Ultimate Guide for Planning Your Solo Trip around France
France is beautiful European country with a long and dramatic history, fantasy countryside and wonderful fortresses. Renowned for its exquisite wine and cuisine, champagne and charming ancient towns. I’ve been to France a few times, and it’s a fantastic place to travel alone. If you are planning your solo trip around France then this guide will help you to decide where you should go.
Top Destinations for Solo Travellers in France
Find the best places to visit, where to stay and the best time to go. I have enjoyed several solo trips in France and I’ll say that don’t allow traveling alone prevent you from seeing Paris either. Even if it is one of the world’s most romantic places, a solo trip there is well worth doing as there are several other things to do. France has plenty of places to explore, so I’ll include the most popular ones to help you choose the places to visit. So’ let’s get started…
Brittany
So, as you are traveling solo we are not starting with Paris in this guide. Let’s start with Brittany, the westernmost part of France which is historically rich and has Celtic influences. It is a peaceful region with lovely medieval homes, historic castles and quaint fishing villages when compared to other regions.
You can visit Rennes which is the capital of Brittany and houses several monuments, churches and museums. Take a walk around the old town of Vitre which has still maintained its medieval appearance. Or go to Quimper to see the fine arts museum and the popular Saint-Corentin church. Visit the port city of Saint-Malo to see forts and for a 360-degree view of Atlantic.
Alternatively, go to Quimper to see the Fine Arts museum and the well-known Saint-Corentin church. Visit the port city of Saint-Malo for a 360-degree panorama of the Atlantic and to see forts. Along with Carnac-Plage beach in Carnac, Saint-Malo also boasts one of the most famous beaches in Brittany.
The food and dining of Brittany is also highly influenced by the Celts. Chocolates, caramel and buckwheat crepes are a must try here. If you enjoy being in the water you can also try sailing in the Britany’s rugged coast, Rade de Brest or Aulne river and Launay in Normandy. You’ll be spoiled for choices with so many ports available.
Normandy
One way to describe Normandy is a place of lush meadows and rolling hills. It is one of the more well-known regions with vibrant cities and charming villages. Admire the Catherine church which is the oldest wooden church in France, located near Honfleur.
Le Havre which has links to World War II is located only across Normandy. After being completely demolished during World War II, this port city has recovered again and houses fantastic tourist destinations.
Atlantic wall museum, Normandy American Cemetery, Caen Memorial center and the Sword Beach are haunting reminders of this region’s history. Take can also take tour of the magnificent Mont Saint Michel, abbey built in 1874 and a majestic Island in the region.
Other popular places here include Caen, Rouen and Bayeaux. Normandy also boasts a vibrant nightlife with several different nightclubs and bars. It is known as a never sleeping region in France.
Do you know that getting around in France as a solo traveler is quite easy and safe as you can take bus which is not only convenient but cheap as well?
Paris
No trip to France is complete without visiting Paris. This romantic city cannot be compared with any other place in the world. Eiffel tower of course, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre are the main attractions here. But don’t forget to walk down the Seine River and see Sacre Coeur as well.
This Catholic Roman basilica is gorgeous. Explore the Carmel Monastery of Pointoise and the underground passages a peaceful, walled medieval settlement located in the Paris suburbs that goes back to the middle Ages.
Apart from this you can stroll around the nearby Melun, explore he Baroque French chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte in Maincy and see its lovely gardens. Furthermore, visit Evry to view its cathedral, museums and modern architecture. Researching Destinations and Attractions beforehand is the key to wonderful holidays.
Centre Val de Loire
Centre Val de Loire, most known for the Loire Valley, was formerly home to French royalty. The center of power was momentarily moved from Paris to Loire Valley at the beginning of sixteenth century. After then, the nobility and royals used it as a vacation spot.
There are lavish chateaus and castles in this area and the Gardens of Villandry are among the most exquisite in all of Europe. Some of these have even been turned into hotels where you may stay and many of them are accessible to the general public. Visit Montsoreau’s Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park if you’re looking for magnificent natural views. Brenne and Perche are the two more nearby National Parks.
