Many Say This European Destination Is The Best Place To Visit After A Breakup
Whenever the phrase "city of love" is uttered, only one destination comes to mind: Paris, France. There's something about Paris that is universally understood as romantic and charming, no matter what corner of the world you're from. That might be why a study by Remitly ranked Paris the top place to propose and why it is so often named one of the best honeymoon destinations by newlyweds.
Despite — or perhaps because of — the lovey-dovey associations, Paris also seems to be a popular getaway spot among those grieving their breakups. Just look at TikTok for proof. Content creator @elisolanotravels posted a clip of the city along with the classic "Gossip Girl" quote, "If you're gonna be sad, you might as well be sad in Paris," before posting another video from the City of Light revealing he'd been dumped. TikToker @alexa.losey also documented her experience spending time alone in Paris after a breakup.
Other social media users suggest the city has the power to pull the heartbroken out of their despair. A TikTok user called @aliceghl posted a video of herself in Paris with the simple caption, "when Paris starts healing your heartbreak," while influencer @chelseavaughn shared footage of herself "living her best life" in the French capital after ending a relationship.
Why visit Paris after a breakup?
Given its romantic reputation, Paris is the perfect place to reset when you've started losing hope in your love life. The sidewalk cafes that spill out onto the cobblestone streets, the gorgeous views of the Seine River, and the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night — Paris has a certain je ne sais quoi that can inspire even the most melancholy travelers. Given its amorous aura, it's also the kind of place where you could imagine sparking a new love affair or making flirty eye contact with an attractive stranger across the restaurant. Sometimes, a little distraction is just what you need after a breakup.
Paris also makes it easy to tap into that main character energy, often lost during a long-term relationship. In the French capital, it's easy to imagine yourself as the star of the show, especially considering how frequently Paris has been featured in movies and TV shows (a Stasher study found that a whopping 14,398 productions and counting have been filmed within the city). Traveling post-breakup doesn't feel so lonely when you know that so many others — even if they were fictional characters — have visited the same landmarks.
On that note, Paris is a fantastic place to get lost if you're traveling alone. Solo travelers can feel comfortable exploring the Louvre, people-watching in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and gorging on delicious dining in bistros with the city for company.
Even if you don't go to Paris, travel can mend a broken heart
A trip to Paris isn't always feasible after a breakup, but that doesn't mean you have to stay in your bedroom ruminating over your lost relationship. Instead, consider traveling closer to home or choosing a weekend trip destination in the U.S. that won't break the bank.
Regardless of where you go, organizing a getaway can be a chance to remind yourself of all that you're capable of without a significant other. As Gail Saltz, a psychoanalyst and clinical associate professor of psychiatry, told The Washington Post, "Feeling independently accomplished is good for self-esteem, particularly post-breakup," before stating, "It can be really helpful to see that you can be alone and not lonely, and feel okay about that."
Of course, post-breakup travel doesn't always have to be a solitary experience. Consider planning a trip with your closest and most supportive friends. They'll offer words of encouragement when needed and help remind you that you have good people in your circle, even without your ex.