2 days in Paris itinerary for seniors
A comfortable, slow-paced 2-day Paris itinerary for seniors prioritizing step-free access, frequent rests, short transfers, and calm dining. Easy museum visits, accessible river cruise, seated garden breaks, and gentle neighborhood strolls.
Highlights
- Musée du Louvre (accessible routes)
- Seine river cruise (Bateaux Parisiens)
- Musée d'Orsay (elevators + seating)
- Jardin du Luxembourg (benches & flat paths)
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (cafés & gentle stroll)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, easy museum visit at the Louvre with garden breaks and an accessible Seine cruise; relaxed dinner nearby.
Arrival & Check-in — Le Meurice (central, accessible)
Settle in, use the hotel's elevator and accessible lobby to avoid stairs. Time to rest after travel and confirm mobility needs with reception.
Local tips:
- Ask reception for a ground-floor or elevator-served room and a room close to the elevator to reduce walking.
- Confirm availability of a roll-in shower or grab bars if needed; the concierge can note medical or mobility needs for staff assistance.
- Keep luggage handling to the concierge; request porter service to avoid heavy lifting and long corridors.
Le Meurice — Calm hotel breakfast
Leisurely breakfast with table service in climate-controlled dining; perfect first meal without rushing.
Local tips:
- Request a quiet corner table when you arrive to avoid standing or loud areas.
- Ask staff for smaller portion options or to pace dishes slowly if preferred.
- If mobility is limited, ask for the nearest restroom with grab rails and the elevator route to the dining room.
Musée du Louvre — Accessible highlights tour
A relaxed 3-hour visit focusing on accessible galleries (Denon wing) with the easiest routes and seating breaks near major works like the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory.
Local tips:
- Enter via the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance for step-free access and elevators; ask staff about the 'accessible entrance' sign.
- Rent a museum wheelchair or request a free wheelchair at the entrance in advance; plan short visits to one or two rooms with frequent seating breaks.
- Avoid peak crowds by focusing on the Denon wing early and using benches near large galleries; use museum elevators (staff can direct you).
Lunch — Le Nemours (quiet brasserie near Palais-Royal)
Calm, classic Parisian brasserie with comfortable seating and a warm atmosphere just a short walk from the Louvre.
Local tips:
- Ask for a table on the ground level near the entrance to avoid steps; the staff are used to accommodating mobility needs.
- Prefer off-peak lunch times (just after 14:00) to avoid crowds and long waits for seating.
- Request recommendations for milder dishes if you prefer lighter meals and ask for help with menus or special diet needs.
Palais-Royal Garden — Seated garden break
Short, shaded rest in the Jardin du Palais-Royal with plenty of benches and level pathways—ideal for a quiet sit-down after lunch.
Local tips:
- Stick to the paved paths nearest the arcades to avoid uneven surfaces and cobbles.
- Head to the benches under trees for shade and use the nearby public restrooms in the arcades if needed.
- If anyone wants a quick souvenir or accessible restroom, the covered arcades offer level access and sheltered walking.
Seine River Cruise — Bateaux Parisiens (accessible boarding)
A gentle 60-minute river cruise with onboard seating and ramp access—great for seeing Paris landmarks without walking.
Local tips:
- Board via the main accessible ramp; arrive 20–30 minutes early so staff can assist with boarding and seating near the entrance.
- Choose a seat on the covered deck to stay shaded and dry; request assistance for step-free boarding if using a wheelchair.
- Bring a light sweater—the boat can be breezy even in warm weather, and staff will help with seating and brief restroom directions.
Dinner — Le Fumoir (calm dinner near the Louvre)
Relaxed, climate-controlled restaurant with comfortable seating and quieter evening ambiance—easy short taxi from the quay.
Local tips:
- Reserve a table in advance and ask for a ground-level table away from the bar area for quieter dining.
- Confirm whether the table is wheelchair-accessible at booking and ask for a menu in larger print if needed.
- Request a taxi through the restaurant concierge for a short, door-to-door ride back to the hotel after dinner.
Day 2
Accessible Musée d'Orsay visit, garden picnic and gentle Saint-Germain stroll with quiet viewpoints and early dinner.
