4 Tips for the Perfect Solo Afternoon in the Paris

It’s 11 on a Saturday morning. You’ve just woken and start to plan out your day. Your friends are out of town visiting and you aren’t sure what to do with yourself. Don’t stress – this may be your best Saturday yet! While being alone in the Paris may feel daunting, it is truly the perfect way to explore the city.

1. Hop on the metro and get off at a random spot in a neighborhood you want to explore. Maybe you check Le Marais, Montparnasse, or stroll along the Seine. Notice the architecture, how the locals live, pop into a shop or two, and take your time. Don’t forget to pack a map so you know how to find your way home.

2. Weather permitting, grab a book, pack a light picnic, maybe a blanket, and settle in at the park. If you’re anything like me, you’ll alternate between reading and people watching. Do like the Parisians do and venture out to Bois de Boulogne or Bois de Vincennes.

3. If the weather isn’t in your favor, park yourself comfortably at a cafe, preferably one without wifi. Disconnect yourself for a couple of hours and take some time to reflect on your experience abroad – the lessons you’ve learned, people you’ve met, and how you’ve grown (maybe even write it in your non-native language). Tired of writing, strike up a conversation with someone sitting nearby.

4. Looking for a budget-friendly way to cook dinner? Stop by the farmer’s market like the locals do and pick up some fresh ingredients. The market at Rue Mouffetard is a classic, but there are plenty across the city for you to choose from.

Now, the sun has set. Your feet are tired from the cobblestone streets, you’ve worked up an appetite, and you can’t resist sitting down for a few minutes to rest. In our book, that’s how you know you’ve had a good day. To finish it off, whip up your favorite dish with the fresh goods from the market and curl up with a good French film or novel. As you doze off don’t forget to say “Dors bien_!”_