France is one of the most visited countries in the world, making it a safe and easy place to travel solo. Its southwestern cities and regions are home to outstanding landscapes, world-class wines and vibrant street life – the ideal surroundings for fully immersing yourself in the rich, laid-back French way of life.
Soak up the lively atmosphere of Bordeaux
The hub of the South West region, Bordeaux is brimming with character and charm. This lively city in southwest France sits on the Garonne River and is famed for its gothic architecture and the Cathédrale Saint-André. The city centre has been recently revitalised, with several new features creating a fascinating contrast with the old ones. Visit Place de la Bourse, the city’s famous central square, and take in the beauty of its honey-coloured Baroque architecture. A recent addition to the square is Le Miroir d’Eau, a collection of water fountains and glass that reflect the entire square. This compact city is a must for those on a solo trip to France – with a generous selection of highly-rated restaurants, popular bars and its lively medieval quarter, the Saint-Pierre district.
Venture on solo to Toulouse
Another main city in Southwest France is Toulouse. Known locally as the Pink City – due to the distinctive terracotta bricks used in its buildings – Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region and sits close to the Spanish border.
Its charming Vieux Quartier – historic town — is a hotpot of coral-painted boutiques, quaint churches and narrow, meandering alleyways. Outside the old town, Toulouse is a sprawling metropolis – hectic, and bursting with life. Adding further character to the city are its waterways, which wind in and out of its districts and provide endless dreamy backdrops for solo strolls and bike rides.
Sample fine wine in Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion, in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is among the world’s top wine producers, and the popular Roman town is home to a wide range of vineyards – from world-famous to quirky, family-run estates.
For those on a solo trip in France, wine-tasting events and vineyard tours are a great way to meet local people, while learning about their culture and wine-making history. Saint-Émilion is famous for its production of Grand Cru wines – thought to be of the highest quality – and estates such as Chante Alouette and Château Corbin are excellent places to sample sumptuous red wine and learn how each grape makes it from vine to glass.
Discover the Île de Ré
The beautiful Île de Ré island — about 150 kilometres north of Bordeaux and approximately 160 kilometres from Nantes — is home to ten small, white-washed villages, several long stretches of sandy beaches and dramatic salt plains. For the solo traveller, Ile de Re offers many idyllic spots to enjoy. Sunbathe on the Plage de la Conche des Baleines while the wind sweeps the dunes and pine trees behind you. Wander around the pretty streets of Ars en Ré, and marvel at its gothic church, old painted houses and flower-lined alleyways.
Or take a tour of the Salt Marshes between March and November. Starting in Loix, the ecomuseum of Salt Marshes tours explain the journey of salt – from the sea to the table.
Do you want to discover more about Europe’s most enthralling destinations? Read our guide to Europe’s most underrated cities.