A Solo Trip To Paris
What do you do when you break-up with an ex? Book a spontaneous trip to Paris, of course.
My logic may have seemed somewhat flawed... jet off to the most romantic city in the world, alone. But having talked about going for the last two years - after spending my year abroad out there - it turned out that a breakup was the kick up the arse I needed to just book it.
In a moment of madness and complete spontaneity, I booked flights and an Airbnb for a long weekend in the city of love.
No regrets, just baguettes...
I'll admit once the initial manic excitement subsided, I did start to question the thought of holidaying abroad alone, wondering if I would feel more lonely when I got there. But I sit here now, with a smile on my face at the thought of my initial scepticism, because as it turns out, solo travel is effing great. And I would honestly recommend it to anyone, particularly in light of a break-up. It was a total breath of fresh air and exactly what I needed, to remind myself that I had made the right decision and could actually be happier alone - being true to what I wanted. Of course being surrounded by gorgeous French babes in a beautiful city and stuffing my face with a million baguettes and patisserie cakes helped too...
Wine, wandering and people watching
For risk of sounding like a w*nker, it was refreshing to just "be". Without any strict agenda, compromise or consideration for anyone else. Just pure time for me - hedonistic, selfish, feel good travel. And I can safely say I made the most of what Paris had to offer for the few days I was there. I walked around until my feet ached, curious and carefree - having only my camera for company and a desire to wander. Having seen all of the big museums and galleries on previous trips, I was determined to make the most of the sun on my skin, so opted for sipping wine in French bistrots and people watching - which was more than enough entertainment. Paris is so easy to just drink in... in both senses of the word.
Just me, myself and I
I think a huge part of solo travel is being comfortable in your own company, which allows you to appreciate the little things that we often take for granted in day to day life. Beautiful architecture, the ability to walk around, enjoy quiet, hear music, have the sun on your skin and just observe the world go by. There's so many beautiful things to see.
Table for one?
But equally, being open-minded to meet people and do things. From dining out alone at Chartier and incidentally meeting a whole host of people to talk to on my table, to drinking out in bars and just soaking up the atmosphere (and several wines...), and practising my French (which came back surprisingly quickly) with the beaux gosses Parisiens. It was so fun to remind myself that getting out and about and actually just living life allows you to meet so many new people. I didn't end up going on any dates though, having only recently watched Taken... (my dad's no Liam Neeson). 😂
Photos from the trip
I was so happy with my photos from the trip, carting my tripod around was worth the long exposure light trails around the Arc De Triomphe - a few of my favourites are below, along with my recommendations of things to see and do if you're flying solo in Paris.
Solo Travel in Paris - my top tips
Eat
Chartier - a classic, 100+ year old french brasserie with waiters clad in white aprons, the menu is simple but delicious and doesn't break the bank. perfect for the solo traveller because they sit you at tables with complete strangers, so if you're in the mood to meet people in a classy setting, it's definitely the one for you!
Le Vrai Paris - a charming bistrot in Montmartre decorated in pink flowers on a jolie, petite rue, it's perfect for a brunch, coffee or early evening meal, if you're looking for a romantic setting to loose yourself in.
Chez Gladines - much loved by the locals, the basque food this places serves is to die for - again, it won't hit your purse too hard and the interior decor may seem a little understated, but if you're looking for taste and lots of it, it's a good one to explore. Nestled on the Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Big Fernand - if you're looking for casual dining and the best burgers around, Big Fernand is the one for you. Proper tasty, Le Bartholomé is a favourite of mine. Dotted in several locations all around Paris. They've even now ventured across the pond to London, so get tasting!
Picnics - simple but true, there's no better way to enjoy Paris in summer than to pick up some treats from the local boulangeries and patisseries and head to the parc for a picnic. Remember to take a bottle opener if you're indulging in some wine from Monoprix (you can pick up some super cheap, delicious bottles for the local supermarkets!) Head to parc Buttes Chaumont or Jardins du Luxembourg to enjoy.
Drink
Bar Dix - nestled in Odéon, Bar Dix is teeny tiny and trop mignon (cute). Cheap as chips and a real hidden gem, it doesn't look like much from the outside but the oldy-worldy decor is super cosy.
Le Perchoir - renowned for being a little pricier, you're paying for fabulous views on this rooftop bar. cocktails will set you back roughly 10 euros. But on a warm summer's evening it can't be beaten!
Rue de la roquette / rue de lappe - Bastille's great for a night out for a few drinks. Hit up cocktail hour in Cafe Iguana, before heading to Yellow Mad Monkey for their casual dark, rainforest themed bar, then onto the bars/clubs on rue de lappe (Tribar or Le Balajo) to dance the night away!
Stay
I stayed in a cute Airbnb which was small, simple but most importantly central, near Hotel De Ville - the perfect location for wandering around near Le louvre and the Notre Dame. The studio flat was the perfect size for a few days away, bright, cosy and quiet enough not to feel like you were rattling around by yourself. The host, Max was also great- i'd fully recommend this place if you're travelling by yourself.
Must Do's
Climb the Arc De Triomphe at Sunset - If you want to see Paris in all it's romantic glory, climb up the Arc De Triomphe in time for sunset. The views are simply breathtaking and the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour every hour, in the evenings, making for a magical sight! Amateur photographers be warned... no tripods are allowed (pros only - how annoying!), so if you want to do some light-trails stuff like I did, you're best to keep it on the ground. Worth knowing that it's free to climb for EU citizens under the age of 25 - simply show your ID at the ticket booth!
Wander around the Jardins Des Plantes - Such a pretty walk around, from the tropical greenhouse (which you have to pay to enter) and the gardens themselves (free to wander) - check out the rose garden, it's absolutely beaut!
Explore Montmartre's pretty streets - This trip was my first time around Montmartre, and it didn't disappoint - there's so many arty and quirky rues and things to see. Whether you go for a guided tour or simply wander like I did, you won't be disappointed.
Do you have any favourite spots to go to when solo travelling? I'd love to gather a list for my next visit. let me know in the comments below! And thanks for reading :)
Georgia
x
