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Traveling with friends or family can be a wonderful thing, but there is nothing quite like taking a trip entirely on your own terms — doing whatever you want, whenever your heart desires. Solo travel may seem a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve taken that first trip, it just might become your preferred way to vacation.
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As an avid traveler, I can firmly attest that France is a near-perfect country for going it alone. The French value their down time and independence, so you’ll fit right in on an overflowing terrace savoring a café and croissant solo. Gardens and museums invite mindful strolling at your own pace, long stretches of beach beg for lazy afternoons with a book, and mountain landscapes offer indulgent escapes that feel more invigorating when it’s entirely on your own terms. There’s inspiration to be found around every corner — in every corner of the country.
And you don’t have to worry about feeling lonely. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow travelers, and there are plenty of group trips and guided tours that all but guarantee good company. If you’ve been thinking about embarking on a solo trip to France, here’s how to go about planning one.
Decide what you want out of the trip
Knowing what kind of experience you’re after will help you narrow down a destination. The landscape of France is incredibly diverse, offering something for every traveler’s taste. A few questions worth asking yourself:
Do you want art and culture? Paris should be your first stop if you haven’t visited France before, but if you’re ready to discover somewhere new, Marseille is a wonderful alternative worth considering.
Are you looking for a relaxing getaway in the sunshine? Anywhere along the south of France — the Côte d’Azur, the Basque Country, or Provence — is a natural choice.
Interested in castles and ancient architecture? There’s nowhere better than the Loire Valley for a road trip through centuries-old châteaux.
Does fabulous food and wine excite you? The gastronomic city of Lyon is a cuisine mecca, while Bordeaux pairs world-renowned wine culture with a city full of excellent restaurants.
Tempted by a winter holiday? Consider Strasbourg — widely known as the Christmas capital of Europe — or a snowy destination in the French Alps like Chamonix or Annecy.
On the hunt for gorgeous gardens? Luckily, you’ll find these all around France, but there’s a particularly vast collection in Dordogne and Normandy.
You can also browse our personally curated itineraries to destinations all around France for a little extra inspiration.
Determine how you want to get around
Depending on where you’re headed and how long you plan to stay, it’s worth thinking about renting a car. Train travel makes it easy to move around the country, but within certain regions — like the Loire Valley or Normandy — having your own wheels makes a real difference.
If you’d rather skip the hassle and cost of driving, stick to destinations that are easy to explore on foot, like Paris or Nice. Most cities in France have solid public transportation that will get you everywhere you want to go.
Pick the right time of year
Once you have a sense of what you want and where you want to go, the timing tends to fall into place.
Paris is buzzing year-round, but January and February don’t offer the best weather in northern France — we’d recommend avoiding those months if you can. That said, this late-winter window is ideal for a snowy escape in the Alps.
In the south of France, July and August are tempting but come with peak crowds and peak prices. For a more local experience with still-lovely temperatures, the shoulder seasons are your best bet: May and June in the spring, or September and October in the fall.
Speaking of spring — yes, there’s a chance of rain, but it’s also the finest time of year to visit France’s remarkable gardens. March and April bring magnificent blooms to public parks and botanical gardens throughout the country.
Decide how long you want to stay
The length of your trip will shape what kind of accommodation makes the most sense.
For a week or a long weekend, a hotel is the obvious choice. But for an extended stay, you may want to look into an Airbnb or short-term rental apartment. Paris has no shortage of options, and for Provence specifically, we recommend Alpilles Luberon Immobilier for beautifully curated vacation rentals.
Prepare yourself logistically and mentally
When traveling alone, it’s necessary to pay a little extra attention to safety. A few standard habits go a long way: always carry printed copies and photos of your ID and medical documents, invest in a crossbody bag with a secure closure, make sure someone you trust knows your itinerary, familiarize yourself with where your country’s embassy is located, and always get travel insurance.
The mental preparation matters just as much. Get a little comfortable with the idea that not everyone will speak English — learning a few key phrases in French will serve you well, and locals genuinely appreciate the effort. Accept that you might get lost at some point and know that it’s rarely as dire as it feels in the moment — trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask someone nearby for help. Also, embrace the experience of dining alone! Some of the most peaceful and memorable moments of a solo trip happen over a long, unhurried meal with nowhere else to be.
When you’re well-prepared — practically and mentally — being on your own feels far less intimidating than you’d imagine.
Consider a professionally organized group trip
Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. You can find plenty of cultural group experiences on websites like Airbnb Experiences and Get Your Guide. There are also tour providers across France to suit every style, from lively budget experiences with larger groups to more intimate luxury trips with a smaller gathering of guests.
Sharon Santoni, the founder of My French Country Home, has been leading her own tours around France for the past twelve years — with groups made up mostly of solo female travelers. Visit mfchtravel.com to browse our upcoming tours and request a detailed brochure for each trip that piques your interest.
Start packing!
Wherever you’re headed in France, aim to pack practically without sacrificing style. A few essentials that will serve you well regardless of destination are sturdy walking shoes, comfortable pants or jeans, a breathable button-down, and a light layering jacket.
Beyond that, let the season and destination guide you. Snowy mountain trips call for a warm wool coat, thick sweaters, and waterproof boots, while warmer getaways welcome flowy dresses, a swimsuit or two, and a good pair of sandals.
But don’t overthink it — you’ll want to leave room in that suitcase for all the shopping you’ll inevitably be doing. With no one to hold you back, this is the perfect opportunity to go a little crazy.
Bon voyage!