I’ve always adored Paris, ever since my mother took me there on a coach trip for my 16th birthday. We stayed in a dodgy hotel in the red light district, but I fell in love with the Eiffel Tower, the shops and just the general atmosphere of the place. It was like nowhere else I’d ever been.
As a writer I’m always looking for new places to set my books and in 2021 I hit on the idea of Paris. I decided that to allow myself to be inspired, I’d go there alone, live like a real Parisienne and basically enjoy a grown-up Emily in Paris experience for a month.
As a mum of three grown-up boys, I’d never holidayed alone but now a divorcee with an empty nest, I decided this was the right time to embrace my freedom and it was a life skill I needed. After all, I could now please myself and if I wanted to jet off at a moment’s notice, I could. Paris seemed a good place to start my solo experiment, as I was familiar with it and spoke a bit of French.
LIBERATION
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?