Solo Travel to France as a Female | Off The Beaten Track

Last updated on September 20th, 2024 at 12:35 pm

Table of Contents

Planning a Solo Trip to France?

You’re in the right place because before I moved here, I did a lot of solo travel to France and made every mistake you can think of.

When I used to daydream about travelling in France, my thoughts immediately went to Paris.

The effortlessly chic women sat drinking their coffee in a Parisian cafe and then taking a walk along the Champs Elysees. Or to Nice, where the sun shines brightly on the beautiful people strolling along Promenade des Anglais.

It was the stuff dreams were made of, and I couldn’t wait to be part of it.

A woman with a sunhat and a basket stands gazing up at the intricate facade of a grandiose golden-gated archway, embodying the allure of off-the-beaten-path travel in France. The sun casts a warm glow, highlighting the architectural details and statues that adorn the historical monument.

However, when I travelled to France, I discovered that the real France was very different from my daydreams.

In fact, dare I say, the France I discovered was even better.

How is that possible? Because I ventured away from the big cities and out into the unbelievably beautiful rural French countryside, where I was welcomed with open arms.

Today, I’m taking you on a journey of the France I discovered on one of my solo trips to France.

An old castle in Bordeaux with a lake in front and grass and a gravel path leading to the castle

Popular Solo Travel Destinations in France Off the Beaten Track

Much as I love Paris, and I do, there is more to France than the City of Love. You could spend a lifetime exploring this country as there is just so much to see and do.

In this quick guide to solo travel in France, I want to give you something different that isn’t the obvious big cities everyone writes about.

Instead, I want to take you into a different world, one where there are gorgeous medieval chateaux, vines as far as the eye can see, and history oozing from every corner.

And to do that, we need to go off the beaten track and into the depths of rural France in the beautiful southwest.

Brantome in the Dordogne

The serene waters of the Dordogne River reflect the sunny blue sky, flowing peacefully beside a classic French chateau with traditional architecture, nestled against lush greenery. A stone bridge connects the banks, adding to the picturesque charm of Brantome, a hidden gem in the French countryside.

We’re starting in the stunningly beautiful village of Brantome, which sits on the Dronne River in the Dordogne region of France. Often referred to as the “Venice Of The Périgord”, it’s possibly one of the most gorgeous places I’ve been to in the Dordogne region of France.

The History of Brantome

Dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, framing a view of Brantome's historical architecture, with its multi-storied chateau adorned by a central bell tower. In the foreground, a gently cascading weir adds motion to the tranquil river, while the stone bridge offers a timeless connection across the water, encapsulating the rich history of the Dordogne region.

It’s dominated by the Abbey and Caves, rumoured to date back as far as 769 and founded by Charlemagne.

The Benedictine Monks, living in the troglodyte caves, built the abbey into what it is today.

What to do in Brantome

The rugged facade of Brantome's caves emerges from the lush greenery, with the sun highlighting its textured surface. The entrance reveals a glimpse into the carved-out space within, an intriguing blend of natural and human-made history, inviting visitors to explore the depths of these ancient dwellings.

Those caves are seriously impressive, and taking the tour, which is only €7 entrance fee, is well worth the cost.

And as a stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela, Brantome’s place in history is well and truly cemented.

I’ve been to Brantome several times, on my own and with friends, and each time I go, I discover something new.

There is a beautiful garden area, Les Jardins Tranquilles, with wooden benches where you can look over the river to the monastery on the other side. If you’re on your own, it’s the perfect place to take some time out and read a book.

Where to eat in Brantome

A smiling tourist in a pink top and white hat stands confidently on a zebra crossing in front of "Le Moulin de l'Abbaye" in Brantome, a charming and vine-covered establishment that hints at the culinary delights awaiting within. This delightful scene captures the essence of a French gourmet getaway under a clear blue sky.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from as well, and many of them are along the river with outside terraces. My favourite is, without a doubt, Le Moulin de l’Abbeye.

It’s definitely on the pricey side, but the service and food are out of this world.

They serve a round boule of walnut bread that sits on top of a bed of walnuts, I don’t think I’ve ever had bread that good.

Brantome is a place you’ll want to come back to time and time again, and you’ll never tire of it.

The Historical Village of Vertueil

As you probably know, France is the land of the chateau. There are more castles and chateaux than you can throw a stick at. It’s one of the things I love about living here in the Charente, as I’m fascinated by history and people’s lives before us.

