People always discuss walking the streets of Paris: but what if you can’t walk? This is a potential itinerary for wheelchair users coming to Paris and a small slice of what is available to those in a wheelchair. We acknowledge that Paris is not the most accessible city; it is hundreds of years old (the oldest house in Paris was built in 1407) and full of stairs and cobblestones. But the city of lights can and should be for everybody. Instead of focusing on all the issues, we hope to demonstrate that a wheelchair shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Paris.
Transport Arriving in Paris:
If Travelling with AirFrance be sure to check with Saphir, their free booking assistance for travelers with disabilities. If Travelling with SNCF, France’s railway company, make sure and use their Acces Plus service if you’re looking for accompanyment.
Public Transport Once you’ve Arrived:
All Parisian bus lines are accessible; they all have a retractable access ramp and 90% of bus stops are adapted with raised pavement. Paris’ tram system was designed with accessibility in mind and is very accessible. Paris’ metro lines 1 to 13 