In this week’s #ThisFrenchLife column, Audrey Diwan, editor-in-chief of Stylist France, reflects on the importance of spending time alone.

Conquering solitude - even in the midst of a busy city like Paris or London - is an important right of passage. Sharing the advice she received from a friend, Audrey says: "a person only reaches the age of maturity the day they learn to master their solitude."

So, in our quest to become a little more French ourselves, we've selected some of our favourite spots in London to spend time alone at any time of the day - places where we truly enjoy and embrace the independence of solitude.

Beautiful solitude: the best places in London to be alone