The Chateau of Verteuil

Calm waters and lush riverside foliage frame the imposing Chateau of Verteuil, its majestic towers and stone walls standing as a testament to centuries-old French architecture. Wisps of cloud in the bright blue sky complement the serene and dignified presence of this historic landmark in the heart of the French countryside.

The Verteuil chateau is like something out of a fairytale book with its conical, Rapunzelesque towers.

It dominates the village, and you can see it on the horizon no matter which way you approach it.

Unfortunately, it’s now privately owned, but it wasn’t when I first moved into the area, so I was able to immerse myself in the history of the place. It dates back to the 11th century and has seen many royal visitors over the years, including Louis XIII.

Where to eat in Verteuil

An intimate courtyard at twilight sets the scene for "Jeux de Pots" in Verteuil, where white wrought-iron furniture and classical planters create a romantic dining ambiance. Warm light spills from the open window of the stone building, inviting guests to enjoy a cozy evening at this charming eatery.

One of the best views of the chateau is from the Sennechalerie bar going up the hill away from the village square.

You can see the chateau through the windows, but when you sit outside, you feel like you could literally reach out and touch it.

They do great food in there at a reasonable price. We’ve often gone on a Sunday afternoon and ordered a bottle of rose and a charcuterie board.

Two other great restaurants are Café Portebleue in the square and Jeux de Pots on the banks of the Charente River.

The Market in Verteuil

An old stone building with red shutters and doors in a rural French village

There is a great market in the village square selling local produce every Sunday morning. I’ve been many times with my wicker basket over my arm. It’s French living at its best.

And when you’ve finished shopping, it’s obligatory to stop for a glass of wine in the square.

Verteuil has a huge English-speaking community, so you’re never alone if you don’t want to be.

Bordeaux the Wine Capital

A fountain in a square in Bordeaux with a stone building behind.

Bordeaux is the wine capital of France, and it’s such a wonderfully walkable city. I don’t live far from Bordeaux, and it’s where I go to get my city fix as it has the longest shopping street in France, Rue Sainte-Catherine.

One of the best things you can do in this city is to take one of the guided tours, as it’s a great way to meet other solo travellers. And there are lots to choose from.

Things to do in Bordeaux

Visitors enjoy the playful mist of the water mirror against the backdrop of Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, with dramatic clouds reflected on the wet ground and in the sky. The historic square's classical architecture stands in contrast to the modern, joyful interaction of people with the water feature, offering a perfect blend of culture and leisure activities in this vibrant city.

As Bordeaux is known for being a foodie city, I highly recommend taking one of the many food tours as they take you to some of the best markets, patisseries and wine cavistes, all blended seamlessly with stories about the history of Bordeaux.

The city centre is a UNESCO-listed area full of beautifully designed buildings and architecture.

The biggest tourist attraction is probably the water mirror at Place de la Bourse, where you’ll see people splashing in the mist, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. And of course, I couldn’t resist joining in.

The BEST Tours in Bordeaux

A view across the river Gironde of the cite du vin in Bordeaux a building shaped like wine pouring

If you have a few hours to kill, then a trip to Cité du Vin is THE thing to do as a solo traveller. I was there for four hours and still didn’t do everything. It’s a museum dedicated to wine, and not just the wine of Bordeaux, but wine from around the world.

The building has been designed to represent wine pouring into a glass, and with the audio guide, you can just lose yourself in the wonderful world of wine.

Inside "Les Bassins des Lumières" in Bordeaux, a vibrant art installation comes to life with projections of classical paintings on the walls and their reflections on the water surface, creating a mesmerizing, immersive visual experience in the grandiose former submarine base. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and intrigue to this modern cultural attraction.

Another wow factor for me is the Les Bassins des Lumières, a digital art museum housed in an old submarine base. The show lasts about 90 minutes and features different works of art projected onto the walls and reflected in the water, all set to classical music.

It’s hard to do it justice with words, as you need to see it for yourself, but it is definitely a highlight of any trip to Bordeaux.

Both these are included in the Bordeaux City Pass, which is what I used when I was doing a sightseeing tour of Bordeaux.

Angouleme the Capital of the Charente

The panoramic view from a high vantage point presents Angoulême, the capital of the Charente region, nestled amidst lush greenery. The winding river adds a natural blue streak to the urban landscape, harmonizing with the dappled sky above, capturing the essence of this picturesque French locale.

Angouleme is the capital of the Charente and is another city steeped in history. Originally built on top of a rocky hill to give it a vantage point to see oncoming attackers, it is now split between the upper and lower town.

One of my favourite things to do is to walk the old ramparts. It’s breathtaking as you have 360-degree views of the Charente and you can see for miles.

