Paris, Île-de-France, France

PARIS : Overview

OVERVIEW

Paris is a romantic city, with plenty to see and do, and is very inclusive for individuals with physical challenges. The city of Paris is working hard on improvements to make the city not only more wheelchair accessible but also better for people with other disabilities as well. A wide variety of disabled guided tours throughout this beautiful city are offered.

“I am a paraplegic and found Paris to be very accessible. Curbcuts at every street and all museums and shows (our main focus) were wonderful.” Tara, 1/18/2010

LANGUAGE

The official language of France is French.

“Parisians were very accomodating….especially with my limited french! A wonderful trip.” Tara, 1/18/2010

“It is generally helpful to learn some basic French before going to Paris. Here are some terms that will help you when discussing access:

Fateuil roulant (Fah-tyool roo-lohnt)- wheelchair
Ascenseur (Ah-sens-yor) – elevator/lift
Rampe (Rahm-puh) – ramp
Marches (Marsh-ays) – steps (the kind you have to walk up and down)
Accessible – means you can access it with a wheelchair but no special features have been added to help wheelchair users, in a hotel this means that you can generally get into the room with a wheelchair but does not guarantee you can reach the closet or that there are grab bars in the bathroom
Adapte (Ah-dahp-tay) -means that the facility has been adapted for a wheelchair user, in a hotel this means the bathroom has things such as grab bars by the toilet, shower, etc.” Anna, 1/4/09

CURRENCY

The official currency of France is the Euro.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

PARIS : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport: We flew in and out of the Charles de Gaulle Airport, and had problems at both ends. I am dependent on an electric wheelchair and must have assistance boarding the plane. In the case of our departure, we arrived well ahead of our scheduled flight. The terminal we used did not have a jetway, and our flight was delayed nearly an hour while we awaited a special elevator truck to arrive to transport me to the plane (since I can’t use the stairs). In the case of our departure, we were connecting in Paris on our way to London from Lisbon. Our flight arrived late, and it took a long time for the ground crew to get my electric chair out of the plane and up to the jetway. We ended up missing our connecting flight, and had to reschedule. Bottom line, budget plenty of time when dealing with flights through Charles de Gaulle, and we would recommend avoiding flights with tight connections through this airport if you are in need of assistive services.

Also note that this airport has steep escalator type ramps (no steps, but a moving walkway at an angle). It can be challenging to keep your chair away from the walls while the walkway is moving.

“The bathroom at the American Airlines gate had a toilet that was raised on a 6″ platform. It did have grab bars.There was not a companion bathroom near the American Airlines gate.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Infomobi: contains information about accessible transportation options in Paris and looks very helpful. Note that it is written in French.

TAXI

Taxis G7: A taxi cab service in Paris offering wheelchair accessible transportation that is equipped with a ramp. You must call and request the cab ahead of time, and then call 7 days prior to your journey to confirm your reservation. The Taxis G7 accessible section of the website lists a special phone number to call for accessible transportation accommodations.

“The accessible taxi system I used can be contacted through G7 Taxi service. They generally need 24-48 hour reservation, but it is possible to call 1 to 2 hours prior to pick up. All depends upon availability.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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SHUTTLE

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

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BUS

“About 50% of bus lines were fully accessible as of 2007. Wheelchair access on these lines is great, drivers are well-trained. To board the bus, press the wheelchair button on the side of the bus, the doors will at first close but that is the first step in initiating the ramp, the ramp will jut out to meet the sidewalk and the doors will then open.” Anna, 1/4/09

“The majority of the bus system is accessible. Certain lines are more accessible than others (i.e. 42, 72). The accessible lines are noted on at the bus stops and the accessible buses have the wheelchair logo.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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TROLLEY

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TRAIN (Heavy rail – Eurostar)

Eurostar: The Eurostar is a great way to travel between London, Brussels, and Paris. The trains are wheelchair accessible. We took the Eurostar from London to Paris, and had a surprisingly easy trip. The stations are wheelchair accessible, and I was able to roll right on to the train in my wheelchair, and comfortably stay in it for the entire trip.

“Heavy rail, Thalys and Eurostar, has better access. Need reservations for wheelchair seating car.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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TRAIN (Heavy rail – Other)

“Could not take train to Versailles. It was not accessible and we did not think the cost of a cab would make it worthwhile, so we stayed in the city.More croissants and latte!” Tara, 1/18/2010

“The light rail Metro has extremely limited access.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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PARIS : Accommodations

HOTELS

In Paris there are wheelchair accessible hotels, however you will need to do some research and make calls. We stayed at the Sofitel Paris Champs Elysées which was a very nice hotel, close to many attractions, and a bit pricey. We called to make our reservation to ensure we would be accommodated.

