France’s Top 10 Holiday Destinations for Solo Travelers

Traveling alone is a unique experience that allows you to recharge your batteries and find yourself. In these holiday destinations in France, you will find the best places to go alone. If you want a change of scenery, this is what you need.

 

Paris

Paris has a wide variety of monuments, unique places to visit, and activities of all kinds. It’s a city of endless possibilities for solo travellers.

Besides monuments, Paris is home to many museums and exhibitions. Watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Cœur, visiting the Louvre museum and the art galleries… With a pleasant moment of contemplation, you will have enough to satisfy your curiosity.

For more unusual visits, you have a wide variety to choose from in Paris. The Grévin museum and its very realistic wax dolls, or the mysterious catacombs of Paris are a great pick. With the various transports, you can easily get to all these places. The vélib‘ will give you a whole new vision of Paris.

When it comes to shopping, there are many famous addresses waiting for you: popular Department stores, shops on the Champs Élysées, on rue Rivoli, or the Westfield in the Forum des Halles.

Not far from Paris, you can easily reach the small village of Giverny, by train or by car. There, you can visit the house of the painter Claude Monet. It’s also a great getaway for a mental reset.

All in all, Paris is ideal for solo travellers, for the many activities it gives, and for its nightlife.

 

Nice

Solo travellers will enjoy Nice, one of France’s most popular destinations.

If you’re looking for entertainment in this city, you’ll find it.

There is no better place in the world to enjoy the sun on a pebble beach. Near the centre of Nice, beaches offer convenient access to the best restaurants. From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of the sea.

Just a few minutes away by public transport, you can even reach the sandy beaches of neighbouring towns. The one in Villefranche-sur-mer offers a little more peace.

The old town of Nice is a must-see area. Indeed, you will fall under the charm of this district which is perfect for strolling in a unique atmosphere. Several days a week, you can go to the Cours Saleya.

I recommend the restaurant Di Piu for those curious about Niçoise cuisine, and the Acqua & Farina restaurant, which offers excellent typical Italian cuisine at low prices.

For dessert, you can enjoy an artisanal ice cream from Fenocchio on the large terrace in the centre of old Nice, which is as pleasant during the day as it is at night.

As for shopping, the CAP 3000 and the Polygone Riviera are easily accessible thanks to public transport networks.

Other activities that are good for a solo trip include canoeing or hiking in the hinterlands.

Nice is ideal for those who enjoy their own company. Indeed, the various activities, excursions, and visits of all kinds will keep you busy. At the end of the day, it is the perfect cocktail for a successful holiday.

 

Strasbourg

The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is a city with many surprises in store for a holiday alone.

You’ll never run out of activities in this picturesque city: spend the day exploring the Notre Dame de Strasbourg cathedral and the Grand Île, take a stroll through the Petite France district… Many must-see places are waiting for you. For more ideas for activities and outings, take a look at our list of things to do in Strasbourg.

A visit to Strasbourg should also include enjoying the original architecture of the city. It is what gives the city its unique charm. Colourful architecture, unique to the region, graces the scene with its presence.

It is very pleasant to stroll through the small cobbled streets, between the small picturesque shops and the traditional restaurants. I recommend the sauerkraut at Chez L’oncle Freddy (in French), it is a real pleasure for those who appreciate Alsatian tradition.

You can even have a small trip to Colmar, the little Venice, for a little more peace.

In spite of Strasbourg’s popularity for its Christmas market, it is even more enjoyable in spring than in summer. Indeed, the weather in the region is ideal during that time of the year. The sunshine and mild climate make walks in the streets even more enjoyable. You might also want to take a ride on a boat, on the Ill River.

For those who like to meet new people, try the Krutenau district. The place is reputed to be the liveliest place in the city. You can also meet people through applications such as OnVaSortir (in French) or MeetUp.

 

Sarthe

Sarthe is a small destination that can look like heaven for those looking for a quiet, out-of-the-ordinary stay. Something to fill up your batteries on a solo trip.

You can start your tour in Sarthe by visiting Le Mans and its many historic buildings.

The Saint Julien Cathedral is a must-see, a treasure of French Gothic-Romanesque architecture, both majestic on the outside and magnificent on the inside.

