ABills

Hi All,

I would like to take my 88 year old Nan away for a weekend in Europe however I am struggling to think of a destination. We are based in London so flight time isn't a problem. She is remarkably able for her age however we will need somewhere with good transport links (or easy to get a taxi) or possibly a place where the sites are quite compact? She is fine with stairs but preferably not somewhere too hilly. As for interests we are completely open to what we do museums, landmarks and nice food would be a bonus but it is mainly about spending time together.

Thanks for any ideas you have

janisj

Because flying is just no 'fun' anymore with all the airport screening, long walks etc., I'd think about the Eurostar which would mean France, Belgium, or easily -- the Netherlands. Paris, Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam or somewhere like that.

Belinda

I think it's lovely that you want to spend this time with her. I also think almost any place can fit your criteria given her capabilities. So where would she like to go? Find out what appeals to her and then figure make it work.

Lots of people here don't like Uber but I have found with babies and elderly, Uber is much easier to since they come to you and are very accommodating and comfortable.

tuscanlifeedit

I like janisj's idea of Eurostar travel.

PalenQ

I think large cities like Paris may not be as relaxing as a smaller city - like Bruges or Antwerp - anyway yes Eurostar is easy - much easier than schlepping out to Heathrow or Gatwick and then in from airports and you choice of cities is less - janis' idea of Eurostar is yes the best IMO too - and Bruges a small city gem that does not require much walking and no hills. Book Eurostars ASAP at www.eurostar.com for discounts - BTW when are you going? If soon cheaper tickets may be sold out though there is a Senior rate too.

And get the ABS or All-Belgian-Stations ABS fare for a few extra quid with the Eurostar ticket as that lets you take any train that day you arrive in Brussels to any station in Belgium - to Bruges, Gent, another relaxing old city with all your requisites or Antwerp - for lots on trains and booking your own tickets online check www.eurostar.com -www.seat6`.com for great tips on doing that and general train info and places to go www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Taking Eurostar to Lille, France and changing there to French TGVs to say Lyon or Avignon is easy too.

PalenQ

How about flying to Nice - a nice town that fulfills your desires - and has good weather and is flat.

tailsock

Bruges, Antwerpen, or Prague. very compact city centers with wonderful architecture, efficient public transportation, and great food. slower paced. lots of old people go

lavandula

Anywhere in the Netherlands is on the flat, so lots of easy walking. Close to London. Maybe a smaller city like Delft or Haarlem rather than Amsterdam for compactness.

Lavandula

cafegoddess

Florence, Italy

bilboburgler

Eurostar to Northern France is great, along the coast for instance and hire a car to trip along it. Arras also lovely. Pas de Calais is also flattish but don't visit Calais

Nice idea BTW.

bilboburgler

If you want to include some art then Lille is reasonably close. http://www.pba-lille.fr/en

massimop

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I've been with elderly people in Amsterdam and the whizzing cyclists and problematic trams and tram tracks was a real problem.

I would be drawn to Paris because even if you pick a relatively quiet corner to stay, there is always a full array of things to enjoy right in that neighborhood: large or small museums, interesting shops, charming cafes, good restaurants. It's also possible to find delicious meals at "off" hours Many elderly people don't want to tackle restaurants with late dinner hours. I'd just be sure to pick a neighborhood with modern sidewalks and no uphill climbs, within easy reach of a taxi rank. I'm sure residents of Paris who post here could make suggestions.

menachem

concurring with massimop, with the remark that buses offer no steps access and get to every neighbourhood. I used to be in the 15th a lot with my mother, who even then wasn't as mobile as she liked to be, but had a great appetite for Paris. Buses from there take you across the city, past major sights, and offer easy access to the Left Bank, but also to Montmartre and Marais.

Plus, there's a great market on sundays that was within short walking distance, it's a real Paris quartier, albeit a quiet and slowly paced one: perfect pacing for her: lots of cafes at the crossroads, and places to have excellent lunch. We booked a citadines because it gave us more flexibility in choosing where to eat.

massimop

I'm guessing that menachem means that buses in Paris offer access for boarding without needing to use steps although first time I read it I thought he was trying to caution against some kind of access problem.

PalenQ

ABills - what do you think?

janisj

>>ABills - what do you think?



The OP probably doesn't know there are any responses. First-timers often assume they will get notice of activity on their threads.

Christina

I think the Eurostar is a good idea, also. YOu can't get to Bruges on the EUrostar, but of course you can transfer trains to get there. I think the Eurostar only goes to Brussels in that direction, there have been delays getting it to Amsterdam (now due spring 2018, I think). GOing south, it goes to Paris then Lyon and Avignon, I believe.

I wouldn't pick Lyon as the greatest place due to the hills. Now Avignon has some, but if you did just spend a weekend in the center, that's a short taxi ride from the station and there is probalby enough to see and do there -- the palace and that nice little Petit Palais museum, cathedral, and the open-air main square there with outdoor restaurants is fun. I could see doing that for a weekend in fine weather. You wouldn't need to really travel anywhere else.

I think Paris could work, also.

nukesafe

We just got back from Paris, and I concur with the advice of others here that it would make a good choice. I'm 86, and need to use a portable oxygen generator to move longer distances or climb hills or stairs, but we were able to go everyplace and do everything we wanted to do in our 11 day stay by using a combination of buses, the Metro, and taxis. I obviously did not climb the stairs to the towers of Notre Dame or visit Montmartre, but we did the Dior exhibit and even did a trip to Chantilly.

Take your Mom to Paris, she will have a wonderful time!

Elizabeth_S

Another vote for Paris - I took my 84 year old MIL there a few years ago and it was perfect. We stayed at Hotel Le Regent on Rue Dauphone which was a great area - lots of famous bits nearby. Also took a Parisvision tour via small van which was great and the Baton Mouche from Pont Neuf - just down the street from the hotel.

pariswat

Nuke, you look 68 top !
I want to be like you when I am 86.