Pullman Tour Eiffel: “Easy ramp access to front door. Wheelchair accessible rotating door as well as 2 other wide doors. The wheelchair accessible guestrooms are very spacious by European and even American standards. Stayed in room 220. The bathroom had a larger than 5’x5’ turning radius. Roll-under sink, grab bars by toilet. We opted for a room with a tub (brought a travel shower bench with me) so we could have a view of the Eiffel Tower. The room also had a connecting room. Perfect set up for my 2 teen children. The hotel is set for renovation in 2011. We were assured by the manager that the accessibility would be a priority and the rooms would be preserved. Tried to stay at the Best Western Malte Opera near the Louvre. The elevator did not fit my 27” wide wheelchair. The elevator was 26 x 26”, however the room has a bathroom big enough for a wheelchair including turning radius. No grab bars. Also tried to stay at the Mercure Tour Eiffel. The property is accessible, however the rooms are very tiny. Just enough space to navigate my wheelchair to a bed, but not around the rest of the room. The bathroom was also accessible with a roll-in shower and bath chair, however the grab bar for the toilet is on the transfer side of the toilet, making it very difficult to use.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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LUXURY RESORTS

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PARIS : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Sienne River Boat Tour: We took an amazing wheelchair accessible boat tour along the Sienne River one evening while visiting Paris. It was very Romantic and we got to see the beautiful architecture completely lit up. The Bateaux-Mouches Pont de l’Alma is also wheelchair accessible and I believe this was the boat tour we took.

“Bateau Parisian (boat tours on the Seine) – There is access across from the Eiffel Tower down to the boats. The boats have ramps. No accessible bathroom.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

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ACTIVITIES

Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ “must dos” to get a real perspective of how large and beautiful the city is. The tower was totally wheelchair accessible for me and I would recommend it.

“A wheelchair user and 1 companion can skip lines. Cost 4 Euro per person. The tower is only accessible to the 2nd floor. The top of the tower is not accessible. The 2 restaurants are accessible. There is an accessible restroom available.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

EuroDisney: “The Disney park is accessible. A companion can get in free if the disabled person brings proof of disability. Have a doctor’s note that includes the disabled person’s name, their specific disability signed by the doctor on hospital or clinic stationery. This will save up to 57 euro. Stop by Town Hall to receive a special pass that allows wheelchair users to skip lines, find special entrances and avoid wait times. Also get the map of accessible attractions and bathrooms.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

Arc de Triomphe: The observation deck is accessible via elevator for physically challenged individuals.

Notre-Dame of Paris: Notre-Dame is partially wheelchair accessible: the nave, side aisles and transept. Please note: there is a small step at the entrance portals to access the main floor.

“The main church is accessible. Some parts are not. There are no accessible restrooms. Use the restroom in the Hotel Dieu Hospital emergency room across the street. The hospital is very familiar with wheelchair users using the restroom. The women’s room is very tight. The door swings in, so it is a bit of a challenge.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

Muse’e d’ Orsay: The Musee d’ Orsay is an accessible museum and provides a detailed map of all accessible entrance and exit points.

Musée du Louvre: The Louvre is very accessible and is open to everyone. In fact, the museum won the “Tourisme et Handicap” award in 2002. A special treat for the physically challenged – the Mona Lisa is roped off, and museum patrons must view the painting behind the crowded rope. However, individuals in wheelchairs (and potentially other disabilities) are allowed in front of the rope for a closer unobscured view.

“Art Museums – Louvre, d’Orsay, L’Orangerie, Rodin, and Pompadue – All museums were very accessible. Disabled visitors and their companions get to go to the front of the lines and get in free. Kids under 18 free. May need to show proof of disability. Bring your parking card or doctors letter. All museums have a accessible bathrooms. May need directions as to where they are located.” Wendy, 4/15/2010

Place de la Bastille: The Bastille square is wheelchair accessible and offers tourists much to see.

Place de la Concorde: Place de la Concorde is considered the largest square in Paris and offers some amazing sites to see, including fountains, statues, and the Obelisk, which was transported from the temple of Ramses II at Thebes to Paris.

Pont Alexandere III: Pont Alexandere III is one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. It is ornately decorated with sculptures and lampposts by different artists. The bridge is wheelchair accessible.

Champs-Elysées: Champs-Elysées is one of the most gorgeous tree lined streets we have ever experienced. There are many cafes, shopping, theaters, and restaurants along this impressive corridor.

Sacré-Coeur: is a beautiful site to see, however we did not go inside for a tour as we did not have the time to research the accessibility before our trip. It happens to be “accessible” but with help. The link provided above gives more information.

“Had some issues going to Sacre Coeur. The church was up plenty of stairs and streets were difficult to navigate being cobblestone.” Tara, 1/18/2010

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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PARIS : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Parisinfo.com provides a list of hospitals in case you become ill or have an accident while traveling in Paris.

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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PARIS : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Many of the attractions in Paris are located within a general vicinity of one another, so it is possible to see many without using transportation services. If you are dependent on a motorized scooter or wheelchair, make sure your batteries are fully charged before venturing out for the day.

“Paris has curb cuts on every corner, so it is easy to stroll around. The public transportation can be iffy. We found the buses to be the most reliable. It is extremely difficult to find truly wheelchair accessible accommodations. Must ask many questions, get measurements, etc. Even then the hotel or guestroom may not be as expected. We made 2 reservations, asked all the questions, emailed and spoke directly to hotel management. When we arrived in Paris, we discovered that neither hotel would suit our needs. By chance, the third hotel worked. (Pullman Tour Eiffel).” Wendy, 4/15/2010