Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour

I took the best of Paris 7 day tour in 2018 and absolutely loved it. It is a very active tour. There was a mother/daughter duo on the tour, and the mother used 2 canes. She made the effort to keep up, and chose to bow out of some of the activities. Unfortunately some of the walks were long and tied one part of Paris to another, so if you backed out of a section, you’d potentially miss out on a lot of great places. There were also a lot of stairs in the subway stations.

I applaud you for being cognizant of not wanting to hold up the group. Only you can decide if you would get enough out of the tour, but it truly introduces you to Paris and gives you the skills so you can confidently go out on your own to enjoy the splendour that this city offers.

Another option would be to stay in a RS recommended hotel and take a few walking tours to familiarize yourself with the things that are important to you.

Tour companies rate their tours' overall activity levels and give further and more specific details about each day's itinerary (how many total miles, cobblestones, standing in museums, etc).
If the goal is to get to Paris using the support of a guided tour maybe choosing one with an easier pace would better suit your needs. Road Scholar, for example, has an Easy Going level with very little walking. I didn't see that option for them for Paris but as it's such a popular destination I'm sure you can find one!
I have used Intrepid, Gate 1 and Odysseys Unlimited (as well as 4 RS tours). OAT is well-reviewed here on the Forum.

Thank you Susie

Your response was very helpful.

Many stairs in the subways might be a real problem for me. And like the woman with two canes, I would probably miss out on a. lot.

Hi Bon Voyage

Road Scholar offered an easy tour for Paris but it would cost me over $5,000. It was for 9 days but I do not know if I want to pay over $5,000 for it.

I will look into Odyssey and Gate 1. I have heard good things about Gate 1.

I will be very frank. I believe, based on your reports of what you were able to do on your cruise excursions plus your time before/after your cruises, that this tour or any Rick Steves tour will be too much for you. You know I am a lover of tours and I did the Best of Paris tour in 2014 when I was 65. I did fine but I was in great shape, doing long walks of 8 miles or so before I traveled that year.

On my Best of Paris tour in 2014 there was no one who could not keep up although according to my notes some found it a strenuous tour. We went everywhere by Metro and the metro stations nearest our hotel did not have escalators. There were a few people who opted out of activities for a day or half a day. IF you opted out of an activity or could not keep up you would need to get yourself back to the hotel either by Metro, bus or taxi/Uber. I have in my notes that I thought you needed to be able to walk a solid 3-4 miles per day to manage on this tour.

I agree that you might be able to manage on the Road Scholar Slower Pace tour. I have done a number of Road Scholar tours (13) but have not done Paris with them as I'd already done 3 Rick Tours that had Paris included and feel very comfortable on my own there.

https://www.roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/22235/Paris-at-a-Slower-Pace-Art-Culture-in-the-City-of-Light

I was in Paris this summer and can attest that there are a LOT of steps in the central metro stations, which was even bothersome to my 20 year old niece. Since they are quite up front about the physical demands of the tour they expect that everyone can mostly keep up. If you fell behind it could be difficult to catch up without imposing logistical troubles on the guide and the group. I have been on RS tours where people sat out activities due to illness or injury and the guides accommodated them as best they could. I had one RS tourmate that was almost sent off the tour due to poorly managed health issues that was adversely affecting the tour (late to activities, unable to keep up, etc). She managed to pull it together but it wasn't a pleasant experience for her, the guide, or the group.

You have mentioned that you are budget conscious. I would think it a poor value to spend quite a lot of money on a tour where you could potentially miss a good share of the activities. A different tour company might be an option but Paris can easily be visited on your own. You could even follow the RS tour itinerary but go at your own pace.

I “second” Pam’s suggestion to look into the Road Scholar’s Paris at a slower pace tour. We have taken many Rick Steve’s’ tours as well as Road Scholar tours.
Generally speaking, the average age of Road Scholar participants are older. I think the “slower pace” tour might be a perfect fit for you.
I notice that a motor coach is used for this tour rather than the metro.
It might be slightly more expensive than the Rick Steves Paris tour, but you would probably not choose to “opt out” of any activity and the hotel might be nicer.

I looked at the Road Scholar tour that is what I call "Slower Paris". And it is a good one. It is probably the right one for me but very expensive since I need my own room and would probably use their air fare. It will cost me over $6,000 for 9 days in Paris but a very good excursion.

I agree that I probably should not try to take the Rick Steves Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour. It is not the right fit for me. I was hoping that maybe ..... but no, we are not meant for one another.

I have been doing a lot of research and there are not many excursions that go to Paris, just Paris, for a full week.

Thank you to everyone who responded the very first time that I inquired about a week in Paris (pre Japan) and now this most recent time.

CL

I could probably do Paris on my own at maybe less money than an tour excursion but I am very bad with maps and directions. I do not have a good sense of direction.

I think when it is all said and done, a paid tour might not be all that much more.

And I think that it would be a lot less stress. And maybe more fun. I love my privacy and my space but I get lonely.

That is one reason why I like cruises so much. I go to my cabin when I want space but I come out and socialize when I want company.

Carol NR

I noticed that Road Scholar is using motorcoach rather than public transport which I really like and it is a real nice hotel.

Plus they still give you a museum pass on the Road Scholar tour.

I believe that it is also 9 days rather than 7.

I'm with CL. Budget and mobility issues would suggest seeing Paris on your own.

You could certainly duplicate many aspects of the tour on your own.

Yes, you'll miss the full time guide and the group dynamics, but with some advance planning you can see Paris at your on pace, travel by bus and taxi, join guided museum tours and walking tours and return to your hotel at your leisure.

Length of Road Scholar Paris tour: Road Scholar’s # of tour days is misleading. Day 1 is when you fly out of the USA. Therefore, I always count # of hotel nights.
Another major difference between the 2 companies: lectures are included in the tours.
I guess there’s a reason the word “scholar” is part of the company’s name.
I honestly think it will be a good fit for you.

Road Scholar tours also include more meals than Rick's tours. Both tours include the hotel breakfast. All of the Road Scholar tours have at least a lunch or a dinner included every day and often have both lunch and dinner included.

From my notes the Rick Steves Best of Paris tour had 3 dinners included - the Welcome dinner, the farewell dinner and one about halfway thru. No lunches were included.

I called Road Scholar and spoke to them today.

I continue to look over the tour and really like what I am reading. I like having educational lectures on the tour.

Will have to do more research and a mock version of doing it on my own. Want to have an idea of what it will cost me if I did it on my own.

To be continued

It sounds like Road Scholar could be a good fit for you! Having followed your saga pre-Japan, were you to have them handle everything for you (plane tickets, too) you will have so much less to worry about.
I wanted to add that as a formerly fiercely independent solo woman traveler as I move into my 70s, despite good health and mobility, I have enough safety concerns it's worth sacrificing some freedom and paying a single supplement (I need privacy, too!) for someone to know where I am each day. It's also better for my family to know there's an emergency contact, etc.
With the limitations you described (navigation and mobility challenges) a bus tour would be a safer certainly more efficient way to see more than you could manage on your own.
Good luck (bon chance)!

Road Scholar is probably your best bet as most other tour companies that would fit your needs don't do one city tours.

What about filling your days with one day tours from local companies? You can check ahead of time to see how much walking/stairs are involved.

Paris is a walking city and the easiest way to get around is via public transportation. If the stairs up and down for the Metro will be a problem, the city has an extensive bus network. It will just take longer to get to places.

Good Morning (from my area of the world) Frank II and Bon Voyage

I continue to research Road Scholar and the Easy One Week in Paris. It's a good deal.

If I went for 7 days on my own, a hotel would cost me about $2,000 more or less. My air fare would cost me something over $1,000. As of now, Road Scholar air fare is about $1,500 r. t but I do not know what that includes. And Road Scholar would pick me up at the airport and take me to the airport when it is time to go.

The hotel that Road Scholar currently is going to use is a four star hotel in the Marais area but it only gets about 7.6 or 7.8 rating on booking. I have not read many reviews so I do not now what the problem is. Usually I look for hotels that get over 8 on booking.

I like the idea of talks, lectures and programs. I love that they give us a two day museum pass and that they use coaches for travel.

There are many full plated meals. On some days, I will get B, L and D. I know that food in a sit down restaurant must cost some money. And if I were on my own, I would eat street food and take out. Eating would be a completely new and different experience for me when in a group.

When I research 8 nights in Paris, the $6,000 plus does not seem as shocking as when I first looked at it.

Bon Voyage, sadly, there is no family left but for a couple of cousins on the East Coast. There never was much family but now they have all passed. I have friends and acquaintances. Many of them care for me and I do keep in touch with them when traveling. I give them pertinent information should something happen.

Of course if I did Road Scholar, they would know if something happens and be able to communicate with whoever needs to know.

When I wrote about my trip to Japan, I did not write about all the things that did not go well such as the hotel not able to find my booking and that my first credit card was declined (I got it straightened out). I did not write that the cab did not show up to take me to the cruise port and that the cab that did take me tried to bilk me out of some money. The men at the port intervened and sent him on his way. I would have included this but I had so much to write about.

