dining solo in France

Those "three hour meals" are generally in the expensive Michelin-style restaurants, not in your average bistro or cafe... unless you keep ordering more food and drinks. In the former, the servers will seat you, you usually find your own place in the latter. In a mid-level restaurant, as long as you don't have any problem eating by yourself, why should anyone else? If you feel awkward, just bring a book or magazine.

Justin,, listen to me about this.. dining solo in France is absolutely normal.No need to be embarrassed or feel odd.
Seating yourself in a restaurant is a a different matter and this does not matter if you are solo or not the etiquette is pretty well the same as here... In restaurants you wait for someone to seat you.. for many places its nice to make a reservation but it is not always necessary . At cafes if you are just wanting a drink do not seat yourself at a table that is set with silverware.. there are usually some tables that are "unset" that you can usually just sit down at.. but if you want to eat then of course sit at the set tables. Alot can vary from place to place, I often will just try and catch a servers eye at a cafe.. and nod to a table, they nod back usually. Remember to greet server with a "bonjour madam or monsieur" and go from there.

Justin, Dining solo in France (or anywhere else in Europe) is no big deal. I do it all the time. I don't often patronize posh (ie: romantic) restaurants, but have done that on occasion. Makes no difference. Europeans will generally allow patrons to sit as long as they want. The Menus will usually be posted outside. Have a look at the bill of fare and when you find a restaurant that looks good, go inside. There will often be a "host" that will seat you. In some (but not all) cases, sitting outside on the patio will cost more than sitting inside (I'm not sure if that's true just in Italy or also in France - never noticed). One point to note is that you may wish to sit inside if you have any issues with cigarette smoke. The smokers will all be outside on the patio belching carcinogens into the air. Bon Voyage!

Years ago it was odd for a woman to dine alone, now nobody blinks. Good advice already posted.

Justin, I travel solo and the way i look at it, if they dont care about you or others taking a 3 hour dinner, then why should i. The business model of most restaurants in france are NOT like the "get them in and out fast" in the USA and it took me a while to get use to that. As a matter of fact i get alot of funny/surprised looks if i DO eat/leave fast! When it comes to seating, i always ask unless i see a sign saying otherwise. Every country will be different too. Just be polite and ask if they speak english. If you find a place to chow down and you like whats offered either by visual, smells or the menu, i would go for it no matter if its a "romantic place" for couples. one comment. If you drink coffee on the go, i found few places that had lids for their cups. The exception was Starbucks. most people will have a seat and have their coffee and croissant. happy trails and bon apetit

Am I crazy or was this same thing posted a few weeks ago?

You might be crazy. Who am I to determine that? :-) But yes, there was a lengthy thread about dining alone. I estimate it was around July, maybe August.

No, you are not crazy, there was a long discussion on this very topic. As I recall, it devolved into an argument about whether or not one should identify oneself as a Ricknik by prominently reading the Blue Book whilst sitting at a table alone (I remain completely neutral on this matter).

Found it! It was a comment from Sean in New York that got the ball rolling about eating alone. It was mixed in with some talk of red light districts..... http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?fuseaction=readtopic&topicID=109257&page=2

Yeah, I thought it was around then. Sean, who came on strong then disappeared, had some 'interesting' ideas. Justin, many people eat alone and don't have any problems. Just relax and enjoy your trip!

some places have really big table and you can share the table with other people. it's the best way to meet with locals and they'll keep you accompanied and it's a very fun experience.

Because French meals DO last much longer than in the US, as a frequent solo diner I always try to have something to occupy myself. Generally a good book works best, but if I'm keeping a journal I will use that time to write in it (I've been mistaken for a food critic on occasion). PDA's of course work, but most people don't want the data roaming charges and few places have wifi. With few exceptions, no restaurants are off limits for solo diners. Also, as a solo diner you likely won't want to linger as long. Understand that in France, you must ask for the bill and ask for attention from the waiter.