Ah, Paris. The city of love. Many people think you need a lover to enjoy the romance that Paris has to offer, but that is not true! Experience the charm of Paris by taking yourself out on the ultimate date. In this article, we'll show you how to explore the city on your own and create unforgettable memories that will make you swoon. I mean, if iI really think about it, Paris is my longest relationship.
Here we present a list of activities that are even more fun on your own - because, let's be honest, who really wants to share their croissants?
BIKE AROUND
A fun way to stretch your legs and see a large part of the city, group bike tours give you a chance to do a bit of sport (so you can eat more cheese after)! There are many routes to choose from, but the most popular are tours of the monuments as they give you the chance to see them all in person and then decide what you especially want to revisit.
Biking around Paris can feel daunting at times, but the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, hopes to change that by building bike lanes that stretch across the city.
You can also rent a bike and head down by the Seine so you can cruise along the river, uninterrupted by cars. (Maybe you'll get lucky and spot a celebrity, like some of us that met Owen Wilson while biking down Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul!)
HOW? For the experienced traveler, we suggest something a bit more off the beaten path, renting a Velib! This is a service that offers both electric and traditional bikes to rent from anywhere in the city, with many stations to start and end your trip. It is an easy (and inexpensive) way to borrow a bike and enjoy some of Paris’ many bike lanes.
WHERE? Here are some itineraries you might want to follow when riding Paris on your own.
A COOKING CLASS
France is known for its culinary tradition and the cooking classes here can help you tap into that culture to learn and recreate the magic at home!
At Chefsquare you have the opportunity to make recipes in a very friendly atmosphere and in a tastefully decorated workshop!
and if you have a sweet tooth, the make-your-own-chocolate class held within the Musée du Chocolat may be your thing! This class is a wonderful opportunity to quite literally taste the sweeter side of the city and offers a chance to meet other travellers.
In the meantime, while you prepare your trip to Paris you can watch our special class, given by Eliot, to make Poulet Marengo! (Chicken Marengo)
By learning a new skill and getting busy with your hands, you will take more than just a sense of wonder from your Paris vacation, but a new skill - one that you can show off for friends, dates, or just enjoy for yourself! BROWSE A BOOKSTORE
Shakespeare and Co. is one of the most famous bookstores in the world as it used to be a gathering spot for figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, and many more famous expat writers, thinkers, and artists. (By the way: If you are a literature lover, we offer an exclusive Hemingway in Paris tour.) Located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie in the 5th Arr., it provides a meeting point between the intellectual Latin quarter and the bustle of the Île de la Cité and they boast a varied selection in English. There are treasures for all here including a piano in the second floor.
Try to go between 9-5 on a weekday, because on weekends the store becomes filled with bookworms of all ages! If you cannot get a shop assistant's eye, (they're notoriously busy) look at the little signs posted around with staff book recommendations with details like "pairs well with a bottle of red wine", or "this book ruined me in the best way."
If you are looking for a more intimate reading experience, try the Abbey Bookshop. Located at 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie 75005, this charming bookstore boasts an impressive selection of hard-to-find titles that will satisfy even the most discerning reader. As a solo traveler, you'll feel right at home in this welcoming environment, where the friendly staff are always happy to chat about their favorite books. Don't rush your visit – take your time to peruse the shelves and perhaps even discover a hidden gem.
SAMPLE FRENCH PASTRIES
Nearby Shakespeare & Co, there is a delicious dessert spot called Odette, located at 77 Rue Galande, 75005. This pastry shop is open from noon to 7:45 pm every day and serves 'chou à la crème', which are miniature cream puffs! They offer many different flavors ranging from the tame (vanilla) to the exotic (passion fruit). #StrollsTip If you go upstairs, you can get a table in front of the window with an amazing view of Notre Dame Cathedral . Please do yourself a favor and get an additional box to go, you can eat it by the Seine, under the Eiffel Tower, or - for a true indulgence - in bed after a long day of walking the cobblestoned streets.
But maybe you wish to choose from a wider variety of pastries, in the case you can go to the next pastry shop of "Yann Couvreur" at rue des Rosiers in Le Marais area. Start with the viennoiserie section on the left, which offers the famous Kouign-Amann and other rolled brioches from the chef. On the far left, a display case presents fresh salads, fresh juices, gazpachos, fruit salads and spoon desserts. You also have a fine selection of teas and coffees to eat in or take away.
Or if you're looking for a more intimate place you may want to try "La Mouette Rieuse": this is not a bookstore or a café but a real place to live: the bookstore, that with its pop-up stores form a mischievous and subtle intermingling.
INDULGE IN LUXURIES
Paris is often called the city of love, but people also see it as a city of sex. From the shameless flirting that is seen as quality customer service to the idea that men stopping you on the street and complimenting you (Americans could never!), Paris oozes sexuality. Even without a partner, that doesn't mean you have to spend the day without seduction. Seduce yourself! Roses, lingerie, and chocolates are all readily available in beautiful stores that are open on Valentine's Day or any day.
Even if you don't end up buying, stopping to smell the roses, trying on silk, and sampling chocolates could put anyone in the mood for self-love. For roses, the Story of a Flower (154 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002) For lingerie, YSÉ (117 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003) is a charming small boutique full of beautiful and comfortable options for women of all ages. And for chocolates, we could honestly do a whole blog post on where to buy chocolate in Paris...for now, we will recommend Mococha at 89 Rue Mouffetard, 75005.
GRAB A DRINK WITH THE LOCALS
One great bar for single people in Paris is hands down Harry’s New York Bar. Excellent ambiance, friendly staff, and a mix of all ages this bar feels both welcoming and chic. The cocktails are crafted to perfection, but if you are looking for something that feels more ‘Parisian’ I urge you to try the Little Red Door in the trendy district of the Marais. The line can be long on weekends, but it will move quickly and the seating inside is comfortable.
If you're interested in checking out the trendy area of Pigalle, Lulu White is a tiny bar that plays live jazz most nights of the week and you will be able to make friends in line and at the bar while sipping custom cocktail creations.
In conclusion, Paris, the city of love, can be a wonderful city to celebrate the love you have for yourself. Embrace the beauty of the city, indulge in the delicious treats, and take the time to appreciate all the wonderful things that make you uniquely you.
So go out and treat yourself and remember that being single doesn't mean you can't have an amazing, love-filled time!
And that concludes our list of suggestions for dating yourself in Paris!
If you find yourself in our corner of the world, be sure to reach out by sending us a message to our website chat or our social media @strollsparis, we love to meet our readers! Written by Julia Orr & edited by Pamela Breit