Solo Female Travel in Paris: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Alone
Paris alone? It's THE best way to discover the capital! As a French woman living in the Paris region since childhood, I've learned that solo female travel in Europe often starts by exploring your own city differently.
Paris reveals its most precious secrets when you wander freely through its historic streets, soak up the unique atmosphere of Montmartre, or admire the Eiffel Tower from a peaceful café. That's the magic of solo female travel!
And if you're a woman, NomadSister is the perfect solution to be hosted for free in Paris by supportive women. A hundred Parisian female hosts are waiting to meet you and show you all their favorite spots!
You only have a few days to visit Paris?
What to Do Alone in Paris: My 25 Favorite Activities for Solo Female Travelers
I'm going to share all my favorite solo activities in Paris, from cultural visits to creative workshops.
And if you're looking for other French destinations to visit alone, don't hesitate to check out my article on solo female travel destinations in France!
Must-See Cultural Sites for Solo Female Travelers
Visiting museums alone allows you to take your time, to linger in front of a Monet that moves you. I've spent entire hours at the Musée d'Orsay, this beautiful 19th-century Beaux-Arts former train station, without anyone rushing me.
My favorite museums for guided or self-guided visits:
- Louvre Museum: book online, start with the Richelieu wing (less crowded)
- Musée d'Orsay: perfect for Impressionists, magnificent former train station
- Rodin Museum: peaceful gardens near Les Invalides
- Musée de l'Orangerie: to admire Monet's Water Lilies in an intimate setting
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Bourdelle Museum: beautiful sculptures and colorful interior garden
Essential monuments:
- Eiffel Tower: symbol of the capital, climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris
- Arc de Triomphe: 360° panoramic terrace, views of the Champs-Élysées and all Parisian monuments
- Sainte Chapelle: 13th-century Gothic stained glass windows, magical in late afternoon
- Palais Garnier: self-guided tour of this Second Empire architectural jewel
- Basilica of Sacré-Cœur: on Montmartre hill, panoramic view of the entire city
- Catacombs: unique underground experience
Neighborhood Walks and Discoveries for Solo Female Travelers
The Marais remains my favorite district. This historic 4th arrondissement neighborhood, with its 17th-century private mansions, tells the capital's history at every street corner.
My tested itineraries for urban exploration:
- Le Marais: Place des Vosges → rue des Rosiers → rue de Rivoli
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Café de Flore → antique bookshops → contemporary art galleries
- Montmartre: rue Lepic → Sacré-Cœur Basilica → panoramic view of the capital
- Latin Quarter: Panthéon → Sorbonne → Luxembourg Gardens
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Île de la Cité: Notre-Dame → Sainte Chapelle → Seine quays
My favorite parks and gardens for a solo stroll:
- Tuileries Garden: perfect for a reading break on the green chairs, close to the Louvre
- Buttes-Chaumont: waterfalls and Temple of the Sibyl to escape urban hustle
- Jardin des Plantes: tropical greenhouses and serenity, ideal for botany enthusiasts
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Luxembourg Gardens: emblematic Left Bank park to stroll and observe Parisian life
Creative Activities and Workshops for Solo Female Travelers
Since living in the Paris region, I've discovered a multitude of creative workshops hidden throughout the capital.
By the way, if you want to meet other art enthusiasts, the NomadSister community includes over a hundred Parisian female hosts who can accompany you on your artistic adventures!
My favorite workshops:
- Ceramics: L'Établisette (11th), pottery discovery classes
- French Pastry: Cook'n With Class, traditional French cuisine techniques
- Perfumery: Fragonard, personalized fragrance creation, a unique experience
- Painting: Atelier des Beaux-Arts (6th), beginner classes
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Embroidery: Atelier Mille et Une Nuits (10th)
Unique Experiences and Original Outings for Women Traveling Solo
My unusual discoveries:
- Museum of Illusions (1st): playful interactive experience
- Escape rooms: "L'Aventure Absolue", immersive worlds for unique sensations
- Seine cruise: Bateaux-Mouches at sunset, magical moment
- Paris Balloon: André Citroën park, panoramic view of the Grand Palais
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Cité des Sciences: planetarium and interactive exhibitions
Where to Eat Alone in Paris: My Best Solo-Friendly Addresses
Eating alone in Paris is an enriching experience that allows you to savor local gastronomy without constraints.
