My mom will be in Paris at the end of April. She is a senior travelling alone and has her heart set on Versailles. She is mobile but public transport isn't her strong suit. I'm hoping someone can recommend a tour without a double occupancy requirement. Also, she would love a guide that knows Paris just show her around in a situation where she doesn't have to drive or taxi or metro.
Thank you so much
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
2743 posts
Has your mom traveled before or is this her first trip? What is her activity level? Senior can mean anything here. I'm 71. Since she doesn't like (?) public transportation, can she walk far? Is she looking for day tours or a city tour like RS Paris tour?
I am taking my first solo trip in September for 28 days in several cities. I've been to Europe a few times but with a group or with friends. Although I have a RS tour scheduled in the middle of my trip, I want to do a few "group activities" when alone. I'm not used to public transportation (it's not a viable option to get around Phoenix) so I don't know how comfortable I'll be below ground. Buses I feel OK about.
Have you looked at the following websites?
We used https://www.takewalks.com/paris-tours/ in Rome and Venice pre-covid
http://paris-walks.com/index_m.html
We enjoyed https://www.eatingeurope.com/paris/ in Rome
and just for fun in Paris there are
https://2cvparistour.com/
https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/
I'm sure she will have a great time.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23281 posts
Are you asking for a local, one day city tour including Versailles? Or a multi-day organized tour of Paris?
Posted by
Ohio
2133 posts
I was just reading some other posts about folks doing a Rick Steves Paris in 7 Days leaving April 24. There are still openings for this date (see Tour tab). I’ve taken the tour twice, once solo and again with a friend. It’s a great tour and a terrific intro to Paris. The itinerary includes a day in Versailles. This might be the perfect fit for your mom.
If that’s not what she’s looking for, google day trips to Versailles. We did a Fat Tire bike tour that was fun but not too strenuous. Lots of options.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1230 posts
If she is open to the RS Paris in 7 days tour, this may be a solution. No requirement for double occupancy, though she may pay the single supplement to guarantee a room to herself. I have taken numerous RS tours and travel solo. That way, I get both privacy and community - and expert guides.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you so much for your advice. My mom has booked a RS Normandy tour that will be a wonderful experience for her. She has 5 days in Paris after that so I have been researching Versailles trips that would mean the least public transit and most of the ones I've found require a 2 person minimum. I'll keep looking but I appreciate your suggestions and links for a more personalized (aka she doesnt have to worry about travel logistics) experience.
Thank you!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2391 posts
I assume the Normandy tour is with Roadscholar, not Rick Steves.