City Guide

Mention the fact that you're a senior citizen when you make your travel reservations. 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.

At any rail station in France, seniors (60 and over, with proof of age) can get A La Carte Senior, available online at www.voyages-sncf.com. The pass costs 50€ ($65) and is good for a 50% discount on unlimited rail travel throughout the year. The carte also offers reduced prices on some reginal bus lines and half-price admission at state-owned museums. There are some restrictions -- for example, you can't use it between 3pm Sunday and noon Monday or from noon Friday to noon Saturday. There's no discount on the Paris network of commuter trains.

Members of AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), 601 E. St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277 or 202/434-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP: The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone over 50 can join.

Many reliable agencies and organizations target the 50-plus market. Elderhostel (tel. 877/426-8056; www.elderhostel.org) arranges study programs for those age 55 and over (and a spouse or companion of any age) in the U.S. and in more than 80 countries around the world. Most courses last 5 to 7 days in the U.S. (2-4 weeks abroad), and many include airfare, accommodations in university dormitories or modest inns, meals, and tuition. ElderTreks (tel. 800/741-7956; www.eldertreks.com) offers small-group tours to off-the-beaten-path or adventure-travel locations, restricted to travelers 50 and older.

Recommended publications offering travel resources and discounts for seniors include the quarterly magazine Travel 50 & Beyond (www.travel50andbeyond.com); Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures for the Mature Traveler (Avalon); 101 Tips for Mature Travelers, available from Grand Circle Travel (tel. 800/221-2610 or 617/350-7500; www.gct.com); The 50+ Traveler's Guidebook (St. Martin's Press); and Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50 (McGraw-Hill).

City Guide

Paris France Tourism: For Seniors

For Seniors

Paris Travel & Vacation Deals

Paris Travel Deals