France

If you’re over 50 and travelling solo, why France?

You can probably tell from the volume of posts on this blog that I absolutely LOVE visiting France (“It’s because of the wine, isn’t it?”). With only a couple of exceptions, I’ve popped across the Channel at least once a year for overy 20 years. At one point, I was even going to Paris a couple of times a month for work. But despite that (and my too-frequent painful interactions with actual snotty Parisians!) I still return a couple of times a year. I don’t think I could ever get bored with the beautiful countryside, picture-postcard towns & villages, the super delicious food, and some of the best wine in the world (“there it is!”).

• Getting around: France is one of the easiest country in Europe to travel around. As well as a famous high speed TGV service that connects most major cities, there are numerous local operators running regional trains between towns. Although do check the frequency of services, and the location of the main train station – they may not be quite in the town centre.
• When to visit: most of France is an all-year destination, but there’s a couple of caveats. I avoid going in August if I can – this is when France essentially shuts down as French people take their annual holidays. Popular places (specially beaches or in the south) can get swamped by Parisians – and prices will reflect this. Also, hot summer months can make the Mediterranean coast almost unbearable, even if (like me) you do look totally awesome in that micro lycra bikini and flip flops. (“Jesus wept. My eyes. MY EYES!!!”)
• Ok to go solo: Meals are civilised, lengthy affairs of great food and even better wine, and nobody blinks at a table for one. These short guides are written for independent travellers like me: people who want good hotels, proper food, decent wine (“obviously. We all know how important wine is to you”) and a bit of culture.

How practical is France for a solo independent traveller aged 50+

The high-speed rail network (TGV and Ouigo) makes a rail-and-stay itinerary realistic, so if you want you can often skip the hire car and French drivers. May, June and September to October are the sweet spots: the weather is kind, and the crowds aren’t as big. I tend to budget €200-400 per day depending on how extra I’m feeling (or how boutique I want my hotel to be) and I book must-visit restaurants ahead, since many close on Sundays or Mondays.

How safe is France for a solo independent traveller 50+

I’ve never felt any concerns travelling alone, although I always err on the side of caution when in the bigger cities. Tourists attract petty crime, particularly pickpockets (the Paris Metro is a notorious hangout for the light-fingered looking to relieve distracted visitors pockets and bags of the burden of cash, wallets and phones). If you’re on a beach and want to go for a swim, often the family sitting next to you will keep an eye on your belongings for a few minutes if asked. And as anywhere, never leave valuables on display in a parked car – even if you’re on holiday.