I do not think that things like this would happen on a Road Scholar trip although there might be other frustrations.

I am not ready to book a Road Scholar adventure but I am liking what I have been reading and hearing.

I could probably do Paris on my own at maybe less money than a tour excursion but I am very bad with maps and directions. I do not have a good sense of direction.

Maybe this can work for you but how about going on your own, staying in the historic center, let’s say close to Notre Dame and within a couple of blocks of the river, this will make it hard to get lost looking for your hotel. And during the first few days go on walking tours of different areas which will help you get your bearings.

bostonphil7,
I've done a number of Roadscholar trips, and agree the Paris easy version sounds like a good choice for you.
Note that the single seats tend to fill up very fast and the 2026 tours are already filled, though they do have waitlists.

Thank you Marco for some good suggestions.

Will keep in mind

LIZinPa

On my end, it looks like September and October still have single rooms but I am not certain I would be going this fall.

Tentatively I am going to Coeur D'Alene the last weekend in September for a gathering with other forum members. But it would be difficult for me to get there from Austin. And it would be every expensive for three or four nights, just for myself..

I am thinking about Easy Paris just in case or for another time. Just getting familiar with Road Scholar. Just getting a feel. I do want to do a. week in Paris

I would love to do the weekend at CDA. I would love to do a week in Paris

And I already have a cruise booked for fall 2027: Norway and Iceland.

I may have to do a. week in Paris in the Spring. I do not travel in the summer.

So many desires and choices but not enough time

If I had a choice between a weekend in Coeur d'Alene and a week in Paris, there is no question which one I would choose. And this certainly merits no disrespect to Coeur d'Alene or to the wonderful forum members who are arranging the weekend getaway, but I think every single one of them would also choose a week in Paris.

And I think that Marco has a good suggestion in that it would be relatively easy to rent a hotel in the city center close to Notre Dame and the Louvre, and take a couple of walking tours to orient yourself to the city. I stayed in Saint-Germain and highly recommend that area as it's very walkable and very lovely. My hotel was one block from the metro, and I could walk to Notre Dame in about 10-15 minutes.

And just think about how much fun it would be to do research for this. You could plan your itineraries ahead of time, then post them here on the board, and others could give some insight or help you come up with some easy-going activities each day. It would also be easy for you to track sights that you need to book ahead, like the Louvre and Notre Dame and other museums, and make sure those are done. I think there are many people here who would help you have a wonderful time in Paris.

Hi Mardee

Yes, I am being forced to rethink the weekend at CDA. It is difficult to get there from Austin. I would be able to fly on rewards but would have to change planes and then the most difficult part seems to be the short distance from Spokane to CDA.

I would be staying three or four nights.

If I stayed at CDA Resort, they offer their own shuttle which is $45 - $50 each way which is acceptable. I expect their shuttle to be reliable and dependable. But CDA resort rooms are very expensive. The least expensive room with no view is over $300 each night and $400 on Saturday with no breakfast. This is not practical for me. I can do it but it would hurt.

There are others nice hotels which are more practical for me but then I would have to arrange my own transportation RT Spokane to CDA and back. These shuttles would cost me over $100 and I am not certain of reliability and dependability.

I am very disappointed but have to rethink CDA for the last weekend in September.

Have been researching Paris on my own and it looks like I can get a decent hotel for 6 nights for about $1500 to $2000 with breakfast. I am looking at hotels close to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.

Air on Delta or American would be about $1000, give or take.

And it is still early to book a hotel or plane. I could but I would. want to wait.

Still need to do more research.

so I am researching doing Paris on my own for a week.

What is the Historic District of Paris?

Assume that I might want to book a hotel room in the Historic District of Paris, which arr do I want to be in and which landmarks do I want to be close to?

"Assume that I might want to book a hotel room in the Historic District of Paris"

It might help to know where you are seeing the term Historic District in relation to Paris. It's not really a term I would use in relation to this city as things are spread out a bit. Notre Dame (or the plaza in front of the front doors) is "Point Zero".

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/paris-point-zero

Here are a couple of your older threads from last year when you were thinking about Paris. There is a lot of discussion of what location might work for your situation.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/question-about-arrondissements
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/hotel-suggestions-in-paris

And for the record....all of us who live in the CdA/Spokane area feel everyone's pain for getting from "here to there/there to here". It is difficult as it's an end of the line airport. AND yes, without even consulting the rest of the meet up regulars, I can say with confidence that we would ALL rather be in Paris, hahaha! Well, Jean might prefer to be in Italy but I think she would take Paris in a pinch!

bostonphil, I'm with Mardee. A week in France tops a weekend in Coeur d'Alene, although I'm sure it will be a fantastic get together.

Sights in Paris are spread out. However, for a first time visit to Paris I would suggest the 5th or 6th arrondissements.

Mardee mentioned a hotel in the Saint Germain area of the 6th. The Latin Quarter in the 5th is also a good area. It is filled with reasonably priced cafes and restaurants as well as boulangeries and shops for takeaway meals. Good budget hotels in the Latin Quarter include Familia Hotel and Hotel Minerve. These hotels are about a 10-15 minute walk to Notre Dame and the Seine and just steps from a bus stop to get to the Eiffel Tower and Musee d'Orsay .

Whatever area you choose, look for a hotel with good bus access. That will be a better choice of transportation for getting around Paris when walking isn't feasible. The metro can have a lot of stairs and sometimes long walks when transferring..

You can add an app to your phone that will give you step by step directions for using buses, the Metro or walking. I like the Citymapper app. Among it's many features is an alert that tells you your stop is coming up. If you do take the Metro, it will tell you the best entrance and exit to use at the station.

Enjoy the planning!

bostonphil7,
Of the choice between being close to the Louvre or the Eiffel tower, I would choose the Louvre. The Eiffel Tower is just a bit of an outlier (just a bit!) to many of the big attractions, and you would need to take a bus or metro to visit many of them. With walking difficulties, jeanm's suggestions regarding where to stay are very good ones.

Hi Pam

Marco posted this

"Maybe this can work for you but how about going on your own, staying in the historic center, let’s say close to Notre Dame and within a couple of blocks of the river, this will make it hard to get lost looking for your hotel. And during the first few days go on walking tours of different areas which will help you get your bearings. "

I realize that he said historic center and not district.

I do not know if I could go on a full walking tour but I still walk quite a bit. I love walking.

Marco suggested staying close to Notre Dame. I think that others have suggested the Louvre.

Yes, Pam, I was dismayed to find out how difficult it would be to get to CDA from Austin. It would be exhausting. I might have to bow out.

I was looking at four nights at the CDA Resort and while I could do it, it would hurt. Saturday night would have cost me $400 without breakfast. Just me.

Maybe that is the price one pays for living in a. thoroughly beautiful part of the world.

Thank you for posting the links and thank you for finding my earlier post when I was asking about Paris pre Japan. I could not find it. I always know that it was not a wasted post.

hi jeanm

I was asking about Paris in 2024 before I settled on Japan but I always knew the discussion would not go to waste.

Pam found the link for me. I couldn't. She has posted it. And it is invaluable.

Unfortunately I am very bad with maps and apps. I use apps only when I must and sometimes, I am forced to. I do it the old fashioned way. I keep asking ...

Other persons love Citymapper and have suggested it to me but I had trouble figuring it out. Maybe I will try again.

Hi Judy

Thank you for the info.

I am looking for a landmark to be close to. So not the Eiffel Tower, but yes to the Louvre or Notre Dame.

My window to travel would be anytime from the first week of September to the third week of October. The weather should be cool, correct. Is September a better month or October?

I do not think that doing Paris on your own is realistic for you given your current mobility constraints and frequent challenges when wandering. Though we have never met, we have “known” each other in the forum for several years and I have followed your journeys closely. I care that you have the best trip possible for you.

I just visited Paris independently with my son and daughter-in-law in September. We never walked less than 5 miles a day and my phone recorded up to 18 flights of stairs per day. Ask yourself, is this realistic for you?

Your plan might work if you restrict yourself to street level transportation such as buses or taxis. I personally would feel better if you took the Road Scholar tour that uses a coach and is designed to be less demanding physically.

I have not really seen you discuss the desire to have a group of people to travel with and assume that the main benefit of the tour groups is simply to have someone else handle the day to day logistics.

I would suggest downloading Google maps and playing around with it to see if it would be a good option for the navigation around your local environment. I have used it extensively throughout Europe and have never had a single problem getting lost. It is helpful in giving options from subways to taxis. I recently showed an older friend who is much less tech savvy how to use it to mark his destinations for an upcoming trip. After saving his hotel, sights and restaurants, he was blown away at how easy it was to get directions from point A to B.

You can download the Paris map to use offline and, depending on your phone, simply input your destination, connect a wireless earbud and put your phone away for safety sake.

I personally would feel better if you took the Road Scholar tour that uses a coach and is designed to be less demanding physically.

