Dining Alone in Provence & Paris

Can't speak to Provence as I haven't made it there yet.

However in Paris it's great. I have never expereinced any issues and they often have "tables" just for one. Even if they don't, it's fine.

I do tend to dine a little earlier then the crowds, but part of that's just being American!

I love dining alone in Paris, I feel I am treated just fine, and in fact feel more special and " mysterious" dining alone. Plus I tend to read at lunch ( in cafes not restaurants) and one cannot do that unless one is alone ( my own rule, LOL )
I have never dined in a really really nice restaurant alone, but I would happily do it and report back to you on it if you could just cover me the 300 plus euros for an extra nice meal,LOL

I dined alone in both places and it was fine. For the most part there are super cafes with great food to eat in and people watch at the same time.

Pam

I always do it. I usually eat a bit earlier than the French though. If you want 2 suggestions for Avignon, PM me and I would be glad to help.

Bonnie, its acceptable to dine alone, however, to answer your question on how to be treated... it depends on your wait person. I find it to be great to sit outside and people watch, while I eat. Plus if you are going in the summer, the sun goes down very late.

Have fun.... bon chance!

Dining alone is perfectly fine in Paris. Only once did I run in a bit of an issue. I wanted to dine outside, but there were only tables available for 4 people. They said I could not sit there alone, that I needed to eat inside...frankly I should've just found another restaurant. But oh well.

Kelly I have worked in restaurants here in my hometown that would not seat a single person at a talbe for four( unless it was dead) . Its business first, four people bring in more revenue, and if a restaurant has to turn away four people for one person they are losing out.
It is nothing personal against a singleton.

Pat, I totally realize that. I guess I should have stated that I wanted to sit outside, but instead had to sit inside. That is why I stated I should have just found another restaurant.

I generally travel alone & have never had a problem anywhere. I've been to Paris many times but never Provence. Service is always fine - no difference from those around me. Sometimes, I think I get better service. Several times I've been given food to try that I didn't order after having a discussion with the waiter about foods on the menu.
In Paris I try to avoid sitting with fellow Americans, so I'd never sit in a non-smoking area even tho I don't smoke. Tables are generally close & almost always those sitting around me will chat with me at least somewhat. I think they're curious about that American women sitting by herself.
If you find you're uncomfortable in restaurants, try the cafes which are more informal. But don't, please, eat in your room. I've read articles geared to women traveling alone that advocate room service instead of eating out by yourself. That's missing the best part of travel.

I agree with Rose. Ladies, don't eat in the room just because its intimidating to eat alone. If you can't eat at a sit down place, then get your food to go, and eat at the park and make yourself a picnic.

I'm not just talking Paris.. but any place in Europe!

Have a great time Bonnie.

I have been to Paris twice and have dined alone several times each time. Service was terrific. My favorite place(sorry, should have gotten the name) seated me at a banquette that had 2-tops lined up on it and a couple from Germany were seated next to me. We ended up having a wonderful conversation--he had worked for a couple of years at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. That was the one time I dined at the "normal" hour of about 8:00pm so the restaurant was crowded. The waiter was SUCH a sweetie.

Nancy T.