It is also almost impossible to miss the Plantagenet City, the medieval historic centre of the city. The architecture and atmosphere of the area will make you enjoy your stroll around the ramparts.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to try the specialities of the region, such as the black chicken of Le Mans. I recommend a meal at the Bistrot des Gourmets, reputed to be one of the best in town!

The region is also ideal for nature walks. Beautiful mountainous terrain makes hiking in the Sarthe a fantastic experience.

For those into sport, I recommend mountain biking in the Alpes Mancelles, it is ideal for a breath of fresh air and a moment of calm. You can also go kayaking in the Loire Valley, to spend an afternoon in beautiful nature.

For a change of scenery, you can also go on an excursion in the small villages in the area. In Fresnay-Sur-Sarthe or La Chartre-Sur-Le-Loir, you will find beautiful and unique buildings. It is a true pleasure for the eyes.

Finally, the Château du Lude is a must-see for anyone visiting the Sarthe. as one of the most northerly of the Loire castles, you can visit this majestic castle and step back in time a few centuries.

The Sarthe is definitely an ideal place for a solo trip. Indeed, those who enjoy the peace and quiet are going to love it here. There will be no crowds during your visits to historical places or excursions in nature.

 

Chamonix

Chamonix is a popular holiday destination, and it’s also an ideal choice for a trip alone.

Ideally located, this town is known for its ski resorts. The ski area is considered one of the best in France. which is why people go there. Indeed, the resort is one of the best destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. You can do skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing… Moreover, you can even go on a tour of the Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi.

In summer, you can enjoy an equally impressive setting and many activities: paragliding (in French) or simply hiking on the mountain trails.

You can also visit the town, which is typical of the region, with charming architecture. Chamonix is ideal for those looking for peace, away from the big cities.

I recommend the restaurant Le Monchu (in French) to try different local specialities, including a real Savoyard fondue.

Chamonix is a little piece of heaven that will offer you a unique stay for your solo holiday.

 

Camargue

The Camargue is one of a kind. Here you will find the perfect cocktail for a quiet stay in the sun.

You will have the perfect holiday in this nature reserve.

Arles is a major place of the region. As the capital of the Camargue and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles is a city steeped in history. Indeed, it is home to many historical sites worth visiting.

It’s impossible to go through Arles without visiting the Roman Amphitheatre or the Place de la République. There, you can visit various buildings, such as the obelisk, the church of Saint-Anne, and the church of Saint-Trophime.

Don’t hesitate to visit the cryptoporticus of the Forum, one of the key places of the local heritage.

These places are cultural and architectural treasures and will please people who are passionate about history.

Not far from Arles, you will find the small village of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer. There, the fortified church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer is an architectural gem.

I also recommend visiting the lighthouses of La Gacholle, Beauduc, and Faraman while hiking in the region.

Finally, it’s impossible to come to Camargue without going to the national reserve and the various nature reserves. Once you’re there, you can observe no less than 277 species of birds. You will be able to see the pink flamingos and the legendary wild horses of the Camargue. At the end of the day, you are very likzly to be starry-eyed.

You can also take part in a Safari  (in French) to dip yourself even more in the wildlife and nature.

The Camargue is an ideal destination if you are looking for peace in nature and typical historical places.

 

Menton

Not far from Nice, Menton is an idyllic place. You will enjoy a memorable holiday in this town given its charm and the Mediterranean climate.

The picturesque and unique architecture of this city makes it ideal for those looking for a change of scenery. You can stroll through the typical streets, surrounded by colourful buildings, each more beautiful than the last. The historic centre is a must-see and is worth a visit for its mosaics and its many trompe-l’oeil.

If you’re more into history, the baroque basilica of St Michael the Archangel is a must-see.

The Citrus Garden of the Palais de Carnolès and the Maria Serena Garden are also stunning places to visit and perfect to enjoy some peace.

Menton is definitely a key place on the French Riviera. It is perfect for solo travellers willing to get away from big cities and looking for unusual and quiet places.

 

Marseille

Marseille is also a popular place on the French Riviera. That is why it is even more ideal for people travelling on their own.

