Hello, a friend is coming to Paris with his wife for 2 days. He has problems walking long distances and athough he does not use a wheelchair, he would like a hotel that is not too expensive but gives easy access to the main sights of Paris. I have been in the Paris metro system and find that at times within the metro, there is lots of walking from one train to another line. Please could someone advise me on the best location to stay which isnt too expensive but is easy to see the main sights. I would also be very grateful for any hotel recommendations too.

Thank you.

http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/france/voyageurs_handicapes.htm

Hi

On this web page you can see a list of hotels with rooms for disabled travellers. Even if your friend does not need a wheelchair this might be a helpful hotel guide.

I checked some hotel web sites (click on “situation” to see where they are located). For ex Hotel Elysees Mermoz, La Perle and Ducstsimon seem to be very central. Unfortunately Paris city centre is pretty large so there will always be some part of the city centre to far to reach on foot, no matter how central your hotel is.
Anyway, any hotel close to Notre Dame, Champs Elysees and Quartier Latin is to be considered well located.

Some taxis are ready to receive disabled clients. (just in case you need this)
In Paris, call :+ 33 (0) 1 47 08 93 50 to book one of these taxis

Hope this helps
Kind regards
Francesca

THank you very much for your respone. I will take a look at the website you recommended.

I would look for something right around Saint Michel Metro / Saint Michel-Notre Dame RER on the border of the 5th/6th. There is good transportation and near some major sites. Make sure the hotel has an elevator - there are many that do not.

The Paris Metro would not be a good idea for someone who has trouble walking.Taxis in Paris; outrageously expensive. The Paris bus system is wonderful, might be a little tricky to figure out.
If they're only going to be there for 2 days, they should take a bus tour of the city. I know that one company is "Paris Vision" and there are probably others, that can be found on line or at the hotel. Also. a sightseeing boat trip on the Seine is really enjoyable.
The area around Notre Dame or the Marais area would be well recommended. A 3 star hotel would be best; I think that they all have elevators. Both areas are flat.
A hotel that is not in the forementioned areas is the Hotel Prince Albert Louvre. It's a 2 star hotel and is very near the Louvre. It is on a quiet street near lots of restaurants and stores .The room had a small refridge, a really tiny elevator and a very good rate. I stayed there in Feb; they gave me a room with a huge bathroom and large tub.

au revoir

Here is an interactive map of the Paris bus system
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/cv/cartebus.php

Good point about the hotel elevator Kathy. Another thought on the transport situation as related to sightseeing, would the Bateaubus be suitable? It does take you to all the most popular sights, i.e. Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame etc. I have never used it myself, but it would probably be wise to see if access onto the boats would be difficult for your friend. I can't see that it would be and it would certainly be worth a thought. There would be many, many hotels close to a Bateaubus stop I'm sure. There are plenty of websites to give you info. Just Google "Bateaubus" and you should find all the info you need.

Thank you very much to everyone who responded for your very useful answers. I shall take a look at all that you recommended.