Paris is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway for travelers of any age. However, despite the fact that the city has so much to offer, it isn’t always super friendly to mature travelers. Cobblestones, crowded sites and endless métro stairs can provide challenging for older travelers, along with some other considerations. To this end, we’ve pulled together some helpful tips specifically geared to seniors so they can have the perfect and stress free romantic trip to Paris!
Set Up A Worry Free Trip
“Safe, accessible and comfortable equals a romantic for senior visitors to Paris,” says Genevière Spicer, founder of Paris for Seniors, a site specialized in trip planning and advice on how seniors can make the most of their time in the City of Light.
Indeed, as this OnePulse study on tourism trends for mature travellers illustrates, although more over 65s are travelling than ever before, the cost of one’s trip is an increasing concern. This is particularly in regards to travel insurance, an important factor in ensuring you worry free and safe trip. The study found that more mature travelers are organizing their own holidays which can also reduce one’s trip financing. Click here for information on this interesting study. Many of the below tips will help mitigate all of the above.
Stay Somewhere Central or An Area with its Own Charms
This is something I recommend in general, especially for first time visitors to Paris, but it’s even more pertinent for mature travelers. If you’re staying within a short walk or taxi ride to major sites, you’ll tire yourself out less by reducing your travel time and effort. Staying in say, the Marais or the Saint Germain areas, you’ll also be close to the Seine, the perfect place for a romantic and easy going romantic walks (just watch those crooked cobblestones down there!). The Relais Christine and the Hotel d’Aubusson are a short walk to the Seine or if you prefer an apartment rental Haven In and Paris Rental Connections have some lovely apartments a few minutes from the river.
Alternatively, if you have already been to Paris a few times and are looking for something different, the north side of Montmartre gives visitors a great local perspective, plus easy access to evening walks around Montmartre, one of the most romantic places to stroll in the whole city! I share some tips on enjoy secret romantic Montmartre in this video. If you’re looking for accommodation in the area, Perfectly Paris has some beautiful apartments with elevators and close to shops, métros and the city bus which goes around the hill.
Make Getting Around Easy
As I mentioned above, staying somewhere central will make getting around easier. The Paris subway system might be one of the best in the world, yet with very few elevators and escalators, it isn’t easy on the knees nor for visitors with reduced mobility. Nevertheless, most stations on Métro Line 14 have elevators to the street level. Instead, buses are also a good alternative… plus they give you a chance to admire the city along the way! See more on Paris transit accessibility and a special map here.
Visit Smaller Museums
The crowds at the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay are hardly romantic for visitors of any age! In addition the crowds can get a little dangerous with justling around, notably in the high season. Instead why not spend a quiet time with your chéri/e at one of the city’s many wonderful smaller museums. Not only are these generally less busy, since they are fewer visitors, they offer a more romantic setting! In addition, some also offer a discount for 65+, something few other museums do (oddly the national museums like the Louvre only offer discounts to students and the unemployed). Some of my favorite Paris museums that offer seniors discounts are the Musée Marmottan Monet, the Musée Jacquemart André and the Musée of the National Archives (senior discount) in the beautiful hotel de Soubise. You can also get a seniors discounts at The Musée Maillol, the Fondation Cartier, The Palais de Tokyo and the Wine Museum!
You may want to pick up a copy of the Littl(r) Museums of Paris before you leave. A lovely book written and illustrated by Emma Jacobs and including the history, collections and interesting anecdotes about small museums, the book can help you decide which museum is right for you.
On a side note, if you or your partner has mobility issues, most museums (especially the bigger ones, but also some smaller ones), have wheelchairs on loan at the welcome desk and the person needing it and its accompanying guest are usually free.
Do Some Non-Strenuous Sightseeing and Activities
There are also plenty of activities in Paris which require little if no physical energy at all! Genevière Spicer of Paris for Seniors recommends wine tastings or an evening boat cruise along the Seine to see lights of Paris. She also suggests a stroll and lunch with champagne in the Luxembourg Gardens and picnic by the Seine… all ideas which I love! See my top places for picnicking in Paris here. For wine tasting I can recommend this group or private Bordeaux to Burgundy wine tasting by Context Travel or private tastings by Paris by the Glass or Girl Meets Glass. I tend to like the Vedettes du Pont Neuf for cruises, which also conveniently depart at the tip of Ile-de-la-Cité, have a real guide instead of a recording and offer discounts for online bookings. Another great evening activity is to take in a show. See the website of Theatre in Paris for the best current shows available for English attendees (French plays with English surtitles or English productions).
Add in Some Romantic Surprises!
This is something I like to recommend for romantic trips regardless of one’s age! Adding in a surprise, whether it be booking and not telling your sweetie about one of the above activity ideas, champagne by the Seine or a romantic dinner, these little surprises will create cherished memories together!
Don’t Overdo It
Paris can be a tiring city, don’t try to do too much and get tired out so you’re not enjoying yourselves. Being worn out will put strain on your couple and diminish the romantic ambiance. Take your time, only do a few things per day, take a leisurely break in a cafe or park and above all savor the moment!
Wishing you all a very special romantic trip to Paris!
Get further inspiration for your trip with these helpful articles:
- Most Romantic Places per Arrondissement mini-guides
- Recommended restaurants in Paris (not all are romantic)
- Alternative Romantic Tours in Paris
Or see our vast repertoire of other original date ideas here.
