What a fantastic feeling you get when travelling alone! Setting off on an adventure with your backpack, and just going with the flow, embracing the moment. France is one of the best destinations in the world for travelling alone, as there are so many incredible places to explore.
Be well prepared for your trip
Paris and its typical Haussmann style architecture, the breathtaking scenery of the mountains, the sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean coves with turquoise-blue waters and authentic French villages. France is literally overflowing with wonderful places to explore! To make sure you’re well prepared for your trip alone, the first thing to do is to make a list of the unmissable places depending on what you fancy seeing and doing. As for the practical side of things, remember to make photocopies of your identity documents just in case you lose them, and above-all, make the most of this unforgettable trip that appeals to travellers from all over the globe !
Choose shared, welcoming accommodation
© Mme Mathilde Papini - U Castellu youth hostel in Vero, Corsica
Choosing to travel alone means you are likely to be keen on meeting new people! One of the best ways to meet other people is to choose shared accommodation that is popular with other travellers. If you are backpacking, opt for a youth hostel where you can choose between a shared dormitory or a private room, and above-all, talk to other travellers in the communal areas, listen to stories about their travels and get some great recommendations. To find a youth hostel in a specific town, check out the website for the Ligue Française des Auberges de jeunesse or Hi ! France. Another great option is to book a room at a local’s house, or try out the couchsurfing service for free homestays on a person’s sofa or in their spare bedroom.
Take part in tours and activities as a group!
© David Gouel - ‘Handiski’ (skiing for the disabled) in Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon - southern Alps
Besides the accommodation, France is a country with so many activities on offer, both cultural and sporty. To find out about guided tours and unveil the historic secrets of the town you are visiting, go to the website Visit France where you’ll find all the available tours with a qualified guide for the whole of France. For sporty travellers, you’ll find group surfing lessons on the beach, skiing lessons in winter or canyoning outings that are all ideal ways to share experiences with like-minded people.
Chat to the locals to find out more about the area
© Noé C. photography - Rue de la Poterie in Vitré, just on the outskirts of Brittany
Today, it’s a piece of cake to find out about where to go and the places that are absolutely not to be missed when you’re travelling alone. But there’s nothing better than listening to the locals talk about their homeland. So to really explore all the nooks and crannies of a place you are visiting, ask for advice from the Tourist Offices and the Greeters (local people who offer to take visitors on free guided tours). You might just stumble across a little-known craftsperson who will explain their profession to you, take part in a tasting of a rare local product, or enjoy a moment out on the terrace of a charming, hidden little café. Whatever the experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities you’ll get to chat to the people you meet.
Learn to enjoy your own company
There’s nothing more French than just sipping a cup of coffee out on the terrace in front of a bistro, reading the paper and watching the world go by. The whole world is envious of this easy-going lifestyle, and this is your chance to embrace your French experience! If you are someone who tends to get bored easily, stop off at a book shop. There are plenty of old book shops in Paris, especially in the Latin Quarter, and we recommend visiting them just to soak in the atmosphere in these timeless places. And how about taking your quest to self-discovery even further, with some meditation? You'll find details of meditation sessions and workshops all over France on the website meditationfrance.com. It’s over to you!
By Gaëlle Coudert
In 2016, spurred by a series of environmentally conscious awakenings, Gaëlle immersed herself in journalism to further explore this question.
