Accessible, affordable restaurant with a view in Paris
 

My friend's mother is visiting him in Paris and he and his wife want to take her to a nice restaurant (moderate "splurge" category) with a good view. She is older and has a health condition that requires her to limit her physical exertion. Oh - and his wife is 7 months pregnant with twins, so she's not up for acrobatics or tiny, convoluted seating spaces. This means my friend will want to be able to drive up close to the restaurant (although he'll park somewhere else, or they'll take a taxi). His mother can handle a few stairs, but if the restaurant is above the ground floor (to get the view of course), there will have to be an elevator. I've seen recommendations for the restaurants in the Eiffel Tower (but I think the altitude will unnerve her). I've suggested the restaurant at the Institut du Monde Arabe (although I'm not sure that North African food will appeal to her). Super-trendy won't really suit her either (e.g. Kong). The restaurant at La Samaritaine is closed. I know about the café at the Pompidou Centre, but it sounds rather casual. I've heard some recommendations for restaurants in Montmartre, but how accessible would they be? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

There is a restaurant on the roof of Galeries Lafayette. The "altitude" of the Eiffel Tower is not exceptional.

Perhaps http://www.maison-blanche.fr/ ?

I havent eaten there and dont know what the buzz is. I know Les Freres Purcels have a restaurant in Montpellier ( Le Jardin des Sens) that is consistenly good.

In addition to the cafe in the Pompidou center, there is the restaurant Georges, which is supposed to have a fabulous panoramic view:
http://tinyurl.com/ru86z

It might be perfect for you friends.

Restaurant Georges
Place Georges Pompidou
19, rue Beaubourg
75004 Paris
33 (1) 44 78 47 99

Chez Francis is on the corner of aves Montagne/George V. Huge outdoor terrace with terrific views of the Tour Eiffel. Gorgeous dining room inside to the right, more modern dining room to the left. Food/prices are more moderate than splurge. You would want to request a table with a view when you reserve.

Great views from restaurant atop Galeries Lafayette, open seasonally.

Also open seasonally is the restaurant at Hotel Terrass Hotel in Montmartre. Magnificent views. Easy to reach by car, located on the corner of rues Caulaincourt Joseph de Maistre.

Le Jules Vernes on the first etage of Tour Eiffel has specacular views of Paris and is not that high. Reservations required far in advance.

I've seen good reports for Ceil de Paris, the restaurant atop Tour Montparnasse (I have only visited the top for the views, which are terrific).

djkbooks suggestions of Chez Francis or the Montparnasse Tower are what I would have suggested (though the altitude of the M. Tower is MUCH higher than the resturants at the Eiffel Tower). The views from either are amazing.

I don't personally have any rec's for up in Montmarte - but the views would be terrific IF it is a clear day. Sometimes to is so hazy though.

Chez Francis would be great if you wanted something "on the ground"