Ah, Paris! The city of light, love, and pastry-induced weight gain. I recently took myself on a 2-day solo trip to Paris — because who needs a romantic partner when you’ve got sensible walking shoes and a taste for adventure (and flaky carbs)?
Travelling solo in your 50s is glorious. You get to do exactly what you want, when you want — no compromising, no faffing about. Just me, Paris, and a wildly impractical packing list. Join me on my brief but brilliant solo escape to the French capital.
Day 1: Bonjour Blisters, Louvre Lols & Parisian People-Watching
Morning: A Civilised Eurostar Experience
I opted for the Eurostar (because frankly, I’m too old to wrestle with airport chaos and those mini shampoo restrictions). The journey was smooth, the coffee mediocre, and my fellow passengers surprisingly well-behaved.
Of course, I still managed to get lost in Gare du Nord and had a minor panic while trying to locate the Metro. Top tip: “Sortie” means exit, not some obscure bakery.
Check-In at Normandy Le Chantier
I chose Normandy Le Chantier hotel because it sounded fancy and made me feel like I might run into a mysterious count in the lobby. No such luck, but the hotel itself was a delight — all stylish interiors, moody lighting, and a location that was practically shouting distance from the Louvre.
The lift was one of those charming Parisian contraptions that holds approximately half a person, and the room was a snug little haven filled with quirky décor and good-quality soap (an underrated luxury, if you ask me).
Afternoon: The Mona Lisa, Side-Eye & Mild Claustrophobia
Freshened up and fuelled by caffeine, I strutted (hobbled) over to the Louvre — because what’s a Paris itinerary without a run-in with Mona and her secretive little smirk?
Now, the Louvre is massive. I mean, pack-a-snack-and-a-compass levels of massive. I joined the queue, contemplated my life choices, and eventually shuffled inside like a caffeinated sardine. After dodging approximately 4,000 selfie sticks and a man doing a TikTok dance near Venus de Milo, I made it to Mona Lisa.
And reader — she’s tiny. Roughly the size of a Quality Street tin. But there she was, judging me gently from behind her bulletproof glass. I gave her a nod and moved on to the gift shop, where I nearly spent €17 on a fridge magnet because I was delirious from all the walking.
Evening: Solo Dining & Wine-Fuelled Smugness
That night, I took myself to a nearby bistro recommended by the hotel concierge. There, I enjoyed a hearty boeuf bourguignon, a large glass of red, and the quiet pleasure of dining alone without having to share my chips or pretend to be interested in small talk.
I was seated outside under the soft Parisian twilight, surrounded by loved-up couples and at least one woman having a loud FaceTime with her cat. I watched the world go by, wrote a few notes in my travel journal (OK, it was a napkin), and toasted to the joy of doing exactly what I pleased.
Day 2: Pastries, Ponts & Parisian Existentialism
Morning: A Croissant-Fuelled Walking Tour
I started Day 2 with a self-guided croissant crawl. Paris is full of boulangeries whispering sweet, buttery temptations from every corner. I sampled three different croissants before 10am — flaky, golden, possibly illegal in several countries. One was so good I nearly proposed to it.
TOP TIP: Best croissants in Paris are often found away from the tourist trail — follow your nose, not the queue.
I waddled my way to Notre-Dame, where the ongoing restoration works made me feel oddly emotional. Even under scaffolding, she’s still a gothic beauty — like a grand old dame with rollers in.
Midday: A Scenic Saunter Along the Seine
Next, I took a walk along the Seine because I was committed to my “Eat, Pray, Love” fantasy, minus the praying and with extra pastry. I passed booksellers, musicians, and more pigeons than should be legally allowed in one arrondissement.
I leaned dramatically on a bridge and contemplated life, Paris, and whether my thighs would ever forgive me for yesterday’s Louvre marathon. Spoiler: they would not.
Afternoon: Eiffel Tower & Champagne (The Tourist Classic)
No Paris trip is complete without paying homage to the Eiffel Tower. I skipped the queues (and the climb — I’m adventurous, not daft) and instead found a spot on the Champ de Mars, popped open a mini bottle of champagne I’d sneakily purchased earlier, and toasted to myself.
I watched couples taking awkwardly choreographed selfies, kids having meltdowns, and one particularly enthusiastic tourist trying to balance on one leg for the perfect Instagram shot. I clinked my plastic cup and smiled. This — this was the Paris I came for.
Homeward Bound: Tired, Tipsy & Triumphant
With aching feet and a suitcase somehow heavier than when I arrived (thanks, souvenir snow globes), I trundled back to Gare du Nord for my return to London.
On the train home, I reflected on just how empowering solo travel really is — especially in midlife. It’s not about being fearless, or fluent in French, or walking 20,000 steps in one day without complaint (though bravo if you can). It’s about saying yes to yourself. Yes to adventures. Yes to being the kind of woman who takes herself out for dinner, books a chic hotel, and toasts the Eiffel Tower with zero shame.
Final Thoughts: Paris, You Saucy Minx
Would I return? Absolutely — but next time I’m packing comfier shoes and possibly a personal masseuse. Paris is magic, whether you’re canoodling under the stars or canoodling with your own independence and an almond croissant.
For women over 50, travelling solo isn’t a second-best option — it’s a badge of honour. It’s proof that we’ve still got it. The spirit, the sass, the stamina (sort of).
So here’s to going it alone. To chasing your own joy. To doing Paris your way — even if your way involves getting lost in the Metro and crying softly in front of a Ladurée window because they’d run out of pistachio macarons.
Solo Travel Tips for Women Over 50 in Paris:
- Stay centrally – Normandy Le Chantier was ideal for exploring on foot.
- Pack blister plasters – chic shoes are great, but cobblestones don’t care.
- Learn basic French phrases – the locals do appreciate the effort.
- Book museums in advance – avoid spending your precious time in queues.
- Eat all the croissants – this is your moment, not your diet’s.
