Empty Nester Adventure: Solo Female Traveler in Paris

I did something I have always wanted to do. Go to Paris on my own. Recently, I had the realization that I have never traveled alone … ever. I mean never traveled alone without meeting someone, a group or for work. So when my husband had a guys hiking trip scheduled in June, I decided to plan a trip for myself — an Empty Nester Adventure as a Solo Female Traveler in Paris!

Getting in the Mindset of Solo Female Travel

The first step in planning a trip as a solo female traveler is getting in the mindset of traveling alone. It’s very tempting to ask a friend. Let’s face it, the idea of sitting alone in a French cafe may seem daunting or lonely. But spending some alone time in Paris has been a goal of mine for years. As a French major in college, I had the dream of working in Paris post-grad. But a practical, new job in DC had changed those plans. Then law school, then marriage, then kids. You get the picture. So this was a small step to revisiting one of my true interests.

I ran my idea past my wonderful husband, who was very supportive of the idea. Life is short, he said, so go for it. As our family travel planner, he knows my plans would be safe and well thought out. He was on his own trip too, so this gave me the clear conscious and green light to make my plans.

My mother, on the other hand, was more difficult to convince. If your mother is like mine, she will protest until the bitter end. Worry takes over and they think of literally anything to stop you (it doesn’t matter how old you are, your mom will always worry!). I assured her there was nothing to worry about it, as I am a savvy traveler. She had peace of mind knowing I was bringing my She’s Birdie personal travel alarm with me (also perfect for your college kids studying abroad).

I also told some girlfriends about my planned solo female travels to Paris. Initially, concern came over their faces about why I would travel alone. They thought there must be some reason for going solo and not inviting them. Yes, I said, there was a great reason. I was fulfilling one of my dreams. Something to cross off my bucket list. A trip I have always wanted to do. Curiosity and then incredible enthusiasm came over their faces. They found it inspiring.

As devoted mothers and wives, we can never muster up the courage to travel solo. We have always been there for our families. It’s a job that never ends and solo travel is rarely an option. But alone time is a good thing. Something we had pre-marriage and pre-kids. It allows you to recharge. It’s character building. It provides the ability to choose your own adventure. Have no schedule. Fly with the wind. See a city on your own terms with a different set of eyes. Hit some goals on your bucket list. Practice some new skills like photography, language, art, cooking, etc. So if an opportunity for an Empty Nester Adventure as a Solo Female Traveler in Paris presents itself, why not take advantage of it!

Tips for Female Solo Travel to Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many travelers around the world. Its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine make it an enticing place to explore. While Paris is often associated with romance and couples, it’s also a fantastic city for solo female travelers seeking adventure, self-discovery, and memorable experiences.

If you keep these important tips in mind, your trip as a solo female traveler to Paris should be a smooth and memorable one.

Before You Leave On Your Solo Trip

• Book Your Flight: Consider whether you are purchasing your tickets or using airline/credit card points. Allowing yourself a little flexibility on dates will give you the best airline pricing or point redemptions. Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) scours the internet daily for the best airline prices. Put your home airport and destination in their portal and they will send you real time lowest fare alerts. You can also book via Expedia to compare a variety of airline prices for the lowest rate or go directly to your preferred airline website. Since you’re traveling solo, it’s best to book a direct flight if possible. Less chance of a missed flight due to unforeseen delays. Additionally, consider the time of day you will arrive. For example, early morning arrival times may not be as desirable if you’re alone and heading to an apartment with a later check-in time and no luggage storage option. In this case, perhaps a noon arrival will be more convenient.

• Embrace Safety Precautions: As always, safety is the top priority, especially when traveling alone. You must be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant, particularly in crowded areas or on public transport. Pickpocketing exists, so be careful. Don’t bring fancy jewelry, have a secure bag for your passport/valuables and be cautious with your personal belongings. Stick to well-lit streets, especially at night. In the summer, there is considerable daylight in Paris, with sunset often around 9:30pm! This helps tremendously, so try not to stay out late. If you must, consider using reputable transportation services. In Paris, Uber is not as plentiful or reliable. Taxis or G7 (similar to Uber) are your best bet, so downloading the G7 app in advance may be helpful. Don’t disclose that you’re traveling alone for safety reasons. And don’t forget your Birdie!
• Travel Light: Since you will be traveling solo, travel as light as possible. A gliding carry-on and backpack or tote bag should be enough for the week. A bigger suitcase will only weigh you down and make you miserable. Additionally, some apartments or hotels may have small elevators, no elevators, narrow staircases and no one to assist you with luggage. You need to comfortably handle your luggage on your own. Travelpro is one of the lightest suitcases on the market. Remember, the lighter the better!

