First ever solo trip!

[Bearssaidhearegenerallyverywelldressed]

I'm taking my first ever solo trip to France in September. I'm going by train because I don't love flying so would rather eliminate the stress of it when I'm on my own. I also really enjoy travelling by train so it's not much of an inconvenience to me.

I'm doing this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we have old dogs and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find adequate care for them. Secondly, I just need a bit of a solo break I think, I've been in a fog of infertility and pregnancy loss depression etc... for too long now and we should hopefully start IVF quite soon if that's what I end up needing.

I'll add that my marriage is absolutely fine, we are both on board with this etc... it's just something I've never done before and really want to give it a go.

Does anyone have any tips, advice, recommendations etc... or just words of encouragement?

I'm going to Marseille. I know it has it's troubles but I've researched that.

I do most of my solo trips by train (also married). It's great fun.

What time is your Eurostar out? Have a drink at the champagne bar at St Pancras if the time works.

Take a picnic on the Eurostar. You just have to eat it before you get off.

The internet/wifi doesn't really work on the Eurostar.

TGVs are great. It's better to buy food for the train from a supermarket near the station though.

On the way back, eat at the Brasserie Nord opposite the Gare du Nord. It's much better than hanging around the station.

Great advice, thank you! My times going out are early. I live up in Northumberland so my first train from there is 0430 and my eurostar is 0930. Is it really ever too early for champagne though?

It's never too early for champagne. Sadly, I doubt the champagne bar is open at 7am.

Not quite sure where the dogs come into it? Are you taking them with you?

I assume the dogs are staying at home with DH

Marseille is wonderful! I felt perfectly safe although I think the area round the station looks a bit iffy but stride out with purpose like you live there and you'll be fine.

If you have time, take the train to Avignon (go to Avignon Centre station not the TGV station) and have a good wander. It's lovely and can be done in a day.

Bon voyage! 🇫🇷

Never mind!

They're staying home with DH. Just background as to why we're struggling to get away together.

Yeah they are.

Thank you! I'll look into Avignon. Is there anything specific there or just a nice area?

How old are you? Assuming maybe mid/late 30s? If so, it's a bit weird that you've never travelled alone before. I've been doing it since I was 19, all over the world. France is a good start though and hopefully the first of many solo trips!

It's a very small walled city and has a papal palace as the popes relocated there in the 14th century (I probably wouldn't bother going in - it's not that exciting). There's also Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Doms which you can whizz round. I don't know why it's gone bold!*

Finally there's the famous [half] bridge from the song and the town and surrounds are just delightful.

How long are you going for? Are you committed to basing yourself in Marseilles or would you consider another city/town in Provence accessible from Marseilles?

I'm 37, I've been with my husband since I was 17, so we've always travelled together.

Ah thank you!

I'm going for 3 nights, I've already booked accommodation on the port.

Love this for you!! Brave and exciting..

I did solo trips in my 20s and 30s and I haven’t done one in a long time, but I’m in my 50s now and I’m thinking about doing one this year.

I enjoyed Avignon a lot more than Marseilles, but it depends what you're hoping to get out of the trip. Also the waiters were all very friendly once I smiled and said bonjour to them :)

Ah thank you! Well if I'm doing one, you definitely should!

Good to know!
I'd like to see it with it being the oldest city in France. Just after a nice mix of city, walks, easy transport, with options to explore a bit further.

If you have the me, I would recommend a day trip to Aix en Provence. It’s a really beautiful town and really not far from Marseille by train or by bus.
Have a wonderful trip.

Solo trips are brilliant.

Make sure you know exactly how to get from the station to your hotel & if you’re planning to use public transport / taxis that you know how they work, what you need & what to avoid.

Ah ok, you have three days, it will be fabulous. I'd see if there is a walking/food tour in Marseilles, a great way to see the place from a local's perspective. Make sure s/he speaks English. Just google walking tours and Viator or Get your guide might do them.

Then I'd find out when the markets are on and choose one that coincides with the dates of your visit. They are in every town in that region, and are just amazing. The big one in Marseilles is the Marche de la Plaine, but there are many more. The hotel will know when and where.

Two easy close enough trips, (you could choose one) - to Cassis and/or Aix en Provence. Look both up and see which you prefer. They can be reached easily by train from Marseilles.

I hope you have an amazing trip. Good to see you are joining the "Solo Sisters". When you do it once, you will be itching to do the next one. Guaranteed.

Ah thank you!

Thanks for the advice!
I know that's the worry, if I enjoy myself too much I'll be solo tripping forever 😂