As the city is by the sea, the setting is ideal for an afternoon at the beach, whether it’s simply to get a tan or to enjoy various aquatic activities: canoeing (in French), diving, excursions to the calanques…

In the countryside, enjoy the tranquility and the different landscapes of the coast. You can even go climbing or hiking to discover the area.

The city also offers numerous activities which are perfect for a solo trip: a walk in the old town of Marseille, a visit to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, a walk in the Longchamps park, or an excursion to the Auffes valley… Marseille has many unique landscapes and places to visit.

In case you’re just looking for a gorgeous sight for your eyes, I recommend a walk in the Panier. Indeed, the district is considered as the Montmartre of Marseille.

Various places throughout the city await you for shopping sessions. Walk your way through the streets of Saint-Ferréol and Rome, the old port, or the flea market. They all are perfect for buying local products.

For more original outings, Marseille will not fail to surprise you. Indeed, you can watch the sunset from the old port and discover the city on a bike. Besides, you may even go to the Maison de la boule for pétanque lovers.

For those who want to meet people, take a look at the outings and activities organized on applications such as OnVaSortir (in French) or MeetUp.

When it comes to gastronomy, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants in Marseille. You will have the opportunity to taste the different local specialties such as bouillabaisse, I recommend Chez Fonfon, a real treat.

Marseille is a perfect destination, whether you are into sport, history, or just a shopaholic.

 

Brittany

Brittany is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, offering many landscapes and unusual places to visit. If you’re looking for a memorable getaway for yourself, this region is ideal.

I suggest you take a trip to the coastal towns of Brest, Morlaix, Lorient or Quimper for some seaside fun. With the many activities that are proposed, aquatic or not, you can spend a moment on the blue skies at Seascape, including e-foiling (in French), treetops adventure course (in French), boat trips, and other activities.

History-wise, you will enjoy the culture of Brittany. If you go to Carnac, you will be able to observe the magnificent alignments of menhirs. Indeed, those monuments are typical of the region.

While in Brest, I recommend you visit the Motte-Tanguy Tower, as well as the naval base. These two are ideal for an unusual outing steeped in history.

Saint-Malo is also a must-see in the region. This historic and typical city of the region is ideal to spend a good time. Strolling through the small cobbled streets of a town surrounded by granite walls, with a Kouign-Amann in your hand, a successful visit is guaranteed!

Rennes is also a must for those who love bars and meeting new people. Moreover, the Saint-Michel street is perfect for a successful evening.

Don’t hesitate to take a walk in the historic centre of the city and the Place Sainte-Anne. The Saint-Sauveur Basilica and the Portes Mordelaises are also worth a visit.

If you prefer peace and quiet, or a more urban atmosphere, Brittany is the perfect balance of activity and calm.

 

Lille

Lille is one of the northernmost cities in France. For that reason, it is ideally located for a solo trip that is out of the ordinary. You can find plenty of outings of all kinds in Lille, a destination rich in heritage and history.

Lille is a beautiful city, very pleasant to visit: you can visit it on Tin Snails (French) for a more unusual experience.

Don’t hesitate to visit the Grand Place and the Vieille Bourse, their unique and breathtaking architecture is a real gem.

For art enthusiasts, the Palais des Beaux-Arts is a perfect place to visit.

For some unusual outings, don’t hesitate to take a walk in the city’s various parks. The Jardin des Géants, or the Jardin Mallets-Stevens are an obligatory stop. Moreover, cycling in the city is a good way to discover the area from an original angle.

In Lille’s old town, it is worth it to stroll among cobblestone streets. Between dozens of shops and restaurants serving scrumptious food, you’ll find what suits you best. I recommend the Potjevleesch “Potch” from La Vieille Assiette, it has delicious local cuisine just like we like it.

For those who want to meet people, take a look at the outings and activities organized on applications such as OnVaSortir (in French) or MeetUp.

A visit in September will let you enjoy an original stay without having to leave the rhythm of the city. You might even be able to go to the famous “Braderie”. Incidentally, the event is considered the biggest flea market in Europe.

The city of Lille is a unique destination, combining history, tranquility, and nightlife. It creates a perfect mix for an enjoyable vacation.