Visit Paris After Age 70: Everything You Need to Know

Visit Paris After Age 70: Everything You Need to Know

Updated by Vanessa M in September 2023.

Paris is one of the greatest cities in the world for senior travelers. Despite being a bustling, somewhat fast paced metropolitan, the French capital has more than enough space for elderly ivnvduals who are looking to take things a little slower. 

Many seniors find they struggle with cities such as Amsterdam or New York, because the vehicles and civilians are in a perpetual rushed state, which can pose a safety risk for bodies that can’t necessarily  move as quickly. In Paris, the elderly are always considered and taken care of where possible. 

by Bruno Martins – Unsplash

There are Many Discounts for Seniors in Paris

This is something that all individuals over the age of 60 need to know before coming to Paris. Many of the city’s tourist attractions offer discounted rates for seniors and/or retirees. 

Look out for ticket specials and sometimes even elderly access points where one is able to avoid long queues or crowds. These establishments are usually also wheelchair friendly or accessible to movement impaired individuals (crutches, walkers, etc). 

Be Weary of Any Accommodation Without an Elevator

Paris’ infrastructure is incredibly old, and a lot of buildings only have stairs to get from bottom to top, and back again. When browsing hotels, Airbnb’s or apartments it is imperative to filter out options that do not offer an elevator on the premises. 

Even young, fit people in their 20s struggle getting their suitcases just one floor up the narrow Parisian stairwells. An elevator is essential for any traveler who wouldn’t be physically capable of carrying heavy luggage up multiple flights. 

By Vlad Sargu – Unsplash

How to Pick the Best Airbnb Apartment in Paris

And Any Accommodation With a Shower-Bath

Keeping to the minute infrastructural style, a lot of Parisian accommodation also offers shower-bath combo situations due to lack of space. It is widely known that these are not safe for elderly folk to climb into or out of unattended, and there is almost never railings to hold onto due to the old-fashioned interiors. 

You want to book something with a shower only. If this is unclear at the time of booking, contact the property directly and inquire to be sure!

Consider a Senior Companion Service

Most travel-centered cities have what are known as senior companion services for tourists. Basically, these companies will act as chaperone/tour guides for elderly individuals who aren’t confident in their own ability to move around in a stress-free manner. 

They usually involve local individuals who will spend most of your days with you, arranging excursions and even meals so that you don’t have to worry. They are usually also learned individuals who know a lot about the history of the city, so you really get the full experience. 

By Sherise VD – Unsplash

Try to Avoid the Metro

In general, traveling by metro is not recommended for senior citizens due to the unpredictable nature of each ride. Some journeys are smooth, while others are rocky and dangerous. As an avid traveler, I’ve been thrust into the wall or floor of a metro car one too many times to ever give this mode of transport the seal of approval for an older person. 

Even if you’re confident in your ability to hold onto the provided support, there is always the risk of a car being too full and there being no railing left, or of other riders falling onto you in transit. Avoid!

Transport in Paris: What You Need to Know

Take Advantage of Street Cafes for Breaks

Paris is compact and manageable, but it is a tiring city to explore as it tends to involve a lot of walking if you want to get the full experience. You’ll want to pencil in a lot of break time as you go about your days, and the local street cafes are perfect for that. 

In Paris, street cafes don’t care if you order just a bottle of water, or a full three course meal. They are (generally) welcoming to all and don’t mind people taking up tables throughout the day for the sole purpose of resting. 

The Most Beautiful Pedestrian Streets of Paris

by Megan (Markham) Bucknall – Unsplash

Always Book In Advance 

This is a top travel tip that I give to any individual visiting Paris with the intention of enjoying the many public attractions. There is no need, I repeat NO NEED, to ever stand in line for tickets to attractions and monuments such as The Eiffel Tower, Scare Coeur, or any museum. 

All Parisian attractions and monuments offer online booking platforms where you can book your ticket and entry slot in advance. This means you skip the length ticket queue on the day, and will be ushered toward a (usually) much shorter line where entry is more smooth sailing. 

Forgot to book and now you’re one block from an attraction you really want to see? No problem! Use your mobile phone to log on to the attraction’s website and make your booking from a nearby cafe. Again, no need to join the queues!

How to Book a Ticket for the Paris Opera House

Top 10 Fun things to do for Seniors in Paris

Enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxing cafe or teahouse

Nothing beats sitting on the terrace of a café or teahouse in Paris to unwind. A relaxing café or teahouse with a cup of coffee or tea can be a fantastic activity for the elderly in Paris (or anywhere else).

Paris is famous for its attractive cafes and teahouses which frequently provide a quiet and friendly ambiance in which people of all ages may unwind and sip their beverages.

Photo by Tyler Nix from Pexels

For example, the Maison Ladurée welcomes you to a sugary and dream world on the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Elders can enjoy a cup of tea in a 17th-century setting behind its pastel solarium.

Also, the oldest café in Paris, Le Procope depending on when you go, its opulent decor will be your stop for a cup of coffee or a complete meal. Many cafes in Paris are located in lovely districts and have outdoor seating which allows elders to enjoy their drinks while taking in the sights of the city.

