PARIS

Forty-eight hours is enough time to fall in love with Paris — if you know where to go. Real Paris moves at its own pace: the right neighbourhoods in the right order, the restaurants Parisians actually choose, and the small moves that separate a good trip from an unforgettable one.

For a solo traveler, that unhurried pace is the whole point. A café table in Paris is yours for as long as you want it — no one rushes you, no one suggests you move on. Say bonjour first wherever you go, sit down, and the city meets you exactly where you are.

Generally safe for solo travelers with normal precautions. Paris is one of Europe's most visited cities — and one of its most misunderstood from a safety perspective. Petty theft and pickpocketing are the primary concerns, not violent crime. Solo travelers over 50 navigate Paris comfortably every day.

Pharmacies (marked by a green cross) sit on every major street and are an excellent first stop for minor issues. AP-HP hospitals have English-speaking staff in major facilities. EU citizens should bring an EHIC; others should carry travel insurance. Tap water is safe and free — ask for "une carafe d'eau" in restaurants.

Paris is highly walkable and well-lit in central areas. Harassment exists but is concentrated in specific neighborhoods — avoid Pigalle and Barbès at night. Café culture makes it easy to sit alone without feeling conspicuous. Trust your instincts and move with confidence; the French respect that.