Scared of going to Paris Alone

[Aquarius1234]

I have booked a short trip to Paris for two nights, to go to the French Open Tennis for one day.
There is no one close to me that likes Tennis enough to join me, so I randomly booked solo and a single ticket.
But now I am worried about going there alone. Unable to get refunds.

What is it that worries you?

So if you can’t get a refund …. You’ve two options, go or not.

what are you afraid of? Can you research / plan anything eg use of the Metro to mitigate any fears?

Why? You'll be fine and have a lovely time, unless you deliberately decide not to.

All the usual things when going somewhere new. Researching and looking and how far the travel is to and from, or what form of public transport, isn't quite the same as being there in person.

Why does it worry you? I have been to Paris twice recently for work travelling alone. I've also been on holiday with my 9 year old daughter, just me and her. Paris is great! If you can express your particular worries perhaps we can reassure?

Paris is not a dangerous city and you will be completely fine. Avoid Chatelet Les Halles metro at night as it can be a bit lairy, but otherwise it's completely fine.

Its the far West of Paris. So I wont be in the middle . Just want to make sure I am able to find the places I need to be. Late check in times at hotel etc.

Maybe research exactly where you are going and how you will get there. That might make it feel less alien? Have a wonderful time, what an exciting event to see.

I feel it was a bit crazy to book it.

Why would it be crazy?! You wanted to go see a thing so you're going to see the thing. Do you have anxiety? You're making such heavy weather of this and it really doesn't need to be.

Taxi when alone or Metro ok?

Not crazy at all, it'll be amazing, as soon as you are in your hotel it'll be fine. And there'll be lots of other people doing the same thing. Ask for tips on here on the best apps and how to get to your accommodation.

I used to travel to Europe a lot for work on my own, and it was always absolutely fine when I got there.

What you need to keep you safe in Paris is a man with a particular set of skills..

You could book a transfer from the airport or station through your hotel if you are arriving a bit later on the first night.

Yes, I'd get Metro or taxi alon in Paris same as I would in London

Hey, I spent a month in Paris alone in the summer in 2022. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific qs. It feels as safe as any city - there are some areas you’re not advised to wander into as a tourist in the evenings but otherwise all normal. You will be absolutely fine.

The refund bit is irrelevant. You've spent the £1,000 (or whatever) now so forget about the money.

If you really don't want to go, then don't go, because if you do still go you've spent £1,000 AND ALSO had a nightmare, stressful few days, whereas if you don't go you've just spent the £1,000.

I think it will be fine getting a taxi from the station to hotel. But from hotel to destination and back more options.

I'm going on holiday to Paris in September. What are those areas please? I will avoid them.

I have a friend who worries like this, and I’ve learned that constructive advice (eg to do all the research and planning she needs, cover every eventuality etc) isn’t what she needs. She needs to give air to her feelings, ideally for validation. I’ve learned not to engage with her because I’m just helping her wind herself up, so then she cancels or lets her worry ruin her trip, and then regrets it and hates herself. Same cycle every time. If this is what you’re doing too, OP, I’d suggest with kindness that you don’t as it’ll tarnish what sounds like a great trip.

Grab life by the balls!

I've been to Paris alone many times for work. Never had a problem. Use public transport and taxis. I do speak french though so that helps.

Rolland Garros area in west Paris is fairly well to do, almost suburban.

If you have specific questions, happy to help. But I hope you go, if you love tennis it sounds like a great experience.

2 things here:

1. Paris alone is fine, I went with my 8 yr old daughter (so not too different to be a single female). The metro is a busy tube nothing to worry about. We went out for dinner at night and it was summer and busy - again we felt safe and fine
2. I book myself up for things sometimes and then it gets nearer and I don't want to go - it's an anxiety thing but I do go and I enjoy it and wonder what I was stressing about!

Go and have a great time. I wish I was going to the Paris Open as I'm sure many others would too!

This is a great summary - Paris is a safe city, but personally I avoided the 4 places mentioned here when alone/in the evening or night. I stayed in the 20th and it was totally normal feeling and safe. (If you don’t know what I mean by 20th, google Paris arrondissement maps) https://housinganywhere.com/Paris--France/areas-to-avoid-in-paris

Thank you, just the navigating really. These places are normally a good walk away. Staying 0.9 miles from venue. Wanted to be close.