Paris with Senior Parents – Lodging Feedback?

You don't mention your parents age, are they young seniors in their 60s or older seniors in their 80s?

How are you planning to get around in Paris? If taxi or Uber, location is not as vital. Are there bus stops with good routes within a short walk of the apartment. Bus travel can be great since no stairs involved. How far are the nearest Metros. Will it get you to your destinations without involving a lot of stairs?

Regarding AC, while it probably won't be super hot in Paris, you just never know. When planning a London trip 2 years ago, the forecast looked great. Three days before we arrived, suddenly they were predicting 80s, which is hot for UK. Lucky us, by the time we arrived we found ourselves in the middle of record temps in the 90s. We were quite happy with our air conditioned hotel room.

We are one of those older couples (81 and 82). We don't need to nap in the afternoon, but my suggestions are to have an elevator if possible (even with our 4 titanium knees between us). Also, in Paris there are cafes/bistros/bars everywhere, and we just sat and had a coffee or aperitif whenever we got tired of walking. Plus, doing so is SO pleasant and SO very Parisian!

The Louvre is huge, so beforehand, when you reserve your time there, list your must-sees in the museum. Then you can plan your route through the wing(s) to save time and reduce fatigue. Some museums have more benches/places to sit than others. We find that the worst part of seeing a museum is the stop and go within. For some reason, that is harder on our backs and joints than a brisk walk. You will only see a fraction of what the Louvre has to offer, so preplanning your route really does make your visit easier , more satisfying, and less tiring.

I can't comment on your hotel locations, as for the last couple of decades we have stayed in the suburbs with family members and took public transportation into the city. I do pay attention somewhat to metro stations. Some trips may include long hikes between trains or long sets of stairs to the surface. We have taken a taxi once or twice between places in the city. I have no complaints with taxis. I read here that Uber isn't always reliable in Paris. I have no experience with Uber or Bolt.

After 7 trips to Paris I finally got to the Cluny Museum and I recommend it highly! (Plus, it has more sitting options within the galleries.) It is in a nice part of the Latin Quarter, not too far from the Luxembourg Gardens (about 1-1/2 km).

There are plenty of vegetarians in France, just like any country. Every eating establishment I have been in anywhere in France has something on the menu, even if only a pasta dish, a risotto-type dish, or a salad. There have been threads here regarding vegetarian or diet-restricted meals, so do a search here for suggestions. French people have their share of gluten-intolerant people too.

However, you are staying just night 1 in Paris, and nights 3, 4 and 5. Your day 3 is not a complete day in Paris as part of that day is getting there from MSM, via Caen, and from the train station to your lodging. That means about a half-day on day 1, a half day on day 3, a full day on day 4 and 5. (Are you leaving on day 6?) Take this into consideration when arranging your day's activities. You will need reservations for the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Your plans may be affected by what time you can get your reservations for.

I always recommend a one hour boat ride on the Seine for a nice view of the city (well, part of it). I prefer Vedettes de Pont Neuf. They are narrated (in French, but I have always had some English as well). Be sure to sit up top for the best views. You can walk up, but I reserve ahead of time on their website (sometimes you get a small discount this way, but the price isn't high at all). Just be sure to get there ahead of time to get the top level seats. Depending on the time of day and weather, bring a jacket. I wouldn't pay for a ride that included dinner. You will not see as much on the ride because you are busy with your meal and except for the pricier ones, I hear they are not so great, plus I believe you are inside and see less.

Of course, there are tons of things to see and do, so I won't even try to make suggestions, except for the Vedettes (small investment in time and money with a great payoff) and the Cluny. Oh yes, if wandering around the Eiffel Tower area, it isn't far to the Rodin Museum and just seeing the sculptures in the grounds/garden is wonderful. (I go every time I am in Paris, and it always makes me happy.) Just a thought.

I hope my comments are helpful. Amusez-vous bien!