• Choose the Right Accommodation: Which side of the Seine should you stay? That depends on your goals! But selecting the right accommodation is important. Look for centrally located hotels or apartments in safe neighborhoods near the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the Latin Quarter, for example. Check reviews to ensure a comfortable stay. Try a new area for a different experience. For my trip, I decided to stay in two areas in Paris that were new to me. First, I chose The Hoxton, a hotel located in the 2nd arrondissement and centrally located within a mile walking distance of the Louvre, L’Opera, Le Marais, Sacre-Coeur and more. It has a beautiful bustling courtyard restaurant that many locals frequent. I enjoyed the inviting atmosphere with instant luggage storage and food options at the start of my trip. After three nights, I moved on to a wonderfully central apartment on the Left bank in Saint-Germain-des-Pres with Paris Perfect, which I absolutely loved. For a few days, I actually felt like a local with my own apartment. You can choose from several apartments on VRBO based on your budget here, including those with Paris Perfect.

What to do in Paris as a Solo Female Traveler

What kinds of activities can you do as a solo female traveler? Everything and anything you would do with a companion! Nothing is off limits, so get on your most comfortable walking shoes and start exploring!

• Immerse Yourself in Local Culture: One of the best ways to experience Paris as a solo female traveler is by immersing yourself in the local culture. Explore charming neighborhoods, visit local markets, and try traditional French cuisine. Engage with the locals, practice your French, and embrace the art of café culture by enjoying a leisurely coffee in a sidewalk café.

• Enjoy the City’s Artistic Treasures: Paris is renowned for its art and culture. Take advantage of this by visiting world-class museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or Centre Pompidou. Marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or Monet’s Water Lilies. Consider planning your visit during a free museum day (first Sunday of the month) to save money and avoid the crowds.

• Stroll Along the Seine and Explore Iconic Landmarks: A leisurely walk along the Seine River is a must for any solo traveler in Paris. Take in the stunning views of the city, enjoy the picturesque bridges, and soak up the atmosphere. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and charming streets of Montmartre. You will be transported by the smells, sights and sounds. For me, sitting on the steps of Montmartre, for example, brought me back to beautiful memories of my last night in France during my summer study abroad in college.

• Join Group Activities and Tours: To enhance your experience and meet fellow travelers, consider joining group activities and tours. Take a bike tour through the city, participate in a cooking class to learn the art of French cuisine, or join a walking tour that explores hidden gems and local stories. These activities provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded people while exploring the city together.

• Shop ‘Til You Drop: Female solo travel isn’t complete without at least a day of shopping! Hit small boutiques in Le Marais, department stores such as Bon Marche, and food specialty stores like Galleries Lafayette Le Gourmet and other independent Parisian shops. With the current favorable exchange rate, it is cheaper to buy French brands in France than in the U.S. Plus, if you are a non-European Union resident, you may be entitled to a Value Added Tax (VAT) tax refund on purchases over 100 euros made within 3 days from each store (previously set at 175 euros but has lowered for 2023). The tax refund is roughly 12% of the purchase price. Ask the shop cashier if your purchase qualifies for a tax refund before purchasing, so you’re not surprised at the cash register and they can prepare your paperwork. Your passport is required, so bring it safely along with you. Don’t forget to drop the paperwork with the tax refund centers at the airport prior to your departure. This is easier and more convenient than doing it at home. You may want to bring a foldable duffel bag in case you purchase some extra items!

• Stay Connected and Share Your Adventures: Document your solo journey to Paris by taking loads of photos, practice new photography skills and write your thoughts in a special journal just for the trip. Stay connected with friends and family on text and social media by sharing your photos. You will also inspire and empower other solo female travelers.

Get Inspired to Go on Your Solo Empty Nester Adventure

Paris is a captivating city offering a wealth of experiences for solo female travelers. By getting in the mindset, embracing safety precautions, immersing yourself in local culture, visiting iconic landmarks, participating in group activities and purchasing a few special souvenirs, you can make the most of your solo adventure in the City of Lights!

I hope you feel inspired to pack your bags on a solo empty nester adventure! Empty nesters have the unique opportunity to fulfill their bucket list dreams! Put on your explorer hat and get ready to create unforgettable memories for yourself! After all, you’re free as a bird … it’s your time to fly!

For another great destination as a solo female traveler, head to Italy for the 50 Best Things To Do In Florence, Italy!