Senior travel: Paris
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 95 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Place des VosgesStep-free: yes · about 40 minNone.
- Jardin du Palais-RoyalStep-free: yes · about 45 minNone on the main paths.
- Notre-Dame de ParisStep-free: yes · about 60 minNone to the nave; towers are by stair.
- Musée de ClunyStep-free: yes · about 100 minFew.
- Musée CarnavaletStep-free: yes · about 105 minFew.
- Musée des Arts DécoratifsStep-free: yes · about 105 minFew.
- Musée du quai Branly – Jacques ChiracStep-free: yes · about 120 minNone on the ramp.
- Musée PicassoStep-free: yes · about 120 minFew; stairs optional.
- Musée d'OrsayStep-free: yes · about 150 minNone; lifts.
- Louvre MuseumStep-free: yes · about 210 minSome stairs; lifts are available.
- Sainte-ChapelleStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 50 minA narrow spiral stair to the upper chapel.
- ConciergerieStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minStairs between halls.
- Jardin des TuileriesStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minA few terrace steps.
- Eiffel TowerStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 150 minStairs to the second floor are optional.
- Shakespeare and CompanyStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minSteep stairs to the upper rooms.
Getting around in Paris
Paris is hard going on wheels. Many metro stations have only stairs, pavements are narrow, and older buildings have steps; newer trams and buses are step-free.
- Metro:
- Only line 14 and a few stations on other lines are step-free; use buses, trams and RER C where you can.
- Buses:
- All buses have ramps and a wheelchair space; the app shows live times.
- Pavements:
- Narrow and cobbled in the Marais and Latin Quarter; wider on the boulevards.
- Museums:
- The big museums have lifts and wheelchair loans; book and check the route.
Medicines and health on the ground
The France guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Heat:
- Heatwaves are increasing: drink water, avoid noon and seek air conditioning.
- Water:
- Tap water is safe; refill at public fountains.
- Pharmacies:
- Green-cross pharmacies advise on minor problems; some stay open late.
- Insurance:
- Take medical cover; EU visitors carry the EHIC or GHIC.
- Food:
- Food hygiene is high; raw-milk cheeses and rare meat carry the usual risks for pregnant visitors.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.