Hotel breakfast & prepare for the day
Gentle breakfast and time to gather items (water, medication, tickets). Take the elevator to the lobby at a relaxed pace.
Local tips:
- Ask for breakfast to be served at a quieter table and for help carrying trays if preferred.
- Double-check museum timed-entry windows and request printed tickets or large-font confirmations at reception.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip—many Paris sidewalks and crossing points have small curbs.
Musée d'Orsay — Focused visit (elevators & seating)
Two-hour visit to the Musée d'Orsay highlighting Impressionists; the museum has elevators and accessible routes with frequent seating.
Local tips:
- Use the museum’s main entrance ramp and ask staff for the nearest elevator to the Impressionist galleries.
- Plan a short route (select 3–4 key rooms) to avoid fatigue; benches are in major galleries for regular rests.
- Accessible restrooms are on-site; request maps with accessible routes at the information desk when you arrive.
Light lunch — Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay (museum café)
Convenient seated lunch in the museum's restaurant to avoid an extra walk; accessible seating and restrooms nearby.
Local tips:
- Reserve or ask the museum staff to alert the restaurant of seating needs (ground-floor or near elevator).
- Choose lighter dishes to keep energy for the afternoon stroll and ask staff to pace courses slowly.
- Use the nearby accessible restroom before leaving the museum; staff can point you to the closest facility.
Transfer — Short taxi to Jardin du Luxembourg (door-to-door)
A brief, comfortable taxi transfer to the Luxembourg Gardens to minimize walking and avoid busy metro steps.
Local tips:
- Ask the museum concierge to call a taxi with a low step or to reserve a vehicle adapted for mobility needs if required.
- Explain your drop-off preference to the driver—ask to be set down at the level curb on Rue de Médicis for easy access to benches.
- Keep a small bag with essentials on your lap in the taxi to avoid moving heavy items after getting out.
Jardin du Luxembourg — Picnic & rest by the Medici Fountain
One-hour seated rest in the calming Luxembourg Gardens; many benches, gentle paved paths, and nearby accessible toilets.
Local tips:
- Head straight to the level paths and benches near the Medici Fountain for steady ground and shade.
- If mobility is an issue, sit near one of the park entrances (Rue de Médicis) to reduce distance from the taxi drop-off.
- There are public restrooms and a pharmacy nearby on Rue de Médicis—note these locations in case of need.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés — Gentle neighborhood stroll & café stop
A relaxed walk through Saint-Germain with a seated café break; short distances, many benches, and level sidewalks near the main cafés.
Local tips:
- Stick to the main boulevards (Boulevard Saint-Germain) which are wider and flatter than side streets with cobbles.
- Choose a café with easy street-level seating (ask for a table away from entrances) and avoid peak afternoon hours.
- If walking feels tiring, take a short taxi between points of interest in Saint-Germain to minimize standing and stairs.
Square Jean XXIII — Notre-Dame viewpoint & rest
Quiet bench time with a direct, accessible view of Notre-Dame from the island—short, flat approach and plenty of seating nearby.
Local tips:
- Approach via the Quai de Montebello for the flattest route and request a taxi drop-off close to the square if needed.
- There are benches and shaded spots—sit and enjoy the view rather than navigating crowded steps behind the cathedral.
- Avoid the busiest hours (late morning) by visiting mid-afternoon for calmer pathways and quieter seating.
Transfer back to hotel — Short taxi (door-to-door)
Comfortable taxi transfer to rest at the hotel and freshen up before an early dinner.
Local tips:
- Ask a nearby café or park attendant to call a taxi so you can board close to your bench or drop-off point.
- Give the driver the hotel’s main entrance name (Le Meurice) and request a level curb drop for easy access to the lobby elevator.
- Keep your phone handy and let the hotel concierge know your ETA so staff can assist with any luggage or mobility needs.
Early dinner — Chez Julien (calm Seine-side dining)
Relaxed, early dinner in a warmly lit, quieter restaurant by the Seine—close to the hotel and accessible seating.
Local tips:
- Reserve an early table (around 17:30) to avoid crowds and request a ground-floor, easily accessible table.
- Ask for a printed menu or larger-font options and mention any dietary needs when booking to simplify service.
- If walking from the hotel feels tiring, request a short taxi; the restaurant staff can help with timely reservations and seating.