Same as Carol.

I'm relatively young (40s) an ultra marathoner and comfortable using city mapper on my phone and I still didn't want to visit Paris on my own my first visit. I think the road scholar sounds good. It would be scary to me to get lost in a big city where I don't speak the language and it sounds more physically demanding than you're up for. I knew if I planned a Paris visit on my own I'd not venture out as much as I would otherwise. Not trying to pile on here but I loved the RS best of Paris but it was a lot of stairs and walking and if you can do the easier demanding road scholar it sounds like a better fit.

Thank you Carol N R

Yes, I feel like we know each other although never have met in person. You have been a big help in planning my trips.

Nothing is engraved in stone right now.

Still keeping Road Scholar open but if I attempted to do it on my own, I would fly in and take a taxi to my hotel. I would pick a. hotel very close to a land mark and and try to avoid subways. I would walk to attractions, if possible and use the hoho bus and the hoho boat, For Versailles, I would take a paid excursion.

I am trying to decide how much it would cost me on my own and how much it would cost me with Road Scholar.

hello pbscd

I am old and have some mobility issues. Sometimes I can walk better than other times but I am always slow.

I usually take one cruise a year but it is difficult to pre-cruise Paris and any excursions to Paris are very limited.

I am committed to going to Paris for a full week since it may be the one and only time I will be there.

I can not read maps and have a bad sense of direction. I am also bad with apps on my Android phone.

But I can still get it together to cruise once a year. I pre cruise and I do all off this on my own. But there have been glitches and challenges pre cruising as well as doing group shore excursions.

jasonindenver

Your screen nme is easy to remember ..

I am very bad with apps.

I was trained on an iPhone but when my 5C broke years back, I could not afford a new iPhone and now i have chosen not to buy such an expensive phone.

I have an inexpensive Android that i mainly use for phone calls and texts. There have been times when I was forced to download an app and I have succeeded with some difficulty.

I have a MacBook and a mini iPad which I take with me but I miss my iPhone. I could work with an iPhone but for the most part I am not willing to pay so much for such an expensive phone that it is hot property for thieves.

However I do keep checking the Apple site for refurbished phones. And I think there is an equivalent of the 5C for about $400 but the screen is very small.

I am very comfortable with being alone and solitude but am also a bit of a social butterfly. I cruise once a year, solo, but take excursions. Do pretty good on the excursions but i am slow and fall behind.

I am old and have some mobility issues.

yes, I am attracted to Road Scholar mostly because of the convenience but I think that I would love the talks and discussions. I would possibly enjoy meeting other persons on the trip although I would be having my own room.

My window to travel would be anytime from the first week of September to the third week of October.

Phil, September is one of the most expensive times to visit Paris as there are many conferences during that time as well as Paris Fashion week. Hotel rates will likely be very high. Check hotel rates before you commit to a specific month/week.

Phil,
What Mary said about prices in Sept., and even into early Oct.

Thank you Mary and Judy

I was thinking about weather? What might the weather be like in September vs October.?

I have been mock booking hotel rooms and they are ok. Some are acceptable. There are too many choices however.

Hi Kim

I have been reviewing Road Scholar and I have just noticed that Versailles is not included in the program.

For me, Versailles is very important

I guess that i could do my own thing one day but every day on the trip is filled with such interesting things to do.

Of course, I can also add on a day at my own expense.

When it comes to travel, value is often ignored in the face of price. My position is that both should be considered. Yes, you can undoubtedly spend less with independent travel, but the value proposition may well be less as well. There is tremendous value in well planned logistics and informative guides. We all know, and you yourself state this, that navigating new locations can sometimes be quite challenging for you. I believe the value of being on a tour for you would make up for any additional costs.

Versailles is an easy add on day trip either at the beginning or end of your tour. The audio guide provides excellent information.

You really need to determine what works best for you. I am not a guided tour person - but I also love planning.
You could save an arm and a leg booking an Expedia hotel + airfare package and curate your own tour - using uber and taxis when you need. People here would be happy to help.

Regardless, you will be more active than you are on any normal day in the USA. As others have said, using the metro will require you to be rather active. Taking Ubers and taxis can get expensive. You can also take tours that are independent to places like Versailles that will pick you up at or near your hotel.

Don't let anything get you down. You can make a wonderful, memorable tour.

Carol N R

Yes, I would add on a day at the end of the trip to go to Versailles. Have to call Road Scholar to find out how to do this. I feel that this will be my one and only trip to Paris and visiting Versailles is important for me.

I ran through the booking again today and realized that air is only $1,300.

They offer insurance and I want to find out more.

I am going back and forth between independent travel and Road Scholar. it is actually tiring.

Hi Alexander

I think that given my age, mobility issues and poor sense of direction, Road Scholar might be the best choice for me.

I usually take a yearly cruise and I love the planning. But there are always some glitches. I am not really good at doing excursions on my own as some members of this forum know.

I have more questions for Road Scholar and will call them tomorrow.

Phil, If you have concerns about doing Versailles on your own, consider Paris Walks tour of Versailles or one offered by The Paris City Vision tour company.

https://www.paris-walks.com/crbst_14_m.html

https://www.pariscityvision.com/en/cityvision_catalogsearch/result

Have been doing.a lot of research if I decide to do Paris on my Own.

The problem is that there are so many interesting arrs and so many very good hotels in all the arrs. There are almost too many hotels that fit my needs and desires.

This is one that I am very attracted to Only downside for some of the former guests is that the one elevator is very small and slow,

https://hoteldulevant.com/en/

Mary

Thank you for the links. The first one is private tours only and almost certainly not in budget. The second does offer a group excursion including transportation which I will keep in mind.

I have booked Hôtel du Levant for 6 nights the third week to the end of September for 2026

It is free cancellation until about mid September 2026 and then I have a penalty. So I have time to make changes . Still keeping Road Scholar in mind.

For places that are too far for you to walk to, I’m thinking of places like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre and maybe Palais Garnier, I think taking taxis would be a good idea. I would include a few taxi rides in your budget. I think this was recommended earlier, and is a good idea.

Thank you Marco

I am also thinking about the HoHo bus or the HoHo boat. They would probably go to these sites.

And I can sometimes walk a long ways. I would have to check out distance. I might be walking to the Eiffel Tower for instance but stopping along the way to check out something else. I would make a day of it.

UPDATE. I went to google maps. I am told that walking from my hotel to the Eiffel Tower is about 57 minutes. I assume that means a younger and or more mobile person than myself. Still i can make a day out of it. Going sightseeing from my hotel to the Eiffel Tower and maybe getting to the Eiffel Tower when it is getting dark and the lights are turned on. Hanging out for a bit and then slowly walking back to my hotel.

Bostonphil, it looks like you're determined to do Paris on your own.

I'm very worried that you're going to be disappointed. You've told us that you are direction challenged and you are not interested in learning to use any of the wonderful apps that will help you navigate Paris.

I've been to Paris many times. I used to rely on maps to get around in areas I'm unfamiliar with. Now I use apps and, occasionally, I still have issues.

Combine that with walking difficulties and stairs everywhere (museums, restrooms at restaurants, almost any monument/building of interest) and you can be sure to be disappointed.

If you do decide to spend an independent week in Paris, then do yourself a favor. Take some of the "savings" from not booking the Road Scholar tour and treat yourself to private or group tours of places like Versailles, the Louvre. Contact a company like Paris Walks and see if they can recommend which of their tours you could keep up with based on your ability.

Based on previous trip reports, I'm concerned your not going to "see" much of Paris on your own.

I wish you the best!

BostonPhil, could you hear my scream all the way in Austin? Do not think that you should walk long distances in Paris without using some sort of transport! You invest too much into your vacations to cheap out on the very things that can make a difference between enjoyment and pain. Take taxis as needed.

I looked up the hotel you mentioned and its location is excellent. You could reasonably walk to anything on or near the Ile de la Cite such as Notre Dame, St Chapelle, and the docking points for the Batobus (river bus) or cruises on the river.

Do not try to walk to the Eiffel Tower! Good bus connections near your hotel.

AI Overview

A taxi from the Hôtel du Levant in Paris to the Eiffel Tower will take approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and is the fastest and most direct option. The estimated cost is roughly €10-€15.

Travel time: Approximately 15-30 minutes, subject to traffic.

Cost: An estimated €10-€15.

How to book: You can hail a taxi from the street, use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Bolt, or ask the hotel to call one for you.

Do not
think that you should walk long distances in Paris without using some
sort of transport! You invest too much into your vacations to cheap
out on the very things that can make a difference between enjoyment
and pain. Take taxis as needed.

On this point, about 10 minute walk from the hotel you listed is a boat that takes an evening tour along the river to the Eiffel Tower, timed exactly to match the light show. It is narrated in English and French and takes about one hour round trip. Just be sure to select a cruise time that is after sunset (the company gives the sunset time when you book). Tickets can be purchased ahead for a discount and it would be much cheaper than a taxi to/from the tower. https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/ This option requires minimal navigation on Paris streets in the dark and would much less strenuous than a long walk to and from the tower (even if you stop along the way, it will be exhausting). Alternatively, take either a bus (2 euro each way) or metro (2.5 euro each way).

