Letter 108: A Place in Paris
When we journey alone
Welcome! This weekly email newsletter is a place where women spanning all ages share their sense of identity and their awareness of our world through personal narrative. Stories shared here come from writers across many generations, cultures, locations, and ethnicities.
New beginnings of fall have arrived!
One of my most favorite cities in the entire world is Paris, so when Sarah told me she was traveling there for a good amount of time, I knew I had to ask her to share all the bits and pieces. This escapist letter gives us a glimmer into her solo journey as she shares her favorite parts and her learnings. And I couldn’t resist including all of her extra pictures to help us imagine ourselves there a bit better! Ah, Paris!—Molly
A hazy blue sky, patchy green grass, and a crisp bottle of sauvignon blanc bring me a level of joy that is so elite I barely know what to do with myself. Add a postcard-worthy view of the Eiffel Tower and an Ann Mah book—a perfect moment in time that I could bask in forever.
This must be a Pisces-induced, introspective girly girl daydream, or day 5 of my very first solo trip.
To my nearest and dearest, it’s no secret what travel means to me. In my almost 30 years of life, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to visit many places and explore different cultures, which in turn has shaped my perspectives about people, and all our differences and similarities.
In my experience, to travel is to live a new life, a life outside of my bubble, one that simultaneously shatters my self-centered nature, showing me that the world is so much bigger than I am, and reminds me how privileged I am to have my bubble.
Another letter for another time.
Today, I want to share the life-altering, world-shaking experience that is solo travel (slightly dramatic, I know, but I am a Pisces, after all). Since I moved from Seattle to New York last fall, I’ve spent many days exploring my new digs on my own, enjoying museum trips, dinners, and long walks in my own company. I’ve always been quite introverted, loving my time alone to think, write, and simply be.
Despite my introverted nature and passion for travel, however, I’d not yet gotten around to planning a solo trip. So, when the opportunity to travel to Paris for work came about, I knew I needed to take an extra week to experience the City of the Light.
Let me begin by stating the obvious: Paris is a beautiful, culture-rich city. The architecture is unmatched, and I’m certain that any traveler could spend hours walking the Haussmannian-lined boulevards. At its core, Paris is for the dreamers, the art lovers, the history buffs, the foodies, the park goers…
You name it, there’s a place for you in Paris.
The perks
To travel alone is to be in complete control.
You dictate your itinerary, from the first bite of your daily pain au chocolat to the last sip of champagne in front of a twinkling Eiffel Tower. Your time is just that—yours.
This also means you spend your money how you want to. Splurge on a five-course meal? Amazing! Save a dime to avoid crowds at the Arc de Triomphe’s observation deck? Perfect.
The lessons
Traveling alone shows you how much you're capable of, which generally tends to be more than you’d think.
Yes, doing things alone is scary. But it’s also exhilarating, freeing, and so rewarding. As I left my comfort zone (re: bubble), I became more confident.
I learned how to navigate the metro system, ask for help and recommendations from locals, and even dusted off my high school level French (still a work in progress). More importantly, my solo trip reminded me how important my friendship with myself is.Â
The growth
A trip alone unlocks an entirely new level of growth that group travel simply doesn’t.
We’re constantly surrounded by noise—our colleagues, friends, and family; social media and pop culture; the never-ending list of things to do and boxes to check that come with being an adult.
And while those things absolutely bring joy and purpose into our lives, taking a step away from it all to be alone brought clarity into mine.
Take the solo trip
If you have the inkling and opportunity to take a solo trip, do it. In my (albeit one) experience, the pros most certainly outweigh the cons. Sharing travel with another person or persons is an undeniably magical experience but doing it alone is, too.
Disclaimers: Do your research. Be mindful of the culture. Take appropriate safety measures. Be aware of your surroundings. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience for what it is. Oh, and if your favorite artist is playing in a suburb six miles outside of the city, go.
You’ll have fun alone, I promise.
Happy travels!
Sarah’s Paris Recommendations
Food & Bev
Le Bon Moment for non-coffee drinkers. Located in the Latin Quarter, the café is a short walk to the Seine; grab an iced matcha latte for a riverside walk.
Bar Hemingway for literature lovers. The drinks are overpriced but the memorabilia and history are pretty incredible!
Agata for pizza and people watching. This is the cutest Italian restaurant in the cutest neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I know, I know; Italian food in France? I can’t help it, I have a pizza addiction.
Museums & Sites
Musée de l'Orangerie for the Water Lillies. It sits in the gorgeous Tuileries Garden, which makes for a lovely post-museum walk.
Luxembourg Gardens for an escape from the city. I spent a lot of time at this beautiful, perfect park. Great for a morning walk or afternoon read.
The Marais for shopping. Need I say more?
Hotels
Grand Hotel Saint Michel: Based on personal recommendations, my own research, and availability, I decided to stay in the Latin Quarter. The 4-star hotel is perfectly located in the 6th arrondissement and I felt very safe as a solo, female traveler.Â
Hotel Lancaster: Located on the Champs-Elysées, the Hotel Lancaster is a stunning, 5-star luxury hotel. As I mentioned before, the second half of my trip to Paris was for work; I’m in the travel industry and got to tour this hotel for the job. Beautiful is the understatement of the century; it’s perfect, if you’re looking for something a little extra and don’t mind being in a more touristy part of the city.
Sarah’s Five Favorite Things
Byoma: My skin has never been better. The most hydrating products and the first skincare line I’ve found that works for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. Thanks to my best friend for rec!
Art Gurl: For my fellow New Yorkers, Art Gurl is an incredible, woman-owned organization that celebrates the intersection of art and mental health. They put on some pretty cool events around the city!
The Dip: This band has been around forever but I’m a new fan. I recently saw them live in San Francisco and loved every second!
Uniqlo Built in Bra Tank: I’ve told every woman in my life to buy this tank top. It’s wonderful, I love it, I wear it at least 3 times a week.
Pinterest: Don’t sleep on Pinterest. It helped me plan my trip to (and outfits for) Paris!
With gratitude,
Sarah Sheppard
P.S. Sarah shared earlier about removing the shoulds and when she made the leap to New York City!
This is so great. I'm a seasoned traveler but haven't yet done a full solo trip. This inspires me!