Would it be dangerous for me to visit Paris by myself?

Question

im 15 and turn 16 in November....(Hypothetically)if i could travel to France for a week,could i make it by myself? i would know how to get around because i've taken French for a couple years...would i get stolen or jumped?would u recommend me goin alone?Nobody i know wants to go with me...

(and this is all IF i had the money)

Answer 1

If the only way you can do this is on your own, I'd say wait a few years.  Paris will still be there - its not going away.

If you have common sense, you'd be fine.  France is a first world country and Paris is a pretty safe city.  If it were just a day trip you'd be fine.  After all, school children in Paris go all over the city using mass transit.  

But you are a minor and you could be held up by the authorities.  Any self respecting hotel doesn't want to risk renting to a minor and you would need to show ID.

If noone will go with you to Paris consider trying to visit there on some kind of cultural exchange program.  You could be set up with a host family or in some sort of school.  Check with your school guidance counselor or google search AFS.  

No matter how old you are, when you are visiting a foreign country don't flash your money around.  Carry it in a few places around your body.  Conceal your valuables.  Don't go a lone into a bad part of town and certainly don't patronize any kind of disreputable business.  You aren't the fluent speaker, you can't defend your self and they have all the cards over you.  Even if you are in the right and the police get called - you can't articulate what should be said and they can.  This isn't just for Paris - it is for any foreign place where you are alone and you don't know the laws or language.

As an adult I would have no problem going to Paris alone.  It is very friendly and very safe.

Answer 2

I'd love to go with someone but I'm too old for you but I'd try to find someone else on line that might be in your shoes,...One thing to thin about is that when u r that young one seems to always find other their same age to hang with. I did it years ago and this may seem strange but I met allot of people my age at the Laundromat :-)

I would go if  could but I don't really know YOU and if ur independent like me you would do just fine!

Answer 3

Paris is not dangerous  don't worry

Just don't go outside    that is to say   "Dans les cités" " Dans les banlieues"

:)

Answer 4

you wouldn't enjoy it - it's scary and lonely on your own - wait until you're a bit older and can travel legitimately and take a friend with you then you'd have great fun

Answer 5

yes, travel with a buddy. watch HOSTEL

Answer 6

See rillifane's answer regarding the legality of an underage person such as yourself traveling alone in Paris.  

You would most likely be safe as long as you used some common sense:  don't be out walking around at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, don't flash money around, etc.  Three of my four trips to Paris have been when I was traveling by myself, but I'm much older than you.  In this case, older=more experience=more maturity.

Answer 7

You are a minor and would likely be stopped and held by the first police officer or customs/immigration control official who you met.

If you managed to avoid this the first hotel you tried to stay in would inspect your passport (they are required to do so) and would then either turn you away or call the police.

Answer 8

I would definitely recommend having someone else go along, like a parent or trusted adult. It is never good to go somewhere new by yourself, whether you know the language or not. If you do end up going, have a great time! : )