While normally I would agree with the suggestion of Vedettes du Pont Neuf, my concern is that there are a number of steps down to the boat and back up, as well as doing this in the dark.

Choosing a river cruise that boards near the Eiffel Tower will keep you from climbing stairs. Maybe that's not a problem for you anymore, but you have spoken of knee issues in the past and sometimes using a cane.

While normally I would agree with the suggestion of Vedettes du Pont
Neuf, my concern is that there are a number of steps down to the boat
and back up, as well as doing this in the dark.

Quite true Jean, but compared to walking to/from the Tower it would be less work over all. The company offers this statement on their FAQ:

Is there an access for disabled persons with wheelchairs ? Access to
the boat is difficult for wheelchair users due to the Pont Neuf
staircase, which is equivalent to two floors. We recommend using the
access ramp located at 36 Quai des Orfèvres, 75001 Paris, and then
following the (cobbled) riverbanks to the boarding pontoon, next to
Square du Vert Galant.

BTW, I accessed the boat tour from this way and it's an easy ramp down and the "cobbles" are pretty smooth. We returned via the stairs.

Regarding stairs. It depends on the stairs

For instance, I live on the 9th floor of my complex and there have been times when the elevators came down.

I could wait or I could walk up all 9 floors. I chose the latter. It was slow and I had to sit down more than one time but I did it. And I was out of breath when I got to floor 9.

It is all going to depend on the number and steepness of the stairs. And whether or not my foot and knee are acting up.

When I get to a museum or monument, shrine or church, if there are many stairs and there are no handrails, I give it up and just enjoy the outside. If there are some stairs and handrails, I will try to enter.

It is all "depends"

But since we are talking about stairs, is there really no elevators or escalators in any subways at all. My hotel is near the St. Michel station. Are there no escalators or elevators in St Michel station?

What do disabled or old Parisians do?

As for the boats remember I do a cruise every year normally and almost always there are steps getting off and on the ship. And there are steps getting on and off the excursion buses. In some cases, there are people to assist but other times, they are not allowed to help such as the excursion coaches.

I really like the hotel that I chose. I like the location. I happened to come across it when I was first searching for Paris and came across it again this time. I feel good about it.

I have been looking at large maps of Paris that I can relate to and I notice that much of my walking might be along the banks of the Seine.

CL, in no way was I suggesting that Bostonphil walk from her hotel to the Eiffel Tower.

I expect buses and taxis will be the main form of transportation.

Honestly, I think an independent trip to Paris in the OP's situation is going to be difficult. Reading Bostonphil's past trip reports saddens me to see all she has missed and the frustrations she has experienced on previous trips trying to do things on her own.

jeanm

Hi. Nothing is engraved in stone. I booked my hotel room because the rooms were selling out. I wanted 6 nights from mid September on but could not get 6 night in a row so I had to go down to the third week of September. It is free cancellation until about the first week of September 2026.

I am still interested in Road Scholar but it is going to cost me about $8,000 before it is all said and done. I do not think that i paid that much for my last cruise..

I will need to buy insurance which is expensive and I will need to add on another night because Versailles is a must, I did not consider these extra costs when I was first talking about Road Scholar.

I am doing a lot of research now before I get even close to going but I can tell that that there will be glitches and mistakes and disappointments. But I am trusting thre will be some wonderful experiences as well.

A couple of weekends back, I went to the Texas Book Festival and I both walked to and from. I do not know how many blocks but it was a minimum of 15 blocks each way. It was a lot of walking but no stairs.

I am not going to be making any firm decisions for another couple of months. That is why I am doing so much research right now.

Bostonphil, disabled and older residents in Paris rely on the bus more than the Metro. But as Paris streets are not a grid system, the bus routes are not intuitive and you will need a way to figure out your routes each day. The RER/Metro station close to your possible hotel is large with a number of entrances and exits. We used the elevator at one exit once and it took us a few minutes to find our bearings as this was on one of our first trips years ago and the elevator was in an obscure location. Elevators working in Metro stations is not something you can rely on.

During the Paris Olympics, I listened to a podcast from Earful Tower, a local in Paris. He interviewed a disability rights local about the Paralympics and challenges of being in Paris for those athletes. She gave an excellent overview of the challenges there…from cobblestones, to narrow staircases in restaurants to get to the toilet, to the unreliability and size of elevators in buildings etc. to name just a few that can affect a tourist.

Paris is a busy, full city in September/early October with lineups at every venue important to first time tourists. You could be standing for 20-30 minutes to get into a sight, even with a timed ticket. There are not always easy to find, comfortable spots to sit in a busy museum. With the Road Scholar tour all of those logistics are taken care of.

Carol N R

Very glad to take the bus when easily available.

I know that my hotel is close to St Michel station. I have not yet researched bus stops. I am not trying to be stubborn. If a bus stop is easy to find and I learn how to pay on the bus, I am all for it. But I also enjoy walking if it is possible.

I can read some of the large maps that I am coming across. And I can see that a lot of attractions from my hotel are along the Seine. I would be walking along the Seine which I think that I am going to love.. I can read and know how to use Google Maps on my computer when at home. I have difficulty on my phone and even on my iPad..

I am beginning the research very early. Tell me how to research the buses. And how to pay.

I know there is a museum card and a. bus pass and a Paris card. There is. a HoHo bus and a HoHo boat besides the one hour canal trip. I am researching them now.

I will not be making a permanent decision until after the New Year. I could still go with Road Scholar.

Thank you for your interest, your caring and your help.

Claire in Vancouver

I am having to make a dfficult decision between Road Scholar. and going independently.

some members on Forum encourage me to go independently while others feel I should most definitely go Road Scholar.

It is going to be a trade off.

Bostonphil, I understand how hard these decisions can be. Many here have your best interests at heart from following along with you as you planned and navigated previous trips.

I love Paris and it is now my most visited place in the world (accept for maybe Seattle given where I have lived for 65 years:). But it truly is an overwhelming city in many respects and even more so now with the number of tourists. My worry for you is that you will miss out on many plans because the daily logistics will stymy you.

I spent 30+ years working with folks with similar health issues that you have previously mentioned you have. I know how much they can factor into mobility, stamina, diet, etc. I admire your resilience and perseverance. I do think it would be a shame to get there and struggle to fully enjoy the trip.

But since we are talking about stairs, is there really no elevators or
escalators in any subways at all. My hotel is near the St. Michel
station. Are there no escalators or elevators in St Michel station?

There is one small slow elevator, located in an alley on Xavier Privas. Once you take the elevator it is a decent walk to some of the train platforms. Saint-Michel is a very deep station (under the river) and has a lot of levels accessed by stairs and escalators. This is the station information for Saint-Michel and it includes a map with location of the entrances. https://www.bonjour-ratp.fr/en/gares/saint-michel-notre-dame/

I can read and know how to use Google Maps on my computer when
at home. I have difficulty on my phone and even on my iPad..

To make the best of your time, it really would be beneficial to use some kind of navigation while you are out in the city - there are so many options and some modes of transit don't have intuitive routes. Also some underground stations have multiple exits - sometimes five or more - and to reduce walking you really do need to know which one is most direct route. I use City Mapper app and it is great. They have maps for Austin, you could download it and see how it works at home.

And I know you are simply researching at this time, but I would recommend you confirm that there are solo seats left on the Road Scholar tour. When I looked at the Paris tour earlier linked in this post, there were none available for 2026 (nor any solo cabins for a different tour I was interested in - they sell out very fast).

bostonphil7, I admire your pursuit, and now am invested in what you decide. I never read this much commentary on one forum post, but I really love everyone's perspective, and I love Paris. I think the first time I visited 35 years I couldn't believe how grand the scale of Paris is, so that's a huge consideration.

You asked what elderly and disabled do...I don't know but here is what I witnessed last spring. A elderly blind man alone walking on uneven cobblestone to St Suplice. I thought shame on the rest of us who thinks they should be in church and decide not to go (for whatever reason!) The city does not have ADA standards, that is for sure.

And if you are worried about slow, small elevators in hotels, well...skip Paris. I'm pretty sure it's the only kind they have.

I'd probably opt for a tour with some independent days added on for a first visit. But for independent stays the key is to be in neighborhood surrounded by many conveniences and the bus nearby. It's a beautiful city. I love it more each time!

Hello to Claire, CL and KD

I continue to research

I feel like I am in between a rock and a hard place. Did I say that right?

I want to spend a week in Paris and now is better than later.

Neither of my options is exactly what I am looking for but I am going to have to choose one.

I have spoken with Road Scholar again and I continue to research going independently and alone.

To be continued

Hi CL

Last I checked, there were solo spots for the trip that I am interested in for October . It seems that September is filled.

If I am going to lose it, then it has been decided what I am going to do.

Maybe i should put down the $250 deposit.