Participate in the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Bus tours are one of the greatest ways to visit the capital and get a bird’s-eye view of the city and its beauties thanks to double-decker buses, all without stepping foot on the ground. People of all ages including the elderly find hop-on-hop-off bus tours to be handy.

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DESIGN YOUR PRIVATE PARIS TOUR NOW   »

Passengers can disembark and explore at their own pace thanks to the “hop-on, hop-off” feature. This flexibility can be advantageous for seniors who prefer to take their time at certain sights. Most hop-on-hop-off buses provide interesting commentary in many languages, allowing you to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Make childhood memories at Disneyland

Disneyland has been entertaining families since its opening day in July 1955, assisting in the creation of memories that will last a lifetime with its own brand of enchantment. Visiting Disneyland is an excellent way to satisfy your inner child! Whatever difficulties you have, you can leave them at the door and have some good, clean fun.

flightlog, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In fact, Disneyland and its sister park, California Adventure, are built for guests of all ages, with break areas, wheelchair accessibility, dietary adjustments, companion restrooms, and other amenities. Older adults, whether accompanying grandchildren or traveling alone, can have a great time at Disneyland.

Because these are classic rides, there may be long queues but fortunately, FASTPASS is available. This will allow you to utilize a ticket to bypass the lines and return at a later time that day. That means less time spent standing about and more time spent snapping photos, admiring the environment, and enjoying the attractions with shorter lines.

Take a Seine River Cruise

Admiring Paris from the Seine is an unforgettable experience and a fantastic way to enjoy the city’s comfort and popular Parisian boats, the “bâteau mouche.” A boat ride will allow you to see the city and its landmarks in a new light, away from the traffic and crowds.

Umesh Gopinath from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Depending on the ship, your pass may include a meal or a show. River cruises are perfect for shooting photographs due to their moderate speed and proximity to sights, allowing older guests to capture their recollections.

Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most recognizable structures and viewing it up close can be a memorable and culturally stimulating experience for visitors of all ages. The tower features several observation decks that are accessible by elevator and offer breathtaking views of Paris. This allows senior visitors to appreciate the city’s splendor without having to climb steep hills.

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Spend as much time as you want in the tower exploring the many levels at your leisure. See Paris from above and from a whole other angle. Admire the Louvre’s old façade and the business area of La Defense. Admire the colorful Pompidou Museum and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica’s great white expanse.

Read more on 20 Great Things Not to Miss When Visiting Paris

Take a canal boat tour

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Another way for the elderly to explore Paris and some out-of-the-way sites they might not have seen otherwise is to take a canal boat tour that begins near the Bastille and winds its way through canals to the Bassin de Villette. Part of it is underground but most of it is through neighborhoods you would never see otherwise and it’s kind of fun to go through the locks along the way. You may enjoy the day with little effort if you bring a great picnic and a bottle of wine.

Enjoy a classic film or a play

Paris is well-known for its rich cultural heritage in film and theater. The elderly can benefit from cultural enrichment and a link to the city’s artistic past by watching a classic film or attending a play. Classic films and plays can help to stimulate the intellect.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Cinema and theater both have the ability to elicit a wide spectrum of feelings delivering a cathartic and emotional experience. Above all seeing a classic film or attending a play provides pleasure and satisfaction. It provides a respite from routine and an opportunity to have fun both of which are important for mental and emotional wellness.

Participate in a Workshop

In Paris, there are numerous workshops available to both young and old people. If the elderly person is engaged in the workshop topic, it can be extremely engaging and delightful. Learning new skills or engaging in creative pursuits can aid in the maintenance of cognitive function and mental health.

Oriel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Workshops can facilitate social connection, which is essential for mental and emotional wellness. Try your hand at pottery with the Autour de Bras, a fun pastime for students of all ages. L’Atelier des Chefs provides cooking classes, whereas the Ateliers d’Alinéor will assist you in designing your own bespoke jewelry.

Dive Into Aquaboulevard’s Pool

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The Aquaboulevard Aquatic Park is open daily from 6 a.m. until 23 p.m. or midnight and will keep the entire family entertained. There will be pools for smaller children, intense attractions for older youngsters, and wave pools for the elderly. Slides ranging in difficulty from low to extreme are available to youngsters aged three and up. A wonderful day awaits you, whether it’s rope skipping or saunas.

Go shopping

Paris is renowned as the world’s fashion capital, and its shopping areas are inextricably linked to the city’s culture and history. You’ll get a taste of the local lifestyle, fashion trends, and design aesthetics by strolling through these places. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything expensive, “window shopping” can be an enjoyable and aesthetically engaging hobby.

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Elegant displays, inventive storefronts, and unique designs are frequently featured in Parisian stores and shops. Charming, independent stores selling one-of-a-kind and locally crafted things may be found in districts such as Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Exploring these businesses might be a terrific way to find unique souvenirs or gifts. Paris shopping provides a fascinating and enriching experience for seniors and visitors of all ages, whether they are interested in fashion, art, history, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Paris.

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Enjoy!

Paris is a haven for elderly travelers if you can get into its groove. There is a very slow, safe and accommodating realm to this city if you just tap into it. The French, in general, are very respectful toward elderly folk no matter where in the world they hail from. 

Wishing you a vacation of a lifetime!