Paris or Prague? For a short break with DM (80) and DD (10)

[AndCallMeNancy]

Hello, would love some feedback on this one please! Am hoping to book a Mon-Fri city break for the end of August. Paris and Prague are the shortlist. My mum is 80 but in pretty good nick and her mobility is ok, although obviously she can’t hike for miles! We want somewhere hopefully warm and sunny but not sweltering. We want to see and do some interesting things without it being too intense, and really just to spend some time together somewhere beautiful!

A bit vague I know but if anyone has any opinions on what might be the better option I’d love to hear it! 🙏

Paris is hillier with more uneven pavements than Praque, but easier to get to.

Prague is lovely, but the older, interesting part is hilly and cobbled, which is worth bearing in mind. The city centre is flatter but a lot like any other, in my experience.

I haven't been to Paris so I can't comment.

Over 60s go free on all transport in Prague (which has a very good and frequent tram service).

Paris was disappointment to me tbh.
While it's hilly in Prague, you can buy very cheap public transport tickets and tram routes are generally lovely. Metro is also great way to get around.
Look out for events, lots in August in the castle gardens etc usually

I’ve not been to Prague but I would imagine it’s more walkable than Paris. I would probably be checking average temperature for August though for a City break. I would chose Prague, wasn’t particularly impressed with Paris.

Prague.
Paris in August is hot, smelly and dusty with lots of things closed.
Lots of tourists in both, so no difference.
Prague is gorgeous.

Paris is a lot bigger.

Last time I went to Prague, it was difficult to find interesting areas to visit that weren't rammed. The Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and the castle were all unpleasantly crowded. We did wander along the river and visit a large church(cathedral) on a hill with a beautiful graveyard and that was OK, but Paris just goes on and on and on...almost literally there is no end of things to see and do, and if you avoid the areas immediately under the Eiffel Tower, in front of and around Sacre Coeur in Montmartre and sometimes under the glass pyramid by the Louvre, it's not that crowded.

Yeah, you can walk all the way round the centre of Prague quite easily, but the walk up to the castle is pretty strenuous.

Thank you for all your helpful comments! Prague seems to be coming out on top…

Great tip, my mum will love that, thank you!

Three friends who use mobility aids - 2 wheelchair users, one uses crutches and a walker mostly - just went to Paris on separate trips and all said they were shocked at how accessible it was. One said it is likely b/c they more recently hosted the paralympics. I realise you said your Mum is in good form mobility wise but may still be a consideration after lots of walking.

I can't speak to Prague!

I will say Paris is hot in the summer. Last time we went was in a July and I swore never again between late May and late September.

https://www.batobus.com/en/route?at_medium=sl&at_source=google&at_campaign=Geoloc_IDF_Langue_EN_Tourisme&at_campaign_sl=889654233&at_sl_term=promenade%20to%20paris&at_content=453392383388&device_type=m&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=889654233&gbraid=0AAAAADpbGJ35kw9Zxul2om3p9hRfEHSKa&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgIyW54i_jgMVVZFQBh2WKwjiEAAYAiAAEgJ_BfD_BwE

Paris - and the Batobus. Perfect way to see Paris for all ages. Away from all the grotty bits boating along the river. Hop on hop off at spots you fancy.

We loved it. Stay in a hotel on the Seine by a boat stop too.

‘To give you a truly unique experience, Batobus has 9 stops that take you to the best neighborhoods and landmarks in Paris.’

I cannot deny that we do love a boat trip @Absentmindedsmile ! Thank you.

Not that it matters to someone in 80s, but it's over 65. Just in case anyone looks at it

Prague is fantastic and very walkable. We used the trams a lot too as it was 30c when we visited. Just make sure to download the app and have a validated ticket BEFORE you get on. You mum can travel free with id.

I really didn't enjoy Paris. Overpriced and rude people. It was just a let down tbh as I'd always wanted to go.

I lived in Prague for a while and it's gorgeous. Great memories. They have an excellent tram service and it's not hilly in the centre. Plus you can get a boat trip under Charles Bridge if that's what you'd like? You can also hire pedalos but maybe no good for your mum!

@AndCallMeNancy
lots of boat trips available in Prague , the walk to the castle is strenuous but you should be able to get public transport

I've recently been to Paris with a relative in their 80s.

I did not find any rudeness, on the contrary everyone was very kind and helpful.

If your mother uses a walking stick, very often they let you jump the queue to get into places.

We did take taxis a lot when tiredness set in or when it was a complicated journey by public transport. We also had quite a bit of rain (I'd gone prepared for very hot weather!) The G7 app is good.

My relative found cobblestones hard to walk on but otherwise was ok walking about.

Paris isn’t what it used to be, sadly. I spent loads of time there in my late teens and 20s and it was so vibrant and cool. It’s a bit of a dump now, which I find really sad as I’d love to go back with the DC but feel it would be a let-down for them.

It depends a bit on what sort of holiday you want. I don't think there's enough to do in Prague for more than 2 nights. After that you're left with sitting outside cafés and people watching, which honestly is better in Paris. Paris & Vienna are the capitals of café people watching. Paris has enough activities for a month, but you'd need a holiday to recover!

Someone said the French are rude: that's not true, but you have to be polite to receive politeness by always saying hello and goodbye to staff as soon as you enter. British often wait for please and thank you to show politeness, which is considered really rude and far too late in an interaction in France.

I don't know if this is of any use/interest to you, but it's a suggestion from an older person anyway. I'm 68, mobile, but can tire easily especially in the heat, like most people I suppose!

Anyway, I want to go back to Paris but I don't want to spend a lot of time there either, just do the basics again for old time's sake. So the BatoBus sounds fantastic! I am going to stay in Rouen though and take the train into Paris for either one or two of my days away,

Rouen looks amazing, medieval buildings, the Joan of Arc connections and a short trip from there to Monet's garden at Giverny.

Prague would be too hilly for me and the cobblestones would kill me, and I don't fancy staying in the city of Paris either. But I am a bit fussy it has to be said. I'm going on my own too, with just a little knapsack on my back lol 😊

That’s very interesting. I found Paris busy and dusty but I like the idea of travelling by boat.

Yep absolutely. I’m not a fan of the busy city at all. But the batobus is the best antidote to all that. We only did the boat and associated stops. Restaurants en route. Best way to see the best bits of Paris, by far.

We were there in January so it wasn’t busy either. Not sure how busy the Boats would get in summer. Still, a million times nicer than walking around hot grimy busy streets.

I think it's getting better with every year! More green, less cars, more cycle friendly...maybe the cool spots have just changed location and you haven't kept up with them 😉

We're ending our Interrail trip there in a few weeks and I'm determined to swim in the Seine!