Although wine is available all across France, the Loire Valley is especially famous for its vineyards and wineries. With 1,000 kilometers of exquisitely designed vineyards, it boasts the longest wine trail in the nation. Other destinations in this region include the ancient old town of Amboise, which is home to the Chateau d’Amboise and Nantes, a vibrant university city on the Loire River.
If you are wondering how to get to and from France, remember there are several ways to travel like train, bus, flight, ridesharing, car train and ferry. All of these modes are safe and you can ride them without any worries.
Remember there are several ways to get from England to France, including via vehicle, car train, car ferry, metro, ridesharing, rail, bus, and airplane.
Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur
With its spectacular fields of sunflowers and lavender, the Provence area looks like a fairytale. Some stunning medieval abbeys may be found in the charming countryside such as the Pope Palace in Avignon and Aix Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence which is one of the nation’s most well-known landmarks.
Explore the hilltop town of Camargue, see the Ochre Mine in Luberon with its vaulted galleries, or delve deep into the Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs at Carrières de Lumières, a fascinating location where music and pictures are blended together.
The French Riviera is located in this area. This well-liked region on the Mediterranean coast has some of the best beaches and scenery in the nation, drawing celebrities to the beach towns of Cannes and St. Tropez. Take a day excursion to Monaco to view the opulent yachts and the well-known Monte Carlo casino or visit Nice for its charming old town and seafront.
Note – Choosing Accommodation & Transportation Options can significantly enhance your travel experience in France. Choosing the right mode can save you time and offer comfort.
What are the Benefits of Solo Travelling Around France
There are several benefits of solo traveling in France that can give you an enriching experience. Here are some key benefits:
Freedom and Flexibility – When you travel solo you have complete control over your itinerary. This also allows you to make instant decisions and modify plans according to your preferences and pace.
Self-Discovery & Personal Growth – Traveling alone offers you the chance of reflection and self-discovery. It may help you discover more about yourself and be enlightening and powerful.
Meeting New People – When you travel alone, you’re more likely to meet locals and other tourists which can result in new friendships and relationships.
These benefits combine to create a unique and memorable travel experience, allowing you to explore France’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, interesting history, and delicious food at your own rhythm.
Budget Tips to Travel to France from UK
The best way to save money immediately while traveling to France is travel during off-season. During the less busy times you will find better deals on flights and hotels and sometimes even on the entry charges for visiting attractions. Here are the some top tips to remain in your budget:
- Alternative Airports – Instead taking a flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, find other regional airports like Marseille or Nice which will offer cheaper fares.
- Accommodation – There are several accommodation options for solo travellers in France. You can look for budget hotels, hostels or consider the hospitality exchange networks to save more on accommodation.
- Budget Eating – Choose the ‘prix fixe’ menu which offers two- or three-course meal at set price and is typically offered at lunch time for the best value.
- Transportation – Use public transport like bus or train which is not just cost-effective but efficient as well. Buy a rail-pass if you are planning to travel mostly by train to save more.
- Free Attractions – Many museums and attractions offer free entry on particular days of the month. You have to research everything in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- City Pass – Buy city passes that are a good way to grab the discounted deal or free entry into several attractions and also sometime includes public transportation.
- Countryside Exploration – Countryside in France offers many low-cost and even free activities like exploring vineyards, hiking and visiting small towns.
Remember, proper research and flexibility are the key to budget travel. Hence, plan your trip well and you will be able to enjoy the culture and beauty of France without breaking your wallet.
Summing Up
I would like to sum up by saying that your trip will get more exciting and fun if you make some friends. But you would be wondering how to make friends while solo travelling in France? For that you will have to learn French! Yes you read that right, leave alone France, if you want to make friends during your travel, you have to know the local language. Spending time, going for a party if someone asks, campfire, etc. will get easier by knowing their language and get along with them.