Just over a 1 month itinerary.

Hi nrivard58. Look into the SNCF Senior advantage card for train travel.

For a solo woman, I would recommend a hotel rather than dealing with AirBnB which can be an ordeal checking in, waiting etc.

I might plan 2 nights at the end in Paris IF there’s still a requirement for the negative antigen test. My thought is that you could get it done first thing in the AM you’d still have time to get a PCR if something happens and you turn up positive.

IF by summer the need for testing is gone then 1 night at the end would be fine. I’d probably still stay in Paris but I usually budget for a taxi for the airport at the end.

I am usually a solo traveler. No exceptional advice except use a money belt for deep storage of your extra money, CCs and Debit cards. You’ve only yourself to rely on so make sure you take care of your financial stuff.

Thanks everyone. All great advice. I did check out getting a train pass. A bargain for 60+ traveler…even 1st class.
I am comfortable in using Airbnb flats. I’ve traveled solo before but not in France. I’m on a budget so staying in rentals over hotels will save me tons. Even A studio in the Marais is around $50.US per night. Just want a clean and comfortable place to sleep.
I hadn’t thought of returning to Paris for 2 days prior to my flight home but makes perfect sense. Thank you.

I am very risk averse when it comes to my long haul flights and that includes having everything in place for departure. The test is very easy to get in Paris - nearly any neighborhood pharmacy does them and has results in 15 minutes or so. The thing to plan for is if there is a hiccup and you have to shift to plan B and need some time to put that in place. Meanwhile if everything runs smoothly you’ve got a day in Paris to finish up anything you missed the first time through.

I was in Provence and Arles in Oct 2019 and loved seeing the Van Gogh sites. When I returned to Paris for a few days before my flight home I headed back to the Orsay have another look at their collection and think about what those places look like now.

Yes, I can see that an extra day in Paris makes perfect sense and love your idea of visiting the Orsay after Arles.
I was enchanted with Arles my first time there and have longed to return. Really looking forward to it.

If you're OK driving solo, you might want to keep the car to get from Chinon to Sarlat.
It is a 5 hour trip on quiet roads and highways, with the opportunity to visit Oradour-sur-Glane about halfway though. One of the most haunting WWII memorials around, but definitely worth it if you can handle it emotionally.

I am thinking about the rental car.
I’ve been to Oradour-sur-Glan. What a haunting reminder of devastation especially these days. Truly an emotional experience.

People have had trouble getting seat reservations with train passes, especially in France. August could be even more difficult.
Here is a thread from earlier this month: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/getting-a-rail-reservation-with-a-french-rail-pass
On the other hand, the Senior Advantage Card does give you a discount on your fare. We recovered the full cost of our cards with the savings on the first leg we used them.
https://www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/mainline-cards-fares/avantage-senior-card .