Yes, there are various reductions for older people in France and you do not have to be French to benefit.
Some (notably those from commercial organisations) are even available to non-residents if they spend enough time in France to benefit.
Here are some examples:
- The SNCF’s Carte Sénior+ gives 25% off train fares in second class and up to 40% in first class. Reductions rise to 50% on local TER trains at off-peak times. The card costs €60/year but more than pays for itself if you use French trains often.
- Air France and its low-cost subsidiary Hop! offer a reduction card priced €59/year for those aged over 65, with up to 30% off flights within France.
- Local transport companies offer reduced prices for older people. For example, the Lignes d’Azur bus and tram company on the Riviera offers a reduced-fare card for over-65s on proof of identity and age, but if you live in the area and are below the income tax threshold, then travel is free.
- Some towns have special cards for reductions on cultural and leisure activities. For example, in Lyon and Nice there are free cards for over-65s or over-55s, respectively, who live in those areas.
However, many cultural activities (eg. cinemas) also offer reduced prices simply on proof of age. - There are various tax reductions or exemptions for resident older people with modest incomes, including an income tax allowance for over-65s, exemption from taxe d’habitation for over-60s and a reduction on taxe foncière for over-65s or exemption for the over-75s (the latter may also be available to non-residents if they request it).
- Certain health benefits for those in the French health system are age-related, such as free flu vaccines for the over-65s or mammograms for women aged 50+.