I went on this tour the week of Christmas 2024. On my first full day in Paris, I aggravated a knee injury that, as it turns out, was worse than I thought - I only found this out when I went for an MRI after getting home. I had broken my right fibula and sprained a ligament in September, and found out I had arthritis. Turns out I also had a bruised knee bone and never should have been on such a strenuous tour! On the second full day, the tour leader loaned me a cane and that did help somewhat. I was having trouble keeping up with the group when walking to our first metro station, so I started leaving 15 minutes or so early. I struggled when the group decided to run for it and catch a train. There was only one activity I passed on, a walking tour in the Marais district on a very cold day. I had asked the tour leader if there were wheelchairs available at the Louvre museum, but she asked "who would push it?" Good point - as a solo traveler, I didn't have someone who could help out in that way. A few group members were so kind in taking my arm when we had to go down stairs that had no railing. At the Sacre-Coeur steps, I used my cane to tap people who didn't respond to my "pardon!". And an angel of a tour member suggested I contact my airline for wheelchair assistance for my flights home. My most expensive souvenir from Paris was a folding cane!

I am very tempted to take the exact same tour, perhaps in warmer weather, so that I can be fully present instead of constantly looking for places to sit down!

Phil, Have you considered Gate1’s Paris Vacation tour? It’s more affordable than RS and Road Scholar because it’s not an escorted tour and does not include a tour manager or luggage handling. You will have lots of free time to explore Paris at your won pace but gives you the opportunity for optional tours to Versailles and the Louvre.

https://www.gate1travel.com/tour/paris-vacation-idd6dparvajfk26.aspx

The Lyons Den

It sounds like you were on a similar tour but not the exact same one.

The one I have been looking at uses coaches the whole time. You do not take any public transport. But there are. a lot of walking tours.

I really could relate when I read what you wrote and I know that this is so overused but "truly I felt your pain" I know what it is like to walk in pain and always be looking for. a place to sit down.

And I hope that you can someday redo the trip and make it right.

Good news and bad news.

Bad news first. I went to put down a deposit and all Road Scholar single rooms have been sold out .

Good news. A decision has been made for me and now I can focus on going independently and alone.

It has been taken out of my hands

So I am sticking with my hotel. I could book air now but I plan on waiting.

Going to read some guide books and checking out youtube videos.

When in Paris, I will always have the name of the hotel with me and if I get lost, take a taxi

I also assume that the hotel is going to give me information. They get very high ratings.

In the reviews, someone posted that the hotel is close to bus stops although they did not say which ones and where they are located.

Thank you Mary

Looked it over and like a lot of what I see. However I prefer 6 nights.

I am going to call Gate 1 and see what else they might offer

I have heard good things about Gate 1

“Bad news first. I went to put down a deposit and all Road Scholar single rooms have been sold out .
Good news. A decision has been made for me and now I can focus on going independently and alone.
It has been taken out of my hands”

Since the trip you are considering is 10 months or so out, to me there is a likelihood that there will be a cancellation between now and then. You can get on a wait list and they will notify you if/when an opening occurs.

You don’t need to book airfare this far in advance. March would still be 6 months in advance and you might have been notified of a vacancy then. When you do book airfare you could consider booking the same dates you would for the Road Scholar tour. The last time there is a good opportunity for vacancies is at the final payment date 2 months out from Day 1 on the itinerary.

Thank you Pam

Under Q&A, someone asked Road Scholar about their wait list and RS answered that they almost never have a cancellation.

I really loved the idea of the convenience ....

I do not plan to book air until about April. I am surprised that air is available now.

My experience with RoadScholar suggests that they DO have cancellations, and I've been on both ends.
Since single seats fill so early, I have signed up early a number of times, then canceled or transferred to another program at a later date.

I signed up for a waitlist one time, and did get added, actually very quickly, though I suspect that was not a common occurrence, but I can't believe cancellations are uncommon considering their policies and generally low deposit prices.

Thank you Liz

Sounds like you are very satisfied with Road Scholar?

I will add in that I see vacancies come up on already-full-for-singles Road Scholar tour quite often. For example, I have been watching for a single seat on a Road Scholar France tour for the past month or so. My desired tour date has NOT had a single room open…but as I check on the tour openings daily, I have seen 4 departure dates open up with single rooms - so it does happen.

You don’t have to do the daily scanning that I’m doing - you can, of course, just put down a deposit to be on the waitlist. I just wanted to weigh in that I DO see movement and opening up of single seats.

Hello NW Valerie

so you have to put a deposit down to be put on the wait list? If there is never a cancellation, do you have trouble getting your deposit back?

And have you been satisfied with previous Road Scholar trips that you have taken, assuming you have taken others.

This question might require me to begin a new post but here goes.

I have read somewhere that the RER train stations all have escalators and or elevators. Is that correct.

It sounds like RER is mostly long distance train travel although there is a station at St Michel which is close to my hotel.

Bostonphil, the RER system has longer distances between stops compared to the Metro and buses so it may not be very useful for most of your journeys. Also anecdotally, you can’t rely 100% on elevators working at any station.

Here is the link to the bus map. You can see the St-Michel stop on it to help you get your bearings.

We often use the bus as we like to see where we are going and are often not in a rush. I would recommend you spend your time on getting familiar with the bus routes more than the Metro and RER systems.

https://www.ratp.fr/en/plan-bus

bostonphil, even if a station has an escalator or elevator, you are not guaranteed that it will be functioning. This applies to the Metro or the RER.

The Metro is for local transit. Similar to the subway system in New York City or the tube in London.

The RER is a regional commuter train. It goes out to the Paris suburbs.

Unless your traveling outside of the city, buses would be your best option. It may take a little longer than the Metro, but you won't be climbing stairs at every station.

Boston Phil. One thing about RER stations and Metro stations in Paris is that they have multiple exits/entrances. Even if a station is listed as having an escalator or elevator, chances are that it is only available at one of the entrances. So it takes a little experimenting to find the exit that will work for you if you can't do stairs. That exit may not be the one you are really interested in taking.

May I suggest you head to you tube and look up Paris Metro. You will find many videos about it.

Yes, your deposit is returned if you don't get on the program.
See WAITLISTED on this page.
https://www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/how-it-works/

Bostonphil, I am responding here to your post on TripAdvisor regarding not using taxis during your trip.

Please, at a minimum, include taxis both to and from the airport in your budget.

The RER to and from CDG is not for the feint of heart. It can be very crowded. You will need to be extremely watchful of your suitcase, tote, purse... to avoid pickpockets and to avoid creeping into someone else's space.

I do take the RER. But, I am familiar with the airport, the RER system and the Paris stations that I use. I travel very light, I'm not juggling multiple bags.

Several times the train to or from the airport suddenly announced, in French, that it would not be continuing past the next stop. This required a change of train. Another time the announcement, in French, was that the train would not be going to both stops at the airport. This required transferring to the CDGval shuttle to get to the terminal.

If you do decide to take the RER, when you arrive at Saint Michel RER station (along with hundreds of other passengers during commuter rush hours), there are about 6 different exits. If you can find the lone elevator to street level, expect it to be crowded. You may have to wait a bit for it to return so you can board. The elevator doors open directly to the street. Be prepared to navigate the walk to your hotel.

You say you have no sense of direction. Most likely you will be arriving in Paris during rush hour after a sleepless night on the plane. Do yourself a favor, take the taxi.

ok everyone, you talked me into it.

I will be taking a taxi from the airport to my hotel and when it is time to leave will take the taxi from hotel to airport.

LizinPa

Thank you for the link

I am going to think about which trip I want to choose.

Which month do you think is better, September or October?

bostonphil7,
I believe September hotel prices are higher due to the fashion weeks and many conventions in town during that month. They may even bleed into Octiober. If I were deciding, I would shoot for the second week in October, but I could be way off base here, as we usually travel in the spring. Best of luck!

You know with all the time you spend on the computer planning you could have had that knee replaced. I don't know your medical history but there is very few reasons to suffer and limit yourself like you do anymore. If you did it this winter you would be ready to run around by march.
Just a thought.
Jeannette

I would talk to somebody at RoadScholar and see which tour is the most likely to have a future opening.

Hi Judy

I booked a nice hotel in September for 6 nights. There seemed to be plenty of vacancies in September Some hotels had no availability but that could be because I am looking at 10 or 11 months away. Some hotels might not post available rooms until closer to September / October or maybe it does have something to do with Conventions and Fashion Week

Maybe prices will be lower in October but I was very satisfied with what was available for September

I was wondering about weather. Is September better than October? I have been doing research but I would like to hear from people who have been in Paris during the months of September or October.

I wonder if I would see Fall colors in October

Hi Jeannette

One of the reasons that I am putting off my knee surgery is that I have no one to take care of me. No one at all.

I have no family.

I have some very good friends but they have their own difficulties and challenges and I can not expect them to be there post surgery.