P.S.
If flying into Orly or CDG, take the taxi to your lodgings. Fixed price for up to four people with luggage and much simpler than the RER and metro trips. Just get in the official taxi line at the airport and don't engage with anyone coming up to you offering a taxi ride. Likewise, download the G7 app and reserve your ride back to the airport at least one day ahead of time. The taxi will arrive about 5 minutes earlier than your pick-up time (be ready), and it is a fixed price for four, plus about 7 euro to pre-order. I can handle the metro, but prefer to avoid it with luggage in tow. Plus taxis can use the bus lanes (unlike Uber, etc.) and are quick (not as fast as the RER and metro, but more comfortable for me).
Enjoy!

Not knowing your detailed travel schedule or constraints, I'll ask if you have considered
taking a train right from CDG to St Malo.

The effort to get into Paris for one night, only to depart the next morning, seems a bit
of a waste.

There are 1-stop trains between the airport and St Malo, and non-stop trains between
St Malo and Montparnasse. St Malo is also a fair bit closer to MSM than Caen is.

I think you can potentially gain a day in your schedule if you go to St Malo upon landing,
rent a car the next day, drop it off after MSM and then take a early evening train to Paris.

The other advantage I can think of is that MSM is not level, there are stairs and ramps to
climb. You'd have a full night's rest once you got to St Malo and be hopefully more
energized.

UPDATE:

@jeanm, my parents are young seniors, in their 60s and early 70s. We will be taking public transport while in Paris - so mostly metros and buses, and sometimes taxies. The current airbnbs I have booked are close to public transport.

Thanks @Judy, for the detailed information and many tips! Also thanks for the tip for taking Taxi from CDG. We will take taxi for whenever we have luggage with us.
@Judy, we are catching an over-night train to Nice on Day 6, so we will also have a full day (at least till 8pm) on Day 6.
We’re not planning to go up the Eiffel Tower, since we’ve done similar experiences in the U.S. (like the Empire State Building, Space Needle, and Willis Tower), so we’re happy to just admire it from the ground.

@shoeflyer Regarding taking a train to St Malo, on the arrival day, my initial plan was to take a train to Rouen on Day1 from CDG, but based responses for my previous post, many people recommended not doing too many activities and travel on our arrival day, especially after a long flight, and considering travel fatigue and jet-lag.

I think continuing on by train to Saint Malo on your arrival day is an excellent idea. That is a totally different thing than renting a car to drive on your arrival day. I think you went from doing too much to doing too little but it will all even out in the end because maybe you will have a lovely afternoon and dinner in Paris on your arrival day.
As to staying in the 15th, IMO, parts of it are not the most comfortable (central) base for an easy trip -- typically that would be in a single digit arrondissement. I have stayed in the 15th a few times. Once was in an apartment near Charles Michel metro station and it felt like everyplace that I wanted to go required me to change metros and walk through long connecting corridors. I also have stayed near La Motte Piquet Grenelle which is a much better location for getting around so whether the spot is a comfortable base really depends on exactly where you are in the 15th.
On the air conditioning issue, what floor is the apartment on? Does it have cross ventilation? Are there fans?

Okay, youngsters who are reasonably fit.

While I love the view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero or from Pont de Bir Hakeim, hanging around with the massive crowds at the base of the Eiffel Tower can be overwhelming.

Better would be a cruise on the Seine timed to see the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Like Judy, I prefer Vedettes du Pont Neuf. In April, the narration was in both English and French on my trip . Another evening activity, possibly a concert at beautiful Sainte-Chapelle or another church. Or strolling along the Seine taking in floodlit Notre Dame or Invalides or ?

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful stay in Paris.

Ami,
shoeflyer's and JHK's comments about going direct to St. Malo are good ones. It hadn't occurred to me, but could be a good decision. However, that first evening in Paris sounds very tempting, both for putting a period after the long journey to France, adapting to a different time zone, and for absorbing the ambience of what I consider to be the capital of Europe. Check into your lodgings, then get out for a relaxing stroll, an aperitif at a cafe, and later, dinner at a neighborhood bistro. An early bedtime and a fresh start the next day to go to MSM.

