I am taking my 85 year old mother to Paris for her first visit in September. She doesnt have a lot of energy, and for an introduction, I want her to see as much of an overview of Paris as possible. I would like to find an english speaking, live guide (not headphones) half day bus tour. We don't need to hop on/off, just something that will comfortably show her the major sites. Advice?

Maybe check out what Greyline or Viatour have to offer. A great company is Tours by Locals but it might be pricey for just the two of you.

I will take a look, thank you. This is her one and only Paris trip (I have been a few times and will return) so we are willing to splurge.

The classic Parisian tour companies (Cityrama and Parisvision) have been absorbed by the Grey Line blob, so here is what is offered now: https://www.pariscityvision.com/

Instead of a bus tour how about one of the small specialized individual tours? Check out 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie and Paris Tours. Take a look at their websites.

I have thought a lot about this in thinking about taking my own Mother to Paris. I've been looking for ways to give her a wonderful experience without having her have to do a lot of walking, climbing in and out of things, doing a lot of stairs and cobbles.

Some things I'm considering: A ballet at Opera Garnier (there is an elevator aside from that marvelous staircase). A lovely meal with a great view (consider Les Ombres, atop Musee Quai Branley or L'Oiseau Blanc, atop the Paris Peninsula), a wine and cheese class with Thiery Govin - Wine-tasting-in-paris.com. Drinks on top Le Terrass Hotel at sunset. A sail down the Seine on Bateau Mouches (take a taxi and let them know you have a mobility limited person to get right down to the boarding place).

Don't hesitate to take Uber, Chauffeur Privet or a taxi. Download the apps on your phone and order one to come directly to pick you up.

4 Roues sur parapluie will be a very uncomfortable ride.
Thé cars don't have very good shock absorbers at all.
If it's bad weather, you won't be able to see anything from the rolled-back roof.
I've been in the back seat - it's cramped and no fun unless you are very short.

I'd suggest hiring a regular taxi for short trips to the main attractions, because you might not be tired, but she will.

Les bateaux parisiennes is the one dock that has an easy slope to the boat.
I don't that taxis can take her down there, though - it's blocked off - but it's an easy enough walk.
I'd go at night to get the whole effect of the illuminated bridges and monuments.
Sunset will be around 9:30PM in Paris in Septembre.

Les bateaux parisiennes is the one dock that has an easy slope to the boat.
I don't that taxis can take her down there, though - it's blocked off - but it's an easy enough walk.
I'd go at night to get the whole effect of the illuminated bridges and monuments.
Sunset will be around 9:30PM in Paris in Septembre.

...and maybe you could read a couple of guide books and just give her the highlights - which is what any other tour guide does.

Belinda, the wine tasting is perfect. on the list. My trips to Paris are very different than what I will do on this trip with my mom... I spend days in the museums (all day) and walk like crazy. Thanks so much for your thoughts on this!
Kerouac, thanks for the info. The great monopolization of everything sure does change what is possible. Feeling that all over the place in New York, where I live.
fuzzbucket— do you think it was just about the one car you were in? My mom is tiny so I am not worried about her being cramped, but jostled to pieces is a different story...

Belinda,
Just came across this. My mom has a lot of trouble with stairs, but how can she miss the pink light of San Chapelle?? There is a separate entrance with escort to an elevator! With your research you may know this site but just in case:
http://www.sagetraveling.com/Sainte-...-Accessibility

Another thing that might be enjoyable is to just get on a city bus and ride and look out the window. I think route 42 is a recommended one and goes to the Eiffel tower, IIRC.

No - all the cars are Citroen CV 2.


The company just paints logos on the side and doesn't do anything else to them.
The drivers are charming and will let you out for photo ops, but it's difficult getting in and out of the back seat.
You might ask if she can sit in the front passenger seat, but it will still be a rough ride - especially over cobblestones.
And remember that you will be sitting in traffic a lot of the time with the windows down.

There are horse-drawn carriages that go around the Eiffel Tower, which might be a better idea.

I would not advise taking the bicycle taxis which charge outrageous prices based on what they think you have in your wallet.

People I know who have taken the Citroen tours have really enjoyed them but I'll defer to fuzzbucket who knows everything about Paris Your experience may vary, as they say.

I should ammend my earlier comment to say Parisi Tours, not Paris Tours.

Excited that you are considering the wine and cheese class. You and your mom will love Thierry.

Thanks for the link for the St. Chappelle accessability!

Bless you for giving your Mom this wonderful experience!

Taxis can take people directly down to the dock of the Bateaux Mouches.

I've had the misfortune of sitting in the back seat 3 times, going with friends who wanted to take the 4 Roues tours.
I really wouldn't recommend sitting in the back seat.

my mother decided, given all the helpful feedback. We are going for the splurge: http://www.sagetraveling.com/panoram...e-driving-tour (unless anyone has a disasterous story about these guys....)

Looks great! Again, good for you doing this for your Mom!