I have been told even by my doctor that the recovery is long and difficult. I would be in a lot of pain after surgery. I would need help

One of my friends had similar surgery and the insurance company refused her request to go into a rehab center after surgery. She had to stay with friends for two weeks. And she hs really good insurance, better than mine.

So that is among the reasons I delay surgery.

I would be thoroughly dependent on social services and my health care plan. Do not know what I would get.

So I live with my bad knee as best as I can.

I do have an orthopedist and he tells me that when I can not walk at all and the pain is unbearable, I will come to him and let him know that it is time.

Hi, I was just in Paris this October. Yes, there were fall colors and weather was nice. A little crisp in the mornings but not bad. When I looked at flights, the prices dropped after fashion week which is why I chose after that. I have a trip report in the trip report section here if you're interested.

Thank you LIZinPA

As I told a previous poster, I was wondering which month is the best month to visit Paris, September or October, as far as weather goes.

I have done research but I would like to hear from people who have visited Paris in September or October.

hello pbscd

I would love to see your travel report. i can probably find it and if not, I will let you know.

I love Fall and I love crisp mornings. I love Fall weather and if I can get any color, all the better.

I thought about weather and I thought about hotels and crowds but I never considered air fare. I have done mock bookings. American was about $1000 rt and Delta about $1200 rt which I thought was pretty good. That includes insurance. I am surprised that they would even allow me to book now.

I am waiting to see what I am really going to do when it comes to Paris.

I would not book Air Fare now because my plans might change and so might the flights. It has happened to me.

I am sticking with American and Delta because I have credit cards with them and am enrolled in their rewards program.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/tr-france-october-2025-bayeux-rouen-paris

Our flights were around $600 each, I was pleased with that. We bought them in June.

pbscd

$600 rt but where are you flying from? I am in Austin, TX and it is not easy to get to Europe from Austin.

I looked over your TR. I love that you bold the names of your hotels.

Enjoyed your TR.

Okay….

Now ya done hooked me in. Former UT alum here and I feel a need to throw my two cents on the knee issue.

My 94 year old aunt had hers done last year and was walking better than she had in 20 years within 6 weeks. Wish she had done it 20 years earlier when the doc told her to wait until could not walk more than 10 minutes.

Any help that I can offer on google itinerary planning and coaching on your phone I would be happy to offer. Please pm me if need be. Unless you are an Aggie.

We flew from Omaha, connected in Atlanta on the way out and Minneapolis way back. On a normal day I would expect about $1000 for round trip.

And I would agree with talking with a social services worker to see if you could get your knees taken care of earlier. I have had chondroplasty on both knees and have several friends with recent knee replacements. I know it's not something you bounce back from the next day and I know we can't always ask friends to do things but it would be great if you could get pain down and mobility up .

pbscd

so how did you get your rt flights for $600 which is an incredible price?

jasonindenver

Hook em Horns. Great game yesterday

How lucky to be in Colorado during our horibly hot and miserable summers.

Hi Phil. Perhaps someone has already suggested this, so I apologize if I'm repeating something that has already come up.

If you end up going independently, have you thought about hiring a private guide for a half day once or twice during your trip? That way you can have the benefit of a guide at your own pace, and by traveling independently, you should save enough money to cover the cost of the guide. Paris Walks is just one option with both group and private tours.

I haven't done this yet myself, but I have thought about it as I see us slowing down over time. So far we have been able to keep up with group tours, but I can see the time coming when that will no longer be the case.

And the Louvre and Orsay (and perhaps other museums) offer portable seats and canes that can be checked out by visitors with physical limitations.

Good luck, whatever you decide. Paris is wonderful.

I was just watching and bought them when they were low.

Barbara N

I do not think that a private guide even once or twice would fit into my budget but I might try to get a. volunteer guide that is "free". I am not looking for a long walk but rather would love it if someone would just show me around my neighborhood. i would like someone to walk with me and show me where the Big Bus or Toot Bus is. Someone wrote that it is close to the hotel. Someone else told me about buses close to my hotel that will take me to the Eiffel Tower. I would like to be shown how easy it is to get to the Notre Dame and St Michel which is very close.

It would be a big help if someone would just show me how to get to some places, physically show me.

I have a cane which i sometimes use but do not always need. I will be taking it with me although it sometimes gets in the way.

It is great that there are places to sit down in attractions. Sometimes I sit down just to people watch. I have reached an age where I take great pleasure in sitting and people watching.

pbscd

you got quite a deal as you well know.

I will begin to do that in a few more months once my dates are firm.

BostonPhil. Notre Dame is quite large. Even the most direction challenged person will not miss it from your hotel. Exit door , turn toward River (ask desk which way is River as needed) walk to River, see Notre Dame.

Thank you Carol N R

It seems that my hotel is very well located. And that it should be very easy to see and walk to Notre Dame.

I did a youtube walking tour of the street my hotel is on. I even noticed my hotel. It is more than a side street and there are many interesting shops and businesses on the street.

But i would love to have a volunteer guide help me find the bus stops. On my hotel reviews, someone wrote that the HoHo bus is only 500 yards away and i have read that there are buses close to my hotel which will take me right to the Eiffel Tower and other attractions.

I would like to ride the HoHo bus one time without getting off and then go back and ride it again getting off at sites and attractions. Nothing is written in stone but i might like to buy a two day pass.

I have been watching lots and lots of youtube videos including ones on the history of Paris. The latter can be very short like a 12 minute video on the entire history of Paris from prehistoric days to the present or longer ones like closer to an hour. There are some very good ones that are over an hour but I am not ready for those yet. I have watched a couple about Hausemann. May have spelled his name wrong. Some names are brand new to me. I am not allowing myself to get overwhelmed.

I now have a bette understanding of the Arrs and the Seine. Things that were once not familiar are now becoming familiar. I have come across some very good maps, some interactive, of the Seine and the different Arrs and different attractions and sites.

I am feeling very enthusiastic but also more realistic. I am going to have to make choices and decide not to go to places that i really want to go to.

As you are probably aware and I am just discovering, there are really fabulous free events and attractions and things to do.

I am already in love with The Seine and think I am probably going to spend a lot of time walking along the Seine.

Sometimes I sit down just to people watch. I have reached an age where I take great pleasure in sitting and people watching.

The Luxembourg Garden is right by your hotel. Sitting in one of the green chairs by the pond, with the Palace in front of you, is as good as it gets for just sitting, relaxing and people watching. Do this at least a couple of times during your stay.

But i would love to have a volunteer guide help me find the bus stops.

I don't think you're going to be able to find a volunteer guide that will help you find bus stops (or take you around in general), but you could certainly ask someone at your hotel for directions. Really, though, the best thing to do is to use GPS. It's so simple. I know you said you don't have a smartphone but you could always map it out ahead of time in your room using your iPad and wifi. Then just take down notes and follow the directions.

Also with regards to getting deeply discounted flights, it pays to sign up for airlines' email newsletters because that's how you will get the best idea of when sales are coming up. So if there are particular airlines that you think you would be flying from Austin to Paris, sign up for their emails and start checking.

You can also search Google Flights to get an idea of prices for specific routes. And it will let you know in the website whether the prices you are looking at are higher than normal, lower than normal, or just normal. You can also click on the toggle button on the site asking them to keep you posted about changes to the fares. Google will then send you emails when the price changes.
https://www.google.com/travel/flights?gl=US&hl=en-US

Hi Mardee

I am always glad to hear from you and thank you for the information.

Someone on forum suggested Paris Greeters. And I registered with them. Paris Greeters offers free walks but they do request a donation which I would be more than happy to give.

I asked for a Greeter who would walk around my hotel and neighborhood with me pointing out the HoHo bus stops and buses that go to attractions and sites. I also requested that if I had not yet discovered the Seine, the Greeter would walk me to the Seine. I would like the Greeter to show me where grocery stores and food halls are located within my neighborhood as well as flea markets and thrift stores.

And you can request a ride. I do not know if this is even possible but I requested a ride from the airport to the hotel.

I agree however that I could easily ask for information at my hotel. They are probably used to being asked and the reviews about staff are very good.

I have an Android smart phone but I do not care for it. I miss an iPhone but except for the SE which has a very small screen, an iPhone is out of budget. Even if I could afford a more expensive iPhone, I do not want one that is so attractive to thieves.. Austin has had to post warnings in downtown about cell phone thefts which is mostly iPhones.

I use my Android mostly for calls and texts but have some apps downloaded and can usually use them when I must. I have the A10e which is one of the most inexpensive Galaxies and it is old, about 6 years old. Maybe if I got a newer and more expensive Galaxy, i would like it better but if I am going to go higher with a Galaxy, I would prefer to go back to an iPhone.

I have a credit card with Delta Am Ex and American Citi Advantage. I also am registered with rewards for both of them. I think that I get emails about sales but it never has been the right time.

I have been checking google flights and kayak but have not yet signed up to be notified when prices drop. Have to do that.

I have not yet decided which month I want to go in (Sept / Oct). Which month would you recommend? I can go anytime from the first week of September towards the end of October. I have to be home a few days ahead of Halloween.

