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Paris with my elderly Mum

My 93 year old mum wants to see Paris again. She was there when she was in college. She wants to see the Orsay, Luxembourg, go out to Charte and a dinner cruise on the Seine. She is very active, tennis 3 times a week, plays bridge and volunteers every week and my husband and I can't keep up with her social life.

That being said, Paris is big and busy and she does get tired. I want to give her the best time possible, but am not sure which area to stay in. I was hoping to avoid the metro if possible and take the bus when I can. I was thinking the 1st but realize it can be very busy. I also thought of Ils Saint Louis, but that seemed like a long way from things she would like to see and do. I would rather have an apartment than a hotel. That way she can come back and rest as needed.

This trip is for her, so I want to make it the best ever. It will probably be her last trip to Europe. Any thoughts are welcome.

Posted by
2411 posts

How wonderful. I know it will mean a lot to both of you. What is your budget?

Posted by
3 posts

It's Paris, so a lot more than I expect! I am trying to stay within the $6000 for a week range.

Posted by
1683 posts

Sounds like you're planning a great trip for her.

Given your list of places to see, I would look for something in the 6th or the 7th on the edge of the 6th.

Your train to Chartres will depart Gare Montparnasse. It is in the 7th along with Musee d'Orsay and Luxembourg Gardens.

If this is a May to September trip, be sure your apartment has air conditioning.

Posted by
5133 posts

I laughed at your "It will PROBABLY be her last trip to Europe". What a woman.

Posted by
901 posts

I took my parents on a trip that included Paris when they were in their early 80s, but my dad had ankle problems so couldn't walk very far. We stayed in the 6th. We walked some, and took cabs when my dad couldn't walk any further. We must have occasionally taken the Metro, because one of my mom's must-see's was the Coulee Verte. We happened to be in Paris on (U.S.) Mother's Day, so it was a special day for us both. We had a picnic lunch (picked up beforehand), which we ate at a bench amongst the greenery.

The plus to a hotel, where she can go back and rest as needed, is that if you need help with anything, the hotel staff is there for you.

It will be such a special trip for you and your mum!

Posted by
3 posts

It will be a grand time I am sure. We are going the second week of April, so hopefully there will be plenty of flora blooming. And we will be sure to pack our rain jackets as well! I have been in touch with a few apartment services and they are all lovely, and expensive but I am a bit put off by Booking.

I suppose I am concerned about the business of the Latin Quarter and Halle, but I want her to be able to sit and watch from her window with a glass of wine when she does decide to rest.

I guess I will take any advice for traveling with elderly parents in a foreign country, thanks.

Paris is just très magnifique!

Posted by
1683 posts

All areas of Paris have pockets of calm and pockets of busyness. If you can provide an approximate location of the apartments you're considering (nearest intersection, for example) someone here will probably be familiar with the neighborhood.

Last year, spring came early to Paris and the gardens were beautiful in early April.

Posted by
1510 posts

Lucky Mom and lucky you to have such a vibrant mother at 93! i believe your husband also deserves a pat on the back. We like to stay in apartments because of the roominess, washing machine and ability to sit in a living room, etc. Guest Apartment Services is something you might want to check. We will be staying with them again in June. Our Tulip Apartment (On Île-Saint-Louis) with GAS was large and lovely. We're trying a new area--at the tip of Île de la Cité. GAS has a concierge service that is very helpful if you choose to use that.
One of the lovely things about Paris is you can go to a cafe to just sit with a cup/glass of something if you're tired--you don't even need to return "home".
I hope you'll return to the forum to let us know how it went.