60+ Solo woman Visiting Paris for 10 days. What is the best area to stay in?

https://www.airbnb.com/locations/paris/neighborhoods

Perhaps the above will help give you some neighborhood ideas. As you are here for 10 days and Paris' transportation system is excellent you don't need to stay in areas close to the "major sights" unless that's your choice. As you look for accommodations be aware that September is a busy month. Many short term apartments are illegal and with a court case coming up in June before your visit, if you book an apartment now, make sure it has a 13 digit registration number starting with 75

I've gone to Paris solo a number of times and have stayed as long as 10-12 days. I am not big on VRBO etc. Somehow I feel safer staying in a small hotel. I want to be where the person at reception recognizes me when I come in and has my key out for me. This makes me know they are looking at everyone that comes thru and being careful about security. I like a cheery Bonjour in the AM and a Bonsoir in the evening from whoever is on the desk.

When I started back traveling internationally a few years ago I stayed in several hotels on various Rick Steves tours. There are a couple that I like very much and keep returning to. Altho I've not stayed there, I've friends that stay on Ile Saint-Louis and enjoy it so that would be a good location.

Two of my favorite day trips are to Chartres and Giverny. I've done Giverny in late September/early October and the flowers are still wonderful. Chartres is good any time - if you have an interest in stained glass this is a gorgeous destination.

Do you have an interest in Art Nouveau architecture? I love to walk around and see these building facades in the 7th.

https://www.parisperfect.com/blog/2011/03/art-nouveau-7th-arrondissement/

I also enjoy Paris Walks. If you are there for 10 days, you may be able to work in some if there are subjects or neighborhoods that are of interest to you.

www.paris-walks.com

Also, if you have a yucky weather day - take a look at Paris' Covered Passages. To me the easiest ones to find are just north of the Louvre area including Galaries Vivienne, Passage Panorama, and several others. Here is a link to get you started. You can find these on googlemaps.

https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/paris/experiences/pariss-covered-arcades-53789250

Paris is a wonderful place for a solo traveler!

I'm assuming this is your first time in Paris. It's fantastic that you have 10 days there. Especially for a first visit, but really anytime, I recommend the 4th (including Isle St. Louis) 5th and 6th arrondissments. That is the lower Marais, the Latin Quarter and St. Germain. The closer to the river the better to be the most central. I personally like apartments, but with the current situation in Paris I would be very careful to get one as recommended above. An alternative would be a hotel, where there would be employees there that can help you with any questions you may have.

I would recommend you get the weekly metro pass, called a Navigo Découvert. It gives you unlimited rides on the metro, RER and busses. They are valid from Monday-Sunday. Depending on your schedule you can also buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) for singular rides when you don't have a valid Navigo.

With 10 days you can probably fit in a couple of day trips. Most people want to go to Versailles. If you enjoy Monet and gardens, you might want to consider going to his home in Giverny. There are other day trip possibilities too. I suggest you buy the Rick Steves Paris book for all the information you need about Paris.

I forgot to mention a wonderful program that I have utilized several times already, and plan to use them again next month when I'm in Paris. It's called Paris Greeters. A volunteer will take you on a private tour that corresponds with your interests. There is no charge and the volunteer isn't allowed to accept tips. I have offered to buy a drink or meal for them, but only one time was my offer accepted. You can find out more from their website.

https://greeters.paris/

I am 70+ and have stayed in Hotel saint louis en l'ile on ile saint Louis twice. I love the location - safe, central and beautiful. The rooms are small, but I think the location makes up for that - and I'm rarely there. Enjoy your trip - I did -both times. Sue

I just returned from Paris and would add my vote for the Isle Saint Louis as a central location near the river and in between the Marais and the Latin Quarter. Short walk to the Metro and buses. You will love Paris!! I like small hotels for the same reasons others have mentioned. I enjoyed my stay at the Hotel de Lutece, a 20 room hotel with a very nice staff.

I stayed in the 2nd arrondissiment on Rue Bachaumont right near Rue Montoguiel which has everything RS talks about on Rue Cler but closer to many important sights.

From this area you can walk to the Louvre, Hotel D’ Ville, Notre Dame, Pompidou Center, St Chappelle, St Eustache and many other places. A bit longer walk will take you to the Musee d’ Orsay. Also this area has all the local shops you need for food, medicine, bread, cheese etc. and tons of great cafes and restaurants. The Eiffel Tower is a short Metro ride with at most one change thru small stations. the area is also quiet at night.

I spent 8 nights there and loved it.

Beware when told that you can stay anywhere and take the metro. Yes this is true. But you spend an enormous amount of time underground transitioning from line to line in many cases just to get to places you could have walked to if you stayed in the right area. For instance transitioning through the bigger stations like Chatelet Les Halles can be as much walking as actually getting to your destination if you stayed in the right part of town.

Good Luck and have fun

Thanks everybody for your comments. I really appreciate it. I’ve done some overseas travel but not solo. I’ve traveled a lot in the US solo so I’m used to things like dining solo. But this trip to Paris will certainly be a new experience. Looking forward to it. Imaphotographer snd Paris seems like a photographers dream.

To remember meal times, 7:30 to about 11:30 for breakfast.
Lunch is from 12:30 to about 2:30.
Dinner is from 7:30 to about midnight.

I'd bet on the Hotel Isle-Saint-Louis, which has air-conditioning and was recently refurbished.

Use Notre Dame as the center and try to be walking distance from that. If you're close to Notre Dame, you're close to most of what you want to see. Anywhere else might be convenient to a sight or two, but will be inconvenient for most sights.

I've been to Paris solo twice, and just loved it. (I'm now 63)
I stayed in apartments, but that was two years ago before they started cracking down on rentals.
I liked the 5th Arr. for its student vibe, and closeness to the RER B train to and from the airport.
I never felt unsafe, even at night, and it truly is a wonderful place.
One thing I did was copy the walking tour maps from the DK guidebooks, they are only about 2-3 hours each, but detailed; and explored neighborhoods where there were virtually no tourists.
The bus / Metro system there is just fantastic, and so easy to navigate round the city.
You will get fabulous photos!
I also recommend ParisWalks; they are great.

I have been alone a few times in Paris on a couple trips. I typically stay a few days beyond my husband. I love staying in the 5th (Latin quarter) and always feel safe. Close to St. Germain des Pres, but less expensive. Its well light. I second the idea of Chartres. Giverny would also be lovely in late September which was when I was there. I haven't been, but people also talk of Fontainebleau and chantilly. You will have a nice time.

I'll agree with those who have suggested staying at Ile St. Louis, near Notre Dame. And I would also serioulsy consider staying at a hotel as opposed to a VRBO or some other type of person-to-person rental property. We had a poor experience with a 10 day stay at a VRBO type facility a block from Notre Dame. I know the hotels will likely be pricier - but its more than made up for in cleanliness/security and peace of mind. We've stayed at the Jeu de Paume - and its a lovely hotel.

Have a wonderful trip!!

Hi miller
Be careful with VRBO/AirB&B with all the issues involved. Like others here, hotels. Cross-pollinate.com. bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com has other options for you. Read fine print, cash euros on arrival, what floor (stairs to climb with luggage or lift). You’ll have a great time, sit at cafe, people watch, glass of wine, take a photo, snack bread cheese meat. Happy travels aloha