I did forget to bring up the climbing needed at MSM. Last time I was there we went up the back way...steep but less crowded. We saw the Abbey first and worked our way down slowly through the town (front way, with a lot more people). I had my original knees when I was there, but took my time going up and stopping where I could on the ascent to rest. I made it! I guess you might need to reserve a time to visit the Abbey. That wasn't the case when I was last there. Best to check this out.

Also, it sounds like a good idea, if possible (schedule-wise) to take a train to St. Malo instead of Caen. Of course, on-the-ground transportation from either Caen or St Malo to MSM will be a deciding factor. We usually have a car in Brittany and Normandy, so I don't know which would be best for you. Others on the forum may chime in with suggestions about that.

Bonne chance!

Thanks everyone, I am still thinking over all your replies, and really appreciate all the genuine help and suggestions!
@JHK, the location in 15th is 5 Boulevard de Grenelle.

doesn’t have A/C either, which is a slight concern.

When will you be there and where are your parents from, i.e., accustomed to no a/c in what may be high temps?

I stayed at Citadines St. Germain with my sister in April 2024 for 4 nights. Great location. Large rooms with kitchenette. Easy walk over to the boats at Vedettes du Pont Neuf if you choose to do a 1 hour cruise. Highly recommend it for a lovely intro to Paris, especially around sunset. But the “anytime” tickets online and get there early to get a seat up top.

Also consider taking buses around the city. You get off your feet, don’t have to walk up/down a hundred (or more) steps to the metro, and get to see the city.

The highlight of our trip was an evening concert at St. Chapelle. Spectacular, and there was plenty of light to see the glorious stained glass.

If this 5 day trip consists of only 4 nights, I treat that as 3 days which is the minimum amount of time to see the basics of Paris. Staying the first night in Paris complicates what is already an overly ambitious itinerary. To maximise you time, upon arriving on day 1, proceed directly to MSM or wherever you plan in Normandy/Brittany. Spend two nights, then train back to Paris for your remaining time.

Not knowing your objectives and entire itinerary, I would still skip MSM entirely. You just have not allowed sufficient time. Constant traveling is expensive and time consuming. Visit fewer locations, enjoy your time more, particularly with people who have never been to Paris.

To add to my previous comment, these types of choices are often between ambiance and
risk reduction.

1st night in Paris is definitely high on ambiance, but also high on risk. On Morning 2, you
have to:

• wake up on time after a transatlantic flight
• get ready and repack
• make your way to the train station in morning traffic (making sure you get to the right one)
• hope the train isn't delayed

Those are the types of things that led me to suggest not going into Paris on Day 1.

But, there is a line in original itinerary about spending the night at MSM. Are you actually planning
to stay on the island? It generally isn't cheap to do that and if you already have the hotel booked,
then that is a constraint I hadn't quite realized. If you were OK with staying in St Malo, then I do
think going out there straightaway merits consideration.

I am super confused now.
Yes, we are staying on Mont Saint-Michel, and I’ve already booked that stay for Day 2. Since this is our first visit, I wanted to have the experience of staying on the island. Maybe if we return in the future, we won’t stay there again. I don’t want to remove MSM from this itinerary.

I’ll reconsider starting with MSM on Day 1, but heading there right after a long flight does sound quite hectic. If we go to Saint-Malo instead, as you suggested, we could enjoy exploring a new town for a few hours, though that would come at the cost of less time in Paris.

Also, I’d love to get your thoughts on the Airbnb I’ve booked in the 15th arrondissement, it’s at 5 Boulevard de Grenelle. Does the location seem convenient?

Ami, seeing the exact location of your Airbnb now, I would prefer to be on the other side of the Eiffel Tower, ideally in the 4th, 5th or 6th arrondissements for your parents first time in Paris, within walking distance to more sights.

