senior citizen discount in France
 

While doing some research on sightseeing places, I have not seen anywhere any sort of discounted tickets for senior citizens.

Does anyone know something about getting senior citizen discount like we get in the US.

Thanks for your help/advice/tips.

There are métro discounts for folks 60 and over, though I suspect they may be for French citizens only. If you speak French well enough, though, no one ever knows or asks.

Thanks for your reply.
I don't speak French! Maybe know 5 phrases.

I somehow presumed that all countries have some discounts for anyone who is a senior citizen--in some countries it is people about 50 or 55 or 60 or even 65.

I guess, no discounts in France except at the Metro.
Well, good to know in advance, so I wont feel bad that I missed it as sometimes one has to ask for the discount.

You can ask. In some countries in Europe some sites state discounts are for EU citizens only.

Kybourbon--Thanks for your reply.
Sad, I won't be able to get a discount.
But it is okay, will enjoy the time and places.

<i>I guess, no discounts in France except at the Metro.</i>

There are no senior discounts including the métro. However, those over 60 are eligible to purchase a Carte Senior+ for discounts on the national trains. Valid for one year, the card costs 60€.

Museums and galleries may have for those over 65. We saved 1 euro at gallerie du chateau d'eau in Toulouse. It was posted at the entrance, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

There are numerous discounts, sometimes starting at age 60, sometimes at age 65.

The reason for the age discrepancy is that a long time ago, retirement age for women was 60 but for men it was 65. When the discrimination ended, the places offering discounts had to choose one age or the other.

In addition to the Senior Railcard mentioned above, SNCF offers a discount Découverte Senior fare on TER and Intercité trains during off-peak times. More information here:

http://www.sncf.com/en/reductions/seniors

At the various museums and cultural sites, there were signs offering a senior discount to residents of the EU. The only European countries I recall offering senior discounts to all seniors was in Scandinavia.

At the Albert Kahn Gardens the other day, the full price was 4€ but "over 65 and retirees" paid just 2.50€.

Where did you hear you get discounts on the Paris metro for being a senior?

A lot of places with senior discounts require a special govt issued ID from their own locale where you are a resident, so tourists wouldn't qualify, or else they are required to be bought for a year, also something tourists won't do. This goes sometimes for being an EU resident, but Paris metro discounts have an annual card for local seniors. I think you have to be a resident, and even then they may have some standards based on income, not sure. It's call the forfait amethyste. http://www.ratp.fr/fr/ratp/r_85991/n...its-amethyste/

In any case, tourists can't get it.

I don't think they have as many senior discounts in France just based on your age like they do in the US. And places that say it is for "retirees" usually means a local or state govt card to indicate that status, it isn't just age. I think some movie theaters have senior discounts in Paris, but not all (UGC does not but I think Gaumont does). I go to the movies a lot in France and have seen that.

There are a few museums in Paris with senior discounts based on age, but not ones most people want to go to. LIke the Musee de la Poupee and the Grevin). I have been to the Musee de la Poupee and it was kind of pricey for the exhibits, it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

Most countries offer some discounts for seniors. However many are restricted to the citizens of that country, or to EU citizens.
The US discounts for many museums, all national parks and the like apply only to US citizens and green card holders.

I guess the thinking is if you can afford to holiday there then you can afford to pay the full rate.
After all many of the discounts are supported by the taxpayers of the country in question.

Thanks to everyone for all the information. Good to learn some new facts about senior discount that I did not know.


Planning trips is fun and of course, a learning experience.

Have a great day.

The Améthyste senior card is for handicapped seniors, veterans, and folks in nursing homes. I think what I have is called the Eméraude, which is just for seniors. I don't even know where it is at the moment, or I'd look it up, but I didn't have to show any ID or proof of anything to get it.

St. Cirq--Thanks for your reply. I have learned a lot on this thread.
Looking forward to my upcoming trip and won't worry much about the senior discount.

RATP clearly states that the Emeraude card is solely for Parisian residents, and I know it has always been that way.

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_22636/f...e-et-emeraude/

Reductions: Handicapés et Seniors

Conditions d'obtention
L’ensemble des cartes est réservé sous certaines conditions de revenus aux :
Personnes âgées de plus de 60 ou 65 ans
Adultes handicapés ou inaptes au travail
Anciens combattants ou veuves de guerre
Emeraude
Elle est réservée aux personnes domiciliées à Paris. Elle est délivrée par les centres d'action sociale de la ville de Paris.
La carte Emeraude permet de circuler sur :
les lignes du métro
les lignes de bus (y compris Noctilien), tramway et RER dans Paris (zone 1)
Améthyste
Elle est délivrée par l'intermédiaire des services sociaux des départements où sont domiciliées les personnes intéressées.
Les cartes Améthyste permettent de circuler sur les lignes RATP et SNCF d'Île-de-France y compris Noctilien à l'exception des liaisons aéroports et des lignes de bus à tarification spéciale.
La carte Améthyste demi-tarif permet de se déplacer avec des billets demi-tarifs et la carte Améthyste gratuité permet de se déplacer gratuitement sur tout le réseau.

I know exactly what it states. It didn't prevent me from getting one, though.

We just came back from Paris and the Dordogne and never found a senior discount anywhere...!