To stay in Paris on my own for three days?!

[RainbowHash]

Posting here for traffic. For reasons not relevant to this post I will find myself in Paris for three nights in August on my own. I haven't been away on my own before (recently separated) and not sure what to make of the idea. I'm looking forward to keeping myself busy during the day, but I'm worried the evenings are going to feel weird. Any tips from other lone travellers? I guess a good book will be my friend. And are there any areas of Paris that you would recommend for me to stay in, or any to particularly avoid? Thanks in advance!

So very envious of you OP. I've only been to Paris once but you've inspired me to try and go again.

Out if interest, which other European cities are brilliant for lone travellers? I'm feeling a tour coming on....

If I'm ever in London in my own, I go to the theatre in the evening. You can often get cheap tickets at short notice and it costs half as much just for one of you! Presumably you could also do this in Paris if your French is good enough to enjoy the show?

It always feels like a real treat as it's not something I tend to do at home.

I took myself off for 3 nights in Paris one January, when I was about 23. It was cold, and pretty rainy, but I had a great time.
A couple of times I had beggars and hawkers of tat trying to stop me, but I just said "Non!" firmly, and marched on.
My level of French was rather poor GCSE level, but I got by, and even managed to work out how to get a train to Versailles, which I'm still proud of now. :)
I'd have my main meal at lunch time, and buy sandwiches and snacks to have in the hotel room in the evening, so I wasn't out late in the evening.
Only thing I'd recommend would be to pay more for a decent international hotel, where staff speak English. I was cheap and stayed in a little backstreet place where no one seemed to speak any English, and it was a little problematic at times.

So... just a little update.... an currently enjoying a lunch and a cold Chardonnay in a square in Le Marais. It is wonderful here! Thank you soooo much to all those who replied and gave helpful hints and tips. Le Marais is the perfect area (for me) to stay. Have done a SANDEMANs walking tour this morning. Evening tickets to the Louvre last night. Picasso museum and shopping tomorrow/Saturday. I'm so grateful for those that gave advice on this thread. It really helped and boosted my confidence/mental preparation for the trip. 3 days is definitely not long enough and I shall return when I have my child free weekends. Love from a very happy mumsnetter :-)

So jealous! Enjoy!

Ohh are you in Place des Vosges? That’s my favourite. Enjoy.

@AnathemaPulsifer yes I was! Fabulous!

Glad your're enjoying yourself, sounds wonderful! and I still haven't booked anything

My favourite thing to do in Paris is a walk around the Luxembourg gardens, then stop at the beautiful posh cafe for tarte tatin or an aperitif. Then I would head just down the road to the great English bookstore. Bliss!

Gorgeous thread. Well done OP it sounds amazing.

I’ve loved reading everyone’s posts and reminiscing about how beautiful Paris is. I’ve only been once many years ago but it struck me as magical. I want to go back now

This is the happiest thread.

Paris is always a good idea

Go to the Opera House (Palais Garnier) one of the most beautiful buildings in the world IMO.

Very jealous! My favourite place to stay is a lovely little boutique hotel called Maison Athénée. It’s fabulous and has an amazing breakfast!

Sounds lovely

Le Marais is one of my favourite areas too

Have a lovely time

I did this last September, I was taking a language course. I did have a friend visit on the Wednesday and then my husband came on the Friday.
Otherwise, I did the language course in the morning,
Monday afternoon: I wandered round aimlessly, people watching - it's very safe.
Tuesday afternoon: I went up to Montmatre and did an organised market tour/tasting (much fun)
Wednesday: met friend, ate lots of food
Thursday: Went to Louvre, ate picnic in Tuileries.
Friday: (before husband) had nice lunch and people watched.

I stayed at the Citidines Les halles which was really central.

Je suis tellement jaloux

I work overseas occasionally, and am usually on my own. I like to stay in Airbnb because I don't like going out on my own at night, but I do enjoy food shopping in other countries, and choosing things to cook that I wouldn't necessarily eat at home.

I loved doing Paris alone. Lovely leisurely dinners in restaurants weren't awkward. I kept a little sketch journal and it's a nice souvenir.

I have travelled alone a lot and feel very relaxed about it. I enjoy it. If you need detailed advice just look on tripadvisor message boards. Other people will have asked the exact same question as you - whats the most important things to see in 4 days etc and will have been answered by locals who know all the best places to go and suggest useful tips and itineraries, where to stay, eat and and how to get about etc.

Paris is lovely. I have stayed in Le Marais and near the Arc de Triomphe. The metro is very easy but actually when I stayed in the latter I walked most places. My favourite places are Quai d'Orsay, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Isle de la cite area, Eifel tower, a boat cruise on a Bateeu Mouche, the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. I have also been to Pere Lachaise cemetary where Jim Morrison amongst others is buried. I also like shopping or browsing in shops. There's a great market at the weekend - cant quite remember where. Some things like Eifel Tower tickets need to be booked in advance. Get a guide book and get planning.

I have to admit to staying in quite nice places so that if one evening I dont feel like going out for dinner or I'm tired I can get room service or, if they have one, go to their restaurant. But often after a busy day sightseeing I would stop in a restaurant on my way back to the hotel. I usually have a book or my phone to read. Sometimes I have taken my laptop so that in the evening I can watch a boxset or something.

My last lone trips last year were New York and DC for 5 days; and then San Diego. Lovely. Enjoy yourself. And remember the best bit is to be spending your time just doing what you want to do and going at your pace. Make sure you give yourself time to wander the pretty streets and just sit in a cafe with a pastry and watch the world go by. The tourist areas near the Louvre and Pompidou centre will have lots of street performers (I personally wouldn't bother going in it - I've never found anything interesting there.)

So pleased you are doing this! If you have any spare time the Musee Rodin is beautiful - it's in his house (he bequeathed it to the nation) and so many of his sculptures are there - The Kiss, the Thinker, etc, it's so peaceful.