@Ami, now knowing the exact location of your Airbnb, I agree with jeanm. Yes, you are across from Bir Hakeim metro station and the Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower RERC stop so getting around on line 6 or the RERE C will be easy but I do not see this area as being ideal for "walking around and exploring the town." I do not know exactly when you are traveling and it may be too late to find a new apartment so I say make the best of this one by using the metro and RER C and Paris's excellent bus system to go to other neighborhoods and then if your group is too tired to deal with mass transit to get back to the apartment, take a taxi back. By the way, I am a person who is always cold and I think you should, if you are going in July or August, check with the owner about fans in the apartment. The hottest that I have ever been (and I once spent the 4th of July weekend in Phoenix and I used to live in New Orleans) is a stay a few years ago in Paris in a place without air conditioning during a heat wave. We ended up fleeing to Normandy. The problem with the apartment was that there were no fans and the place was on the top floor of an elevator less building and the windows were on only one side of the apartment. The irony of the whole thing was that there were fans for sale in the window of a store across the street but the store was closed for summer vacances -- LOL!

Apologies if I am causing some of this confusion.

Since night 2 is on MSM, that does put a stake in the ground for your itinerary and I think
staying on the island is great.

Night 1 is then kind of a tossup to me as to where to spend it. I think the pros and cons
of the two options has been tossed about already, so no need to rehash that.

If you stay in Paris, taking the train on morning 2 to Pontorson and bus to MSM entrance
would free you from having to rent a car/drive at all.

@JHK – We’ll be in Paris in less than 3 weeks. The place I booked in the 15th is still fully refundable, which is why I made this post.
I’ve looked at options in the 5th and 6th, but most are over $600 per night, which feels steep. Is that the typical price range for staying in the Saint-Germain area?
Also wondering: should I consider the 1st, 2nd, or any arrondissement under the 10th as alternatives?

@shoeflyer no worries at all, I am really grateful to everyone here. If I was going by myself, I wouldn't think this much, but I want to make sure of things since parents are traveling with me, so I appreciate all the insights.

Since night 2 is on MSM, that does put a stake in the ground for your itinerary

Our MSM booking is changeable, but if I change our plans, I'll need to check what other options are available. At this point, I imagine it might be pricey or limited to make changes.

This Brittany is a good idea but I'd tweak it a tad. Instead of taking a train for almost 3 hours to Saint Malo, I’d take it one for 1.5 hours to Rennes, spend the night close to the station and rent the car there because there are more agencies and selection.
After poking around Rennes, drive one hour north to Saint Malo for a day visit. You have to park outside the walls, so keep belongings in the car out of sight.
Drive on to Mont Saint Michel as the day tours are leaving. Spend night 2.
Day three, 3 options: return the car back to Rennes and into Paris by train, or 2, travel into Normandy, visiting Bayeux or other, return your car in Normandy and take the train, or 3, just drive back to Orly airport to return the car and take a taxi for four on into your Paris lodging.

Ami, I'm sorry everyone is confusing you with your MSM plans.

Regarding Paris accommodations, what dates do you need?

"I’ve looked at options in the 5th and 6th, but most are over $600 per night, which feels steep. Is that the typical price range for staying in the Saint-Germain area?"
Yes, it can be because you are looking with only 3 weeks notice during one of the busiest months of the year and you are looking for a place that sleeps more than two people. At that price, I would think seriously about how to make the best of my existing plans.

Thanks everyone!
Yes, I see, availability for rooms for 2 people is better than for 3 people.
@jeanm 23rd-26th, but now I am flexible to cancel going to MSM on Day 2, and so we can stay in Paris 21st-25th if I can find a better alternative to my current booking. That changes a lot of things, but also makes things a bit less hectic. If you have any suggestions please share. I'll keep looking as well, as it seems availability keeps changing.

