Solo travel in France was something I had looked forward to for months. It was a mix of business and personal time. I supported a luxury retreat in Champagne as a content creator, then spent a few solo days in Paris to revisit a city that means so much to me.
Like any trip, there were moments of joy, beauty, and ease. There were also unexpected challenges the moment I came home. From dealing with a leak in my ceiling to helping care for my grandmother after a fall, I was reminded that life doesn’t pause just because you’re away. That’s the reality of solo travel and solopreneurship. It requires flexibility, presence, and a willingness to shift gears quickly.
In this blog post, I’m sharing what the trip really looked like. From driving in France for the first time to navigating Charles de Gaulle airport, from visiting the Dom Pérignon cellars to booking a solo photo shoot in Paris, this post covers the highs, the logistics, and the lessons.
Whether you’re planning your own trip to France or simply looking for travel inspiration, I hope this gives you ideas and reassurance that you don’t need to have everything perfect to create meaningful experiences.
Watch The One Girl Travel Podcast Episode 92, “The France Recap”
Renting a Car in France: What I Learned
One of the unexpected parts of solo travel in France was renting a car. This was my first time renting a car in Europe, and to be honest, I was nervous. France drives on the right side of the road, which helped, but there were other details I didn’t know until I was in it.
Most cars are manual or electric, and not every accommodation has access to charging stations. I specifically requested a hybrid automatic, which gave me peace of mind. Driving through the countryside was peaceful and scenic, but getting out of Charles de Gaulle airport was a challenge. Between the number of roundabouts and unclear signage, it took some patience and confidence.
Returning the car was even more chaotic. It took nearly an hour, and I highly recommend giving yourself extra time if you’re doing the same. That said, having a car made it easier to reach more remote areas like Champagne, and I would absolutely rent again for a similar kind of trip.
The Champagne Retreat Experience
The retreat I attended was hosted by Erin with Luxury In Business Retreats. We stayed in a beautiful countryside home that felt equal parts relaxing and inspiring. I was there both as a participant and to create content, which gave me the chance to be fully immersed while also doing the work I love.
One of the most unforgettable experiences was a private tour of the Dom Pérignon cellars. This isn’t something open to the public, so it felt like such a gift. Walking through the historic underground tunnels, surrounded by towers of bottles perfectly balanced on their corks, was surreal. We finished the tour with two tastings, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling.
We also visited Champagne Augustin, a family-owned vineyard that takes such a thoughtful, intuitive approach to their craft. Their connection to the land was palpable, and the tour was both educational and moving. I brought home a few bottles and already wish I had room for more. If you’re planning solo travel in France and want a peaceful yet luxurious experience, I highly recommend this region.
Get your FREE guide: Top 5 Tips for Hosting Profitable Retreats
Returning to Paris
Paris has always had a special place in my heart. It’s where I had the epiphany for One Girl Travel back in 2019, during a retreat with my mentor. I remember sitting at a table, surrounded by women, and saying out loud for the first time that I wanted to create this business. Coming back now as the full-time CEO of that vision felt emotional and incredibly full-circle.
I stayed at Hotel Chouchou, a boutique hotel in the 9th arrondissement. The room was tiny, but full of personality. It was the perfect base for a few days of solo exploring, content creation, and reflection. Paris is a perfect stop for solo travel in France, especially if you’re craving a mix of culture, beauty, and self-reflection.
Paris Highlights During My Solo Travel in France
I wanted this part of the trip to be playful and personal. Here are a few things I planned that brought so much joy:
Nouvelle Ève Cabaret
I couldn’t get into Moulin Rouge, so I booked a ticket to Nouvelle Ève. It was the perfect alternative. Elegant, entertaining, and full of energy. The dinner was great, and the show had a mix of male and female performers that kept it dynamic. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun night out without the late hours.
Airbnb Photo Shoots
This was my first time booking photography sessions through Airbnb Experiences. I found a photographer named Julia, and we instantly clicked. Her rates were so reasonable, and she even included video content. I booked her twice. It was a creative, confidence-building way to capture the city and get content that feels authentic.
Vintage Car Tour
Another Airbnb Experience worth mentioning. Clem picked me up in a lime green vintage Citroën and we drove through the city while he snapped photos and shared stories. It was such a unique way to see Paris, and the photos came out beautifully.
Dinner at the Eiffel Tower
Thanks to a birthday gift card from my best friend, I booked dinner at Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. The food was fine, but the experience was unforgettable. Watching Paris glow from above while eating dinner in the tower was truly special.
Okari Spa Hammam
I revisited Okari Spa, a women-only Turkish hammam I first experienced in 2019. It’s not your typical spa day. The process includes a sauna, full exfoliation, and massage. It’s intense but so worth it. I walked out feeling refreshed and renewed.
Disneyland Paris
On my final day, I wanted something light and fun. I took a shuttle to Disneyland Paris, bought a FastPass, and spent the day riding everything. I had lunch at Chez Remy, the Ratatouille-themed restaurant, and truly felt like a kid again. It was the perfect way to close out the trip.
Final Thoughts
Traveling solo doesn’t always go as planned. There will be curveballs. But it will always bring you back to yourself.
This trip reminded me that you don’t have to be perfect to create something powerful. Whether it’s content, a business, or a trip that means something to you, the important part is that you start.
If you’re looking for tools to help you build your own presence online, you can download my free Creator Toolkit. And if you’re ready to take things further, I offer one-on-one visibility consulting to help you bring your ideas to life. From websites to content planning, I’ve got you.
Get your FREE Creator Toolkit HERE
Book Your Discovery Call HERE
Thanks for reading and for being part of this community.
