A solo female traveler's guide to France

Solo female travel in France

Bonjour! Ça va? The beauty of female solo travel in France should be shouted about from every Parisian rooftop. With so many popular solo travel destinations in France, it’s tricky to know where to start. Don’t worry, this is where we come in!

L'hexagone (as France is affectionately called by the French) has a wide variety of gorgeous landscapes, beaches, mountains, and fields of lavender to indulge the senses and appetites.

Speaking of appetites, we’ll of course talk about where you find the best of the best when it comes to the famous French cuisine, as well as where to sample local life and culture.

D'accord, let’s brush up on our high school French, find the nearest cafe, and settle into a feast of facts and tips on France solo female travel (and how to find your own adventure, house sitting in France).

Best time to visit France

Well, this wholly depends on the type of solo trip you’re taking to France. For those who love the sun, summer is a great time to visit anywhere in the country. It’s guaranteed to be hot and sunny for most of the season, meaning sun lovers can bask in the French sunshine throughout the day. However, this is also the busiest time for tourists, so do bear that in mind.

If you’re an outdoor explorer, hiking in the Alps is best done in late spring/early summer. The landscape is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with the mountains covered in bursts of color and lush greenery as the snow melts away. Otherwise, if you want to experience some of the best skiing in the world, the Alps in winter are where you need to be. 

Things to do in France

The City of Love: Paris

Visiting Paris Paris as a solo female traveler is an exhilarating experience. You have all the famous French attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame, but it is also a bustling metropolis with thousands of fabulous restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and markets to eat your way through. You can’t beat the history and art culture of the city either, with loads of hidden museums and galleries dotted around the capital.

The Ardèche

Located in the south of France, the Ardèche region is named after the beautiful blue river which winds through stunning limestone cliffs and valleys. This is a great place for walks and watersports and boasts some of the most beautiful towns in the country. There are also plenty of prehistoric sites to be visited, of which the area is famous for its mounds of ancient artifacts. 

Côte d'Azur AKA The French Riviera

Côte d'Azur, the Blue Coast, is as you guessed - beautifully blue! Known to be an area of high-class sophistication, it’s still a wonderful place to visit. This stretch of coastline is littered with gorgeous beaches, gentle towns, and incredible seafood. While it’s seen as a place for the rich to roam, there are plenty of affordable things to do. Of course, one of the best ways to travel the Côte d'Azur is through house sitting - it gives the chance for travelers to get a true taste of local life.

Chamonix

The beautiful ski town is a gem to visit at any time of the year. Lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the town offers amazing skiing in winter and wonderful walks in summer. It's also the home to the first place in the world to host the Winter Olympics, remnants of which you can still go to see today. With amazing views, incredible food, and a gentle pace of life, Chamonix is as enchanting as it is peaceful.

Provence

Yet another area of outstanding natural beauty, Provence is known for two things: wine and lavender. The latter is a popular destination for tourists, many of whom flock to see the sea of purple that blooms from spring onwards. Visitors are welcome to walk through the fields and sample some of the best-smelling bushes on earth!

Best ways to travel around France

France has an excellent public train service that stretches across the country and also links to neighboring countries such as Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. This means day trips can easily be done if you want to be based in a big city during your solo trip to France.

There are also country-wide bus services if you’re happy to take things at a more relaxed pace. Similarly, car rental is a great way to weave around the countryside and find those smaller, tucked-away places. Do remember to get travel insurance with a car rental, it’s mandatory to have this when driving as a foreigner in France.

Weather in France

As we mentioned above, summertime France is sunny and hot. On average, temperatures will reach at least 83°F (25°C), with cooler nights of around 55°F (13°C). Of course, the further south and inland you are, the hotter it will be. Around the Ardèche, for example, an average day in July can easily reach 95°F (35°C).

The countryside and mountains come to life during Spring, with rolling green hills and breathtaking blooms of flowers. However, with new life comes lots of rain, so do remember a raincoat if you’re planning a solo trip in this season.

Winter is ideal for skiing, with consistent snowfall and freezing temperatures in the Alps. Elsewhere in the country, it can be cold and rainy, making it the least appealing time for sightseeing.

Where to stay in France

Whether you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of a French city or the relaxed lifestyle of its countryside, house sitting gives travelers the chance to truly settle in. Swapping hotels for real homes, and real neighborhoods, house sitters skip the tourist track, and see the country through the lens of a true local. Click below to find out how it works.

Is France safe for solo female travelers?

Check your government's website for the most up to date safety information for travelers about France. It's worth noting though, that theft in larger cities can be high, so to stay safe, remain on your guard, trust your gut, and stick to well-lit areas at nighttime. 

Meeting people and connecting with locals

If you enjoy hiking, you can meet locals on walking tours through group mountain treks and trails. Many enjoy spending their spare time around nature, so finding an outdoor group activity is a perfect way to meet people.

Otherwise, there are various websites and apps you can download for free to help you connect with fellow travelers. If you’re in a big city, free walking tours are an excellent way to meet like-minded people, as well as collect some knowledge along the way.

Tips from a local

• Try to learn some French, if you can. Although many people can speak English in France, it’s always much appreciated if foreigners at least try to learn a bit.
• Always try the chef’s choice from a menu, it’s almost guaranteed to be amazing. Similarly, if you drink wine, always order from the house bottle - it’ll be local, delicious, and cheap.
• You only have to tip if you’ve had an exceptionally good eating or drinking experience. Hospitality workers are paid a decent amount in France, so they don’t rely on tips. However, it’s common practice to round up your bill to the nearest €1 or 50c and leave that as a gratuity for the service.
• Don’t hug someone as a form of greeting, go with a light kiss on each cheek.
• The French culture doesn’t appreciate small talk - if you’re looking to practice your French with a local, pick a topic of conversation that’s engaging. For example, ask them about the history of where you are.

France for solo female pet sitters

Things to do with dogs in France

Dogs are allowed on most beaches (although always check local rules, as restrictions may apply), and almost all hiking trails (although do check the rules around whether or not they need to be leashed), and the majority of cafes are dog-friendly. Walking in a big city is easy to do as most are very walkable, and many contain large parks you can stroll through with a handsome hound. 

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in France

Out in the countryside, rules around etiquette can be a bit more relaxed, so but always check before bringing your dog into any cafes, restaurants, or shops. Some of the fancier restaurants and upmarket cafes may only allow dogs outside.