Ami,

If your willing to share v1 room I just came across Hotel WYLD St. Germaine (actually in the Latin Quarter) has 1 room for 3 adults available June 23-26 for €1270 for 3 nts refundable. 5 minutes from the Pantheon and 10 minutes to Notre Dame. Better location than your Airbnb. I've stayed in this area a few years ago, but not at this hotel. If interested, maybe book the refundable rate while you keep looking and checking reviews.

Have you ever taken an overnight train? I have and would never do it again!

@jeanm looks like it's gone already. But I'll keep an eye in case it opens up again.

Have you ever taken an overnight train? I have and would never do it again!

@marsh not in Europe, but I have taken an overnight train before. I understand they might not be very comfortable, but we are not doing much in Nice the next day, so we should be able to manage.

Regarding Mont-St-Michel and "older" folks like your parents (they're not that old, but some people are more fit than others at that age and you know them best.). You will climb and climb and climb. And climb some more. When you get as high as you're going to go, maybe even to the abbey at the top, you will be rewarded with dazzling views of....the marshes. Inside it, there are a few little museums, souvenir shops and mediocre restaurants.

Honestly, the views of MSM from the outside are better than anything you see on the inside. (And before anyone gets upset with me for saying this, this is MY opinion! I feel the same way about sites like the Eiffel Tower, too, that the best views are OF it not FROM it.). I've had many "WOW" moments in France and seeing Mont St- Michel for the first time was one of them, but climbing up inside of it was not.

Just take my opinion with a grain of salt when you're planning the excursion with your parents. If their energy is limited, it is much better spent walking around St. Malo than climbing up Mont St-Michel.

StellaB, I am in accord with you about the view OF the Eiffel Tower and MSM being better than the view FROM them. However, I can say that because I have been on MSM three times and up to the top of the ET twice. Thus, I can't in good conscience say don't try to go.
I will add that if someone can't fit in the top of the ET or the Abbey at the top of MSM on their trip, I would say you aren't going to suffer from missing out. Now, when it comes to missing out........I can die happy because I have seen the pyramids and the NIle and Epheses and Rome and, of course, PARIS!

To the OP...you will have a wonderful trip however it plays out.

Hey everyone, I ended up cancelling that place, and have booked two places, one of which I am planning to confirm today. Looking for your recommendations.
One is in Latin quarter, 6 Rue des Ursulines, 75005 (Charming Parisian apartment where the owner lives. It's about an 8-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens and few minutes to the Pantheon. Public transportation is nearby, though there are no direct lines to other major spots, some transfers required.)
Second is Citadines Saint-German: 53 ter Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 (hotel - lacks the personal touch of the Airbnb, but looks neat)
Second is very expensive compared to the first, so I am trying to understand if it is worth spending about $500 to $600 more, since we are only there for 2.5 days (check in late on Day 3, check out Day 6). Please let me know.

In 2023, I stayed at that Citadines for 1 night. It works as a base for your short stay. I recommend that you use Google maps and look around where you will be each morning in both locations as you set outside each morning for your few incredible days in Paris. At the Citadines, you are right at the Quai where all the action is. At night you will just be a few steps from the most wonderful views, including the sparkling lights of Eiffel Tower.
I’m not sure of your finances. I would choose the Citadines and take advantage of theinexpensive wonderful food at the nearby cafes over public transportation’s steps and really long underground corridors .

Ami, the Citidines location definitely puts you in the middle of the action with great transportation options. Your less than a 10 minute walk away from a variety of restaurants and cafes and evening activities like the Seine cruise with Vedettes du Pont Neuf, a concert at Sainte-Chapelle or an evening stroll along the Seine to see the floodlit Notre Dame. But, you will be in tourist central.

The Rue des Ursulines location is about a 20 minute walk to the Seine, but your less than a 10 minute walk to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and the popular rue Mouffetard street market and the Pantheon. The area has some elevation, though not as hilly as Montemartre. I think bus will probably be more useful than metro for sights that are not within comfortable walking distance.

Ami, just wanted to add that the Citidines would probably hold your luggage during your MSM trip.