I also was not certain if I was going to go independently or with Road Scholar and maybe let Road Scholar book my air.

However I feel really capable of going on my own. I have learned the layout of Paris, the Seine and Left Bank and Right Bank and the arrs. I did so with your help and help of many others on forum.

Like my hotel and my neighborhood but will be looking for a better deal. Some hotels are probably not posting their rooms yet. Going to keep all options open.

I am feeling good about this upcoming trip.

UPDATE. Here is the link to Paris Greeters

https://greeters.paris/

Marco

If I do it once, I might end up doing it the whole week. I loved Kensington Gardens when I was in London.

I live on a greenbelt and lake in Austin. I have my favorite rock that I sit on several times a week.

Will be certain to check out Luxembourg Garden in person when in Paris but also going to check it out online before going.

Are there any ducks or other aquatic life in the pond?

Thank you

Hi,

On taking the RER B from CDG into Paris: It's true that some stations are skipped over as referred to above plus the announcement is given only in French. I've learned to understand it paying close attention to key words.

I take the RER B from CDG with luggage in tow , am solo upon landing after the 11 hour flight from SFO to Paris Nord, ie Gare du Nord. I don't use the taxi. That RER B does indeed skip over stations before finally stopping at Nord.

Since Gare du Nord a major stop , ie the train has to stop there and you won't the only getting off there, I'm not too concerned.

Any confusion you might have and admittedly I was a bit confused doing this the first time, just look up at the map, look for the lighted stations. in my case between Gare du Nord and the last station prior to that is 5-6 stations the RER B is skipping.

You have the choice of taking the taxi at Nord but first you have to get to the ground floor, I look for any escalator going up.

bostonphil,

Reality check here.

Throwing money at an iPhone or a more expensive Galaxy phone is not going to help you.

If you're phone is old and not receiving updates you can get a phone for under $100 that will do everything you could possibly need to survive in Paris or anywhere.

But, all that is worthless if you do not take the time to learn about the phone and learn how to utilize the various apps that will greatly improve your experience.

And please stick with your plan to take a taxi from the authorized taxi stand at the airport to your hotel.

Hi Fred

Thank you for the information.

My hotel is very close to St Michel Station and the RER from the airport does stop there However I have arthritis in one knee and neuropathy in my feet. There are mobility issues. Forum has suggested that i take a taxi to the hotel because so many trains and metro station do not have an escalator or elevator. Or if they do, they are not always working. And there are lots and lots of stairs. I have some difficulty with a lot of stairs especially with luggage

I think it is best for me to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel.

jeanm

I was trained on the iPhone by Apple Creatives as they were called. Apple offered one to one training back then which they no longer do.

That is why I like an iPhone so much. I am trained on it.

If I could get an iPhone now and needed help, I could call AppleCare, go to the genius bar in the store or take classes. Apple offers group classes on the iPhone.

As for the Samsung Galaxy, I can call support or go on line or go to youtube but it is not the same as being able to go to a store. Sometimes I need to be shown something. Apple would show me how to do something before I even had questions. Apple showed me how to do different things on my iPhone.

I continue to get updates from Samsung. I have apps downloaded and can use them but it is sometimes difficult.

And I have an iPad. But I am not good reading google maps. I go to google maps on my iPad. At home, I go to google maps all the time on my computer. I use google maps to see about how many minutes it might take me to get from Point A to Point B but I have rouble when reading the directions. such as the names of the street and go right x amount of feet and turn left, etc etc etc

Samsung does not offer classes or in person training. I have friends who have Galaxies, although more expensive, but they do not have the time to show me things.

I am planning on taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Some persons on forum have made the RER to be "challenging" and the cost of a taxi is acceptable and within budget due to the fixed rate.

Hi, asking anyone who was on the RS Paris tour, is it possible to choose Taxi or ride share at times in place of the metro? Perhaps after a particular walking tour ends and the group is dispersed and taking metro back to hotel. This would add to cost of trip but not eliminate you from the planned tour. This could cut down on the many stairs. Thoughts on this. Thank you.

Hello Tim H

It might be best if you would start your own discussion on this site.

I am not certain that my discussion is very active any longer.

I could be wrong but I do not believe that you will get any responses from posting on my discussion. You will have more success beginning your own discussion.

I believe Tim was asking on behalf of you to see if this would be a viable option for you.

Walking on a Rick Steves tour is not just a way to get from Point A to Point B.
Most of the information the guide provides occurs during the walking tour, so you would miss quite a bit. The logistics of getting to/from the beginning/end of a walk using alternate means would be daunting.

Thank you Joann

I am a severe insomniac and read Tim's response in the middle of the night when I had only a couple of hours sleep.

I have since had more sleep and now I better understand. I will respond to Tim again with a different response

Thank you for helping me understand

Hello Tim H

My apologies. When I responded to you earlier, it was in the middle of the night and I had only a couple of hours sleep. I am an insomniac.

Another member of the forum helped me understand that you were talking to me and making a suggestion to me, not asking a question for yourself.

Taxis and ride shares are not readily available in my budget.

Last trip, I did take a ride share from my home to the airport and from the airport to home again. It was a splurge.

When I go to Paris, I am going to have to take taxis to my hotel and then to the airport when it is time to leave, That is because there are so many stairs in the metro and train stations along with no elevators or escalators. Sometimes there are elevators and escalators but they are often not working

I think that you are new to forum. Just want to say welcome and this is a great forum.

Hi LIZinPA

yes, A Rick Steves tour is not for me. I have accepted the reality.

I think that you may know that Forum suggested a Road Scholar trip for those who were slower and probably older and possibly had mobility Issues. It was called something like Paris at a Slower Pace. Loved it but it would have cost me about $7,000 for 8 nights and I am not certain that I would want a trip so structured especially given my insomnia.

I am doing very well researching Paris. I think that I am going to be able to do it on my one.

And stay tuned for exciting news which I am going to post next.

Exciting news.

I have had a lot of difficulty getting used to and using my Android but am trained on the iPhone.

I have gone to Apple.com and it looks like I can afford one of their refurbished iPhones. Going to give them a call soon.

Have not had an iPhone since my 5C died years ago. It became out of budget when the providers stopped subsidizing the phones.

But things have changed and it looks like I can go with a refurbished iPhone.

Traveling with an iPhone would make it more fun and so much easier. I would be able to easily download and use the apps.

If Forum suggested doing something on my phone and I could not figure out how to do it, I could go to the Apple store and have them show me.

Bostonphil7, since your solution for Paris is to travel independently to be able to maneuver at your own pace, it might be helpful for you if you could give us the list of main places you want to see. Then we could give you the best general location for your hotel and also which bus per day to take to your sites. I would budget a taxi ride back to your hotel each day - easier for you and wouldn’t be confusing. Walking along the Seine, in some parts, is like walking along a busy road.

Also, I would recommend a hotel that is very near one of the main parks. For instance, I love the Luxembourg Garden and enjoy relaxing there when my feet say they’re ready for a nice break late afternoon. There’s beauty & nice to be around people.

Are you interested in anything like a cooking class? You would need to be able to stand for a couple of hours.

iPhone: Thankful you have found a refurbished one within your price range. And if you get it soon, you’ll have months to familiarize yourself with all the amazing features.
IF you need help figuring out something on your phone, just “Google.” That’s what I do.
@Jean: what a kind and thoughtful person you are to be her “on-line” travel guide.”
Boston Phil: you have so many helpful people here who are wanting to ensure you have the best Paris experience.
So much to be thankful for on the eve of Thanksgiving.

Hi Jean

Here is where I am staying

https://hoteldulevant.com/en/

I believe that it is very close to the garden that you like. It is in the 5th arr .

I have been in touch with Paris Greeters. https://greeters.paris and I can request a Greeter to meet me at my hotel and walk me around my neighborhood but it is too early. Request has to be within 36 days of my stay.

I have been researching Paris and had no idea that there was so much to see and do. I am going to have to forfeit some of my must do's. Had no idea that it was so fabulous.

I think that my second day I am going to do the HOHO bus and just take the entire bus ride around Paris but then go around a second time and get off at an attraction that I want to explore more. I may even buy a two day HoHo bus.

I love museums and could easily spend hours in one museum.

As I get closer to my trip, I am thinking of asking the community the following:

If you could recommend only one museum, free or fee, which one would you recommend

if you could recommend only one church, free or fee which one would you recommend

if you could recommend only one garden, which one would you recommend. You have already answered this.

and if you could recommend one "other", free or fee, which one would you recommend

No classes .... of any kind.

Hi Carol

I am thankful and grateful for everyone on forum who has guided me as I have learned how to travel.

Thankful and Grateful for so much more as well.

I know a lot about the iPhone because I was trained on the iPhone by Apple and I had an iPhone for years. When my 5 C died,I could not afford to buy a new iPhone.

So I know a lot about the iPhone but I will need refreshers. I will have to learn about the later iPhones after the 5 C. It has been years.

I called Apple. My provider is Spectrum and Apple will not help me activate Spectrum or transfer info.

