name so I can find this great info later.)

Paris is a fabulous solo city. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

Tod, I'd love to meet up. Email me the dates you'll be there. It sounds like you've been before (this is my first time solo and first time in Paris), so maybe you could suggest the place.

Thanks for the encouragement, Suze. I can read French pretty well, terrible at listening and speaking, but that's way ahead of what I knew of Italian when I there, so I'm pretty comfortable with the destination. At least for now--I'm sure as it gets closer I'll start wondering what the heck I was thinking...

Where's your email address honeybun?
Tod

oops--sorry, Tod, I'm used to forums where you can click a user name and email the person. It's my username @gmail.com.

djkbooks, thanks a million for your posting. I stuck it on my Paris as soon as possible disk. What a great recommendation. You certainly are a terrific resource.

Thanks g33kgrl! Emailed you already.