Want to experience the cultural, culinary, and chic rhapsody that is France on your own? Few travel experiences will be as rewarding, provided you plan ahead and prioritize safety. Here’s my ultimate solo-friendly France itinerary, complete with activities for female travelers to immerse themselves in and safety tips to consider.
Places to Visit
Here’s my version of the ideal solo-female-friendly French excursion! It assumes you’ve got ten days to spare, and even then, it’ll be a whirlwind tour. Take four days to thoroughly enjoy Paris, and two days each for the others. Cut back your Paris time by a day and skip Strasbourg if you’re only staying for a week. Don’t forget to make room for the French Riviera if you’re on a two-week trip.
Since you’ll be traveling between cities a lot, you’ll need a dependable way to access maps, tickets, emergency services, etc. Here, I recommend getting an eSIM plan for France before you arrive. This way, you stay connected using local mobile networks without needing a physical SIM. It’s a cheaper roaming alternative and a cautious safety measure since you’ll have online access no matter where you are or what you do.
Paris
Apart from being universally praised as one of the world’s most cultured and cosmopolitan cities, Paris is also the ideal first stop for solo female travelers.
Exploring bastions of culture, such as the Louvre, Versailles, or Centre Pompidou, can occupy the majority of your stay. Alternatively, consider taking an art course in Montmartre or hopping between the many cafés in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Do I even have to mention Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower? Paris is safe, walkable, and boasts a sprawling metro that efficiently takes you wherever adventure calls next.
Lyon
If you’re a foodie like I am, Lyon is likely going to surpass even Paris on your bucket list! It’s just a two-hour ride by high-speed rail away from the capital and even more approachable if you like walking or biking by the riverside.
No one will bat an eye as you try an assortment of cheeses or quenelles de brochet in one of the many cozy bouchons (traditional local restaurant), as such indulgences are welcome and common.
Strasbourg
Your next stop is even smaller in scope, but it doesn’t lack character!
Strasbourg is directly adjacent to the German border and exemplifies a unique blend of two cultures. Fewer crowds and a developed biking infrastructure make carefree sightseeing a breeze. And there is a lot to see, from the charming old town to three museums in Palais Rohan, not to mention the many wineries that surround the city.
Marseille
Nothing beats spending a few days in the south of France as a way to cap your solo trip. Marseille serves as the ideal hub, both to the enchanting Mediterranean coastline and the fabled Provence region.
The port city’s rich history and intermingling cultural influences make for rewarding exploration. Alternatively, you can soak up the sun at the Plage du Prado or take a day trip to the Calanques National Park if you appreciate untouched nature and love hiking.
Safety Considerations
Few destinations are as safe and welcoming as France, making it a strong candidate for your first solo adventure abroad. Even the stereotypical Parisians are welcoming, and people in general are warm while respecting personal boundaries.
While France doesn’t stand out regarding women-specific safety issues from other civilized countries, merely being a tourist, you may face several risks. Urban, touristy areas are known for their prevalence of pickpockets and scams. I highly recommend learning about the variety of tourist scams in Paris and other cities. Additionally, always be aware of where your luggage and valuables are.
Digital safety
You shouldn’t overlook digital safety either. Wi-Fi is available everywhere in France, from Paris’s CDG airport to your Airbnb and any bouchon worth its salt in Lyon. The Wi-Fi such places offer can be monitored or even faked, so connecting risks exposing your data or infecting your phone with nasty malware.
Always use a VPN if you want to connect to Wi-Fi safely when abroad. It will encrypt the connection and make it impossible for others to spy on your searches and internet habits or intercept photos or more sensitive files you might send.
Steer clear of free VPNs — they usually make money off you and your data instead of the service. Go for a reliable provider instead. The prices can be high, but that’s where online discounts, such as NordVPN coupons and deals, help.
Common sense
Lastly, using sound judgment will help you navigate potentially dangerous situations. Give people back home a copy of your itinerary and make regular check-ins to keep them updated. Avoid going to unfamiliar, out-of-the-way places with people you’ve just met, especially at night. Keep an eye on your drink at clubs, and don’t hesitate to hail an Uber to get back safely after a wild night out.
FAQ
Is France safe for solo female travelers?
Yes. France is generally safe, and major cities are well-policed and easy to navigate. Most issues you’ll encounter are probably going to be petty theft and common tourist scams. If you stay aware of your belongings and avoid overly empty areas at night, you should be fine.
How should I get around between cities?
Use the TGV (high-speed train). It’s safe, fast, and straightforward for solo travelers. Book tickets in advance on SNCF Connect. For local transport, metros and trams in big cities are reliable, and Uber is widely available if you’re heading home late.