These establishments offer welcoming terraces, menus adapted for solo dining, and authentic culinary experiences!
Cafés and Brunches Perfect for Solo Female Travelers
My cozy addresses:
- Holybelly (10th): my favorite brunch spot, delicious savory dishes and pancakes
- Immersion Sentier (and their other locations): extraordinary brunch, hearty and flavorful dishes
- Boot Café (Marais): vintage armchairs, good tea selection
- Le Mary Celeste (3rd): excellent cocktails and small plates, relaxed atmosphere
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Fragments (3rd): homemade pastries, industrial décor, creative cuisine
Solo-Friendly Restaurants for Women Dining Alone
My favorite solo-friendly tables:
- Vivant 2 (10th): bar seating, convivial atmosphere
- Cantine de lotus (2nd): delicious vegetarian Asian cuisine
- Le Comptoir du Relais (6th): traditional bistro, warm service
- Frenchie Bar à Vins (2nd): counter seating, excellent wine list
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Aki (1st): Osaka specialties, relaxed atmosphere
Solo Female Nightlife and Evening Activities in Paris
Paris at night reveals its magic differently: intimate museums, dazzling shows, and unique nighttime atmospheres transform every solo outing into a memorable experience.
Shows and Culture: Theaters, Cinemas and Concerts for Solo Female Travelers
My cultural evenings:
- Museum late nights: Louvre on Wednesday and Friday evenings, Orsay on Thursday evenings
- Moulin Rouge: legendary French Cancan in Montmartre, ideal for a glamorous evening in Belle Époque atmosphere
- Théâtre de la Ville: contemporary programming, concerts and avant-garde plays
- Opéra Bastille and Comédie-Française: last-minute tickets often available
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Cinémathèque française: art house films
Bars and Atmospheres for Solo Female Travelers
My tested addresses:
- Tiger: Paris's first gin bar, passionate bartenders
- Syndicat (10th): agricultural rum cocktails, relaxed atmosphere
- Baranaan (11th): Indian flavors, intimate atmosphere
- Le Mary Celeste (3rd): oysters and creative cocktails
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Hemingway Bar (Ritz): luxurious without being flashy, impeccable service, gastronomic experience
Q&A for Solo Female Travel in Paris
How to Optimize Transportation in Paris for Women Traveling Alone?
I recommend these essential apps:
- Citymapper: optimized routes, real-time disruption information
- Vélib': bike-sharing service
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Uber / Bolt: backup solutions if you're returning late
The metro runs until 1:15 AM on weekdays, and 2:15 AM on weekends. Try to avoid isolated stations after 10 PM.
Where to Stay Alone in Paris as a Solo Female Traveler?
For a successful trip, choose central accommodation in safe neighborhoods like the Marais, Saint-Germain, or near Hôtel de Ville. These areas offer easy access to main attractions and a vibrant atmosphere day and night.
I highly recommend the NomadSister platform, which allows you to be hosted for free and safely by verified local women. It really changed my perspective on solo female travel.
How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler in Paris?
Parisians are generally welcoming toward solo female travelers, and the city offers many opportunities for enriching social encounters and exchanges.
But still take these precautions:
- Avoid Barbès and northern Paris in general and certain areas of Montmartre in the evening
- Share your itineraries with loved ones via WhatsApp
- Keep your smartphone charged + carry a power bank
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Locate police stations and emergency pharmacies in the area
Self-confidence remains the best protection. I learned to walk confidently through Parisian streets and trust my instincts.
Solo exploration of the City of Light offers you complete freedom to fully enjoy every moment and create your own unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for to get started?
CULTURE| TRAVEL
The editorial team:
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
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