I love travelling solo, and Paris quickly became my favourite city to do it in. I spent the first few days riding around, wandering, and eating all on my own. Now I’m leaving with new friends from all over the world.

One of my favourite solo memories? Finding myself at Chez Janou, a Provencal bistro I’d ridden past just before midnight. Its striped awning, warm glowing lights, and the buzz spilling out into the street stopped me. I walked in, felt the energy and told myself I’d be back the following night.

The next night, at exactly 8:31pm (yes, I took a photo on the way in), I walked back in and asked for one seat at the bar. There was a wait, so I ordered a glass of wine and stood near the entrance, taking it all in – warm yellow walls, old film posters, the buzz of the room, and staff flying around in that kind of chaos that somehow works perfectly.

Fast forward mussels, duck, wine recommendations from the staff, and the best chocolate mousse of my life.

By now it’s well past midnight, the restaurant is closed, and I’m still there drinking with my new friends and staff. I’m one of the last to leave, with a pact to come back on the same date next year. Who knows if we will, but it feels good knowing I had an experience in Paris that wasn’t life changing, just real. The kind night that makes you remember why I love travel so much.