If I can not do it online, I will have to go to Spectrum.

But Spectrum has a brand new iPhone, not refurbished, for about $100 more. I can not remember which one it is but it's like a 14, 15, 16 . I can not recall but it is a lot more recent than the refurbished one.

They have stores. i can make an appointment and they will sell me the phone, help me activate it and transfer info.

Have to do a little more research. It appears to be a little more complicated than i expected.

I do not feel any rush. Have to think about it.

Hi Phil, If you are looking for free museums, I have a few recommendations:

• Marie Curie Museum (near the Pantheon) Wed-Sat 1pm-5pm
• Maison de Victor Hugo (Marais) Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
• Musée Cognacq-Jay (Marais) Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
• Carnavalet Museum (Marais) Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
• Petit Palais (near Place de la Conconrde & Ponte Alexandre III) Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
• Musée Cernuschi (Asian Art, near Parc Monceau) Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
• Musée Bourdelle (sculptures, near Montparnasse) Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
• Maison de Balzac (near Eiffel Tower) Tues-Sun 10am-6pm

Your hotel looks nice, and that is a great location!

I see you’re around the corner from the Church of Saint Severin, so that’s an easy one to add for any day. And Musee De Cluny is also very close.

Saint Chapelle is beautiful, and I would recommend beginning with it on one day, so the line doesn’t get as long.

Besides the big museums, one of my favorites is the Musée Jacquemart-André. The home is gorgeous by itself, and the art & displays are very nice. I suggest getting there as they open, so it isn’t as crowded when you’re walking through it. Looks like it’s Bus 84 with 13 stops from your hotel. After you’re finished, get on Bus 22 for 6 stops (your bus goes around the fun traffic circle at the base of the Arc de Triomphe) to stop off at the Trocadero for some nice photos of the Eiffel Tower. You could leisurely walk from there to the base of the Eiffel Tower.

I have been researching Paris and had no idea that there was so much to see and do. I am going to have to forfeit some of my must do's. Had no idea that it was so fabulous.

By going on your own instead of taking the tour, my guess is you’re saving a couple of thousand dollars. Take the savings and add two or three extra nights so you can see Paris at a more relaxed pace. And also budget money for taxis.

Some free stuff I wouldn’t miss:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• La Madeleine (church)
• Petit Palais (art museum)
• Luxembourg Garden

Some paid stuff I wouldn’t miss:

• Musée d'Orsay
• Louvre
• Arc de Triomphe (I prefer this view over Eiffel Tower)

Mary, Jean and Marco

How do you all know so much ......

Six nights is not even going to be the tip of the iceberg

Thank you all. I will be returning to this site to comment further....

Mary, Jean and Marco

Before I began my research, of course I had heard of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dam and more but I am stunned at how much more there is to see that I had never ever heard of and a lot of it is free.

And of those that I had heard of, I had no idea how magnificent it was such as the Louvre.

Of course I am not, but it would be easy to spend the entire week in the 5th arr

Thankful for your contributions

Considering the extremely high daily cost of canned tours like RS and Road Scholar, have you considered supplementing what you organize for yourself with private tours? Obviously, you can tailor the content and pace of those to exactly fit your needs. They work with you well in advance so you get a sense of exactly what each guide can offer for the price. I have found the guides to be happy to even accompany you or provide helpful guidance for onward stops and events. Depending on your budget for hotel, meals, transportation and incidentals, daily guides may be a bit of a stretch but we have found that adding a guide for an introductory city tour or one who would concentrate on a specific area of interest to be an excellent way to enhance what I organize for us.

Wanderlust58

I have discovered Paris Greeters and am going to request a Greeter when I get closer to my trip. They are "free" but request a donation which I am glad to give.

I would like to walk around my neighborhood and be shown points of interest but especially bus stops. flea markets, food stalls, squares and gardens and major and minor attractions. I love public squares and gardens.

A private guide for fee would almost certainly not fit into my budget but i also think it would feel too much like a date and I always hated dating.

I am doing so well in planning my trip for Fall that I am thinking of moving it up to April or May.

Which month might be preferable?

April. Many airfare sales on currently that are good through April, but the sales end in a few days.

It's great that your planning is going so well.

As Marco says above, you are likely to be saving a significant amount by going independently. I know this from analyzing our last 4 trips to Europe and comparing them to tour costs. We stay in the same kinds of hotels, eat at the same kinds of restaurants, and see the same kinds of sights as on the tours. This saving would allow you to do some of the following if you want: add a day or two to your stay, take the occasional cab, and/or hire a private guide for just one half day (although it sounds like Paris Greeters might meet your needs).

Regarding which month if you move to the Spring, I'd avoid early April, as it was windy and cold when we were there in early April 2024. Late April or May would work better for me. Others who have been there more often will give better advice. I think I'd prefer Spring to Fall given the longer daylight hours. Take a look at this link for possible holidays and closures as you figure out your dates: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/festivals

Good luck.

May has 4 holidays and on May 1 and 8 in particular, many sights are closed or have reduced hours. Easter is April 5 and that weekend is very busy in Paris.

”How do you all know so much ......”

There are several other forum members who know much more about Paris than I do! I have stayed in Paris six times, including the RS 1-week Paris tour, and I did something different each of those trips. It’s certainly helped that I spend a lot of time researching, like to wander to more obscure spots, and I’ve stayed in five different neighborhoods. Collectively, the forum has a lot of info about so much of Paris, but it’s best to narrow it down to the vital few that are important to you and then just enjoy wherever you are while you are in Paris.

How do you all know so much ……

I am no expert on Paris but I have been fortunate enough to visit Paris six times in the last 16 years, including 12 days last month. I guess I would say that one of my hobbies is travel and I enjoy researching and learning more about places I have been to or want to visit. I mark things on Google maps and create an extensive list of favorite sites and places to visit in the future. I am a planner and organizer so I enjoy the process. I also follow the RS forum contributions and discussions and bookmark things that interest me for future trips. I have learned A LOT on this forum and continue to be grateful for the wonderful advice from all who participate here. So I try to pay it forward by helping your and others if I have anything helpful to add.

EDIT: Adding Paris tourism board’s website. It has lots of helpful information about Paris, museums, what to do, etc.

https://parisjetaime.com/eng/

Thank you Mary and Jean

I have learned so much about Paris from Forum and other research that I have moved my trip up to May. I was able to get the same hotel for six nights, I think at a little less money. Beginning tomorrow I am going to research flights.

But just to be safe, I am going to hold on to my September reservation until I book air, just in case.

Carol N R

I tried for April but found it difficult to get a room at my hotel of choice. And prices were much higher than May.

Booked for May but now need to check air.

Hi Claire and Barbara N

As things stand right now, I will be arriving on May 6th and leaving on the 12th. I might enjoy being there on the 8th. Might be fun.

It seems that Paris has non stop holidays.

American has one stop (DFW) from Austin for your dates for $880 regular economy. You might also check your frequent flier account to see if you have accumulated enough points to do this on points vs cash.

British Airways has one stop (London Heathrow) for your dates $859 regular economy on sale through Dec 3rd.

You will earn your frequent flier miles for your American Airlines program on either, just put that number in when making the reservation.

Bostonphil, France does have a number of holidays with the most in May I believe.

May 8 is VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). In France there are ceremonies and it is a public holiday so various services may be on a Sunday schedule.

With the dates you list, you will have 5 full days in Paris plus your travel days. Anyway you can add a couple of days as with jet lag, 5 days will go by quickly.

Carol N R

I checked Delta and got about $879.63. That must be a Black Friday sale because previously, I was getting about $1,200.00

On American, I got about $900.00 more or less.

I have my quirks .

I like leaving very early morning if possible from Austin or as early as I can.

Preferably I like about fours hours connecting time more or less. Prefer to have time to kill than rush and or sweat it.

Returning from Paris, I want mid to late afternoon. No mornings returning. Again about 4 hours connecting time, if at all possible,

No more than one stop. And no going through JFK

Going to relax now and will make a decision tomorrow or Saturday.

Not enough miles need to pay. Have both Delta Am EX and AA Citi cards

I'm back

Continuing to do research, and I continue to learn

I have not yet booked air.

I will be checking out of my hotel on May 12th. I think that check out may be 12 noon. I will take my time checking out. No rushing. I will have breakfast and take. a taxi to the airport.

I think I will overnight at the airport. They have hotels. And then fly out on the 13th.

For me, it eliminates the rushing and maybe reduces some stress.

I would suggest staying at the airport. The night before I don't stay in Paris but rather at the airport. My flight is 9 AM non-stop to SFO ca. 11.5 hours. By 6:45 I have the taxi pick me up.

I take the RER B from Gare du Nord to CDG, but not during rush hour obviously, then a taxi to the hotel, either Golden Tulips or Campanille, both French chains.

The two hotels are adjacent to each other, Campanille is cheaper but still quite satisfactory as regards to its restaurant and the spacious room. Catching the taxi at CDG to the hotel is ca. 16 Euro.