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Unlike many other places in France, Marseille isn’t a place where you’ll find tourists running from historical place to historical place, either for that perfect Instagram pic or the rush to fit in the must see things to see. Of course there’s the tourist train to take you up to Notre Dame de la Garde (which is a good to see) and the normal hop on hop off tour bus, but the highlights of Marseille are found on a walk, a boat ride or a journey on public transport. If you love to be in the centre of all the action, Marseille’s Vieux Port and the Canebière are the perfect areas to experience the “Belly of Marseille”. Le Panier’s streets area lined with historical buildings and wonderful street art paints the picture of place.

Much more than just a popular stop for river cruises along the Rhone river, Avignon is a charming city where you’re bound to find yourself swept up in its history and friendly atmosphere. As the largest Gothic palace in the world, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) remains a symbol of the Christian Church’s influence in Europe during the 14th century. At the northern end of the Place de Palais, stands the Petite Palais which now houses a museum and art gallery. Avignon’s old town centre is surrounded by medieval ramparts, which are amazing structures and hold the stories of the history of Avignon.

Over the past decade of travelling solo, and often flying long haul in economy class, I have found the experience to differ between airlines. Some airlines understand the needs of solo female travellers while others either couldn’t care less or are oblivious to our experience. I’d like to bring to your attention that it’s not only a significant risk to seat a woman who is travelling alone beside either a group of men, or a single male, it also has a significant impact on the woman’s experience. In my experience, they tend to sleep throughout the journey meaning that if you’re not seated in an aisle seat, it’s difficult for a woman to want to ask a sleeping stranger to move in order to get to the bathroom resulting in not only the constant need to pee and an uncomfortable journey with a full bladder, but end up with swollen legs and feet.

As I stand in this beautiful city once more, I’m swept up in its magic and am reminded that Paris is the city of enlightenment, a place to just be, a place where you are sure to walk in the footsteps of past intelligentsia. Feeling the rays of warmth from the autumn sunshine and seeing the way the light hits the buildings, I am reminded of why I fell in love with Paris the first time and why I continue to fall in love with it more each time I visit. Booking an apartment a little further out from the heart of town will give you a taste of what it’s like to live in this beautiful city. Because it’s a big city, you’ll find it easy to be there on your own.