Choose the right base
Ask your hotel about steps at the entrance, lift access to the room, bathroom layout and luggage storage. “Lift available” is useful, but a lift reached by a flight of stairs may not solve your problem.
Look for nearby suitable meals and convenient transport. Confirm breakfast and cooking or kettle facilities if important. Keep arrival day for a short local outing and recovery rather than a major attraction.
Transport with fewer surprises
Many older metro stations involve stairs. Use RATP’s accessibility information to check the full journey and lift status. Line 14, buses, trams and parts of the RER offer accessible options, but check the particular stations, stops and assistance arrangements.
A taxi can be worth budgeting for when it replaces difficult connections. If a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is needed, request and confirm it explicitly. A standard taxi booking does not guarantee one.
Our suggested easy day
Morning: one short visit or a garden stop, followed by a seated lunch. Afternoon: rest at the hotel, then a short outing near the Seine or a river cruise with confirmed boarding access. Evening: a familiar dinner within easy reach.
Choose two highlights instead of six and allow breaks before anyone needs to ask. Check toilets, seating and entrances in advance. Montmartre slopes, cobbles and large museums can be demanding; tailor the plan to your group. This suggested schedule does not certify any path as step-free.
Food, health and independence
Discuss dietary needs with restaurants directly, including Jain restrictions, stock and animal rennet if relevant. Keep a suitable snack and water available. Confirm meal service hours rather than arriving between services with a hungry group.
Keep prescriptions, allergy details and insurance assistance contacts accessible. Agree a meeting point and write down the hotel address for each person. Ask parents what they most want to see: the best itinerary is the one they enjoy, not the one with the most pins.
Sources & official links
Original editorial guidance. Check current procedures and opening hours with the linked organisations before travel. French phrases are our own translations; suggested days are editorial plans.