Underhill

some of the accor hotels offer discounts to seniors--novotel, mercure, etc.

ckenb

You do still see Turkish toilets in Paris, but not in more upscale places, and more often for men than for women.

I was recently at Ma Bourgogne, a restaurant on the Place des Vosges. The men's 'cabinet' had a hole-in-the-floor Turkish fixture. I was surprised, so I peeked into the women's to see. It had a more modern commode.

vercia

Thanks once again everyone. Seniors are obviously out of luck when it comes to discounts in France
Regarding toilets, I will be sure to always carry small change in case I need to use the automated toilets (I wouldn't dare try to sneak in after someone, not after what I've read!)) If one uses a toilet that has an attendant how much should one leave as a tip.?

vercia

re: Seniors discounts. I've just found a website "http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/feat...heap.asp" This is what it has to say about discounts for seniors.
"For senior travelers, Paris is full of discounts. The "Carte Senior" available to folks over 60,provides 20-50% discounts to museums and historic sites. Another card can be purchased for 48 euros at any SNCF station for an unlimited amount of train rides, good anytime except holidays and peak travel times. In most cities people over the age of 60 qualify for reduced admission to theaters, museums and other attractions as well as discounted fares on public transportation. Members of the AARP get discounts on hotels, airfares and car rentals".

Has anyone tried the "Carte Senior ?

Patrick

We had a rather nasty "argument" on checking in at a Mercure in Naples. On line we had booked a special that allowed a double for a single price when it was a senior. But on arrival, when they saw the confirmation, they kept saying, "no that's a single price, not for a double". We argued back and forth quite a while, and it wasn't until the next morning and I cornered the manager that we were able to get the "senior" special we had actually booked.

We did several trains in France last year and thought about getting my partner a Carte Senior. But we found out that in some cases we got a better deal by doing the "two travel for the price of one" or "second person goes for half price" than we would have gotten with one full paying adult and one senior discounted fare, especially factoring in the cost of buying the Carte Senior. Also most of the trains we were taking wouldn't have allowed a senior discount because they were on a Friday, or during the mid morning hours, or some such other restriction. We were glad we didn't purchase the senior pass.

brosar

I have always had fabulous luck using the facilities at major department stores (Printemps, Lafayette etc.). Of course, they help only if you're nearby!