The History of Angouleme

A quiet, narrow street in Angoulême is lined with traditional stone buildings, their aged facades and closed shutters hinting at the rich history within. The street, bathed in sunlight with shadows creating a pattern on the pavement, leads the eye towards a bright blue sky, scattered with clouds, evoking the timeless charm of the French historical town.

And then there is the tour of the Hotel de Ville (the town hall). This is well worth doing as you learn the fascinating history of Isabella of Angouleme, who built the Hotel de Ville with her second husband. She was originally married to King John of England, with whom she had her son, King Henry III.

France and England’s history was intertwined for nearly four hundred years through political marriages like Isabella’s and King John’s.

The Cartoon Capital of Europe

A huge cartoon wall mural in colour on an old building in the French town of Angouleme depicting a man and a woman with a plane going over

But there is so much more to love about Angouleme, as it’s also the Cartoon Capital of Europe. Everywhere you look, as you walk around the cobbled streets, you’ll see huge wall murals featuring cartoons.

Every year, in January, the cartoon world descends on Angouleme for the annual festival celebrating comics and cartoons. They even have a cartoon museum you can visit.

Other Things to Do in Angouleme

And, in the third weekend in September, the city plays host to the Circuit des Remparts, a classic car race around the medieval ramparts. The whole town is cordoned off to allow the vintage cars to race through the city. It’s an adrenaline-filled weekend, but so much fun to watch with an amazing atmosphere.

The Tourism Board in Angouleme are brilliant too, as they have plenty of events aimed at solo travellers where you can meet others for meals and drinks.

The Roman town of La Rochefoucauld

A person walks their dog along the stone bridge leading to the imposing Château de La Rochefoucauld, its grand towers and fortified walls standing against a backdrop of blue sky and wispy clouds. This historic French castle, steeped in the legacy of the Rochefoucauld family, dominates the landscape, a striking example of Renaissance architecture.

The La Rochefoucauld family is one of the oldest, and most important, families in France. They were up there with the royal family in the French pecking order.

The chateau of the same name is quite something to see and sits at the bottom of the village. The only way to reach it is by walking over the bridge, which was once a moat protecting the chateau.

The Rochefoucauld Family & History

A perspective view along the classical colonnade of the Château at La Rochefoucauld, with its rhythmic series of stone arches and balustrades, overlooking the expansive French countryside. The terracotta tiled floor adds warmth to the scene, inviting a walk through history with a glimpse of the château's elegant wing in the background.

It was the first chateau built by the family in the 11th century, but it wasn’t their last, as they owned land throughout France.

The family still live in the chateau today, and it’s open to the public for ten months of the year. On one of my trips, I actually met the Duchess, who spoke perfect English having been educated at a Swiss finishing school.

Touring the Chateau Chateau de La Rochefoucauld

Rows of copper pots and pans hung up in the kitchen at the Chateau of Rochefoucauld

I highly recommend visiting the chateau as it gives you a wonderful insight into the history of France. And at only €12 entrance fee, it’s a steal.

The first time I went, I was on my own, and, in all honesty, it was the perfect way to see everything as I could take my time. I got chatting with other people doing the tour and ended up having lunch with them.

The circular staircase, which is truly a work of art, was rumoured to be designed using drawings provided by Leonardo Da Vinci. There are twenty rooms you can visit, including the salon, library, kitchen, prison tower and boudoir of Marguerite de Valois.

It’s a fantastic place to visit, and they have an area where you can dress up in costumes from years gone by, which is a lot of fun.

The Best Place to Eat in La Rochefoucauld

Gazing over the stone parapet of a bridge in La Rochefoucauld, one sees a tranquil river scene, its gentle waters reflecting the verdant trees and the expansive sky dotted with fluffy clouds. This serene spot, possibly near some of the best places to eat in town, offers a moment of peacefulness in the heart of the French countryside.

La Rochefoucauld is a lovely place to walk around, and there are quite a few restaurants and wine bars to choose from.

One thing you get used to in France though, is that the customer isn’t always right, but the French are.

On my first visit to La Rochefoucauld, I went with my hubby, and we had only just purchased our house. We were checking out local villages and decided to stop for lunch at a wonderful steak restaurant called, Chez Steph.

Long story short, hubby used to like his steaks well done (he doesn’t anymore), so when the waiter came to take our order, he asked for it bien cuit (well done).

The waiter looked at him and simply said, “Non”, followed by, “The chef doesn’t do well done. You will have it medium”.

I thought this was priceless and so very, very French.

A Guide to Solo Female Travel in Rural France

France isn’t unlike any other country when it comes to travelling solo. In the bigger cities, such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon, you need to be vigilant for pickpockets.

And, of course, it goes without saying don’t walk home at night in dimly lit areas or districts you know have a high crime rate.

In general, though, in rural France, you don’t have the same issues you do in the bigger cities.

What to Expect in Rural France

The warm glow of the setting sun bathes a quaint street in rural France, highlighting the textured stone facades of traditional houses. Stairs lead up between the homes, adorned with wrought-iron balconies and rustic shutters, showcasing the charming and laid-back ambiance one can expect in the picturesque French countryside.

I have always felt safe wandering around the little villages in the French countryside at night on my own.

And don’t be put off by the fact all the houses seem to be boarded up and empty. They aren’t, it’s just the way the French live.

The shutters on every window in French houses are used to keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer. It makes them look as though nobody lives there, but they do, it’s a French thing.

My Mum always says when she visits that the villages are like ghost towns as you don’t see anyone. Well, that’s because the shutters are permanently closed, and if you see them open, you know it’s probably an English-speaking person living there.

How to Survive as a Solo Traveller in Rural France

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, a fortified hilltop village in rural France stands as a testament to timeless beauty, with its historic stone buildings and terracotta roofs surrounded by lush greenery. This idyllic scene, framed by leafy branches under a clear blue sky, encapsulates the tranquil and enduring spirit of the French countryside, a welcoming haven for the solo traveler.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to learn a little bit of French before you go. This is especially important in the more rural areas as they don’t speak much English.

You don’t need to be fluent, I’m certainly not, but a few words that allow you to ask the necessary questions in French will go a long way.

French people aren’t rude, contrary to popular belief, but they do get fed up with people expecting them to speak English. After all, you are in France, so why shouldn’t they only speak French?

Register for Duolingo and install the Deepl App, as both have been a lifesaver for me when I’ve been in a sticky situation.

📌 TOP TIP FOR TRAVELING SOLO IN FRANCE

Never start a sentence with “Do you speak English?” as it’s guaranteed to get them offside. Instead, try “Je suis désolée, mais mon français n’est pas très bon.” (I’m sorry, but my French isn’t very good).

That little phrase has saved my bacon many times and allowed me to get much better service or response.

How to get around in Rural France

A woman with curly hair, casually dressed in a white t-shirt and overalls, pauses on a flower-lined bridge with her bicycle, looking out towards the majestic, snow-capped mountains in the distance. This tranquil moment captures the ease of getting around in rural France, where the beauty of the landscape invites leisurely exploration and a slower pace of travel.

One thing you’ll notice is the lack of buses and public transport in general in rural France. Where I live, there are no buses at all, and the nearest railway station is twenty minutes away.

It’s impossible to live here without a car so my suggestion would be to hire a car for your trip. Not only is it safer than relying on the very limited public transport available, but it allows you to explore the beautiful little villages France is famous for.

Plus, taxis aren’t a thing in the countryside either. Although there is Uber in France, that’s only in the big cities, and not all of them have it.

When I first moved here, I mentioned to a friend about getting a cab home when we were arranging a Christmas soiree, she just looked at me and laughed.

There are literally no cabs in my area, not one.

FAQS: Travelling Alone in France

Is France safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, France is definitely safe for solo female travellers, although standard precautions are advised for personal safety and belongings. Like in any other destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist-heavy areas where pickpocketing can be more common.

Can I travel alone to France?

Yes, France is perfect if you’re travelling alone. The country offers a great transportation network, a variety of accommodation options, and numerous activities catering to different interests. Solo travellers can explore cultural landmarks, enjoy the cuisine, and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Is Paris safe as a solo female Traveller?

Yes, Paris is safe for solo female travellers despite being one of the busiest cities in Europe, but vigilance is advised, particularly at night and in less crowded areas. Tourist spots can attract pickpockets, so keeping an eye on personal belongings and being cautious in such areas is recommended.

Is it worth going to Paris alone?

Yes, it is absolutely worth going to Paris alone as it offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. The city caters to solo travellers with its array of museums, cafes, parks, and historical sites. Solo travel in Paris provides a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s culture and charm.

Final thoughts: Solo Travel to France as a Female

France is full of wonderful experiences and places to visit, all of which can be done as a solo traveller.

From the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, which is like stepping into the pages of a history book, to the village of Cognac, where the brandy comes from, there is something for every taste.

If you’d like recommendations for where to go and stay, I’d love to hear from you as we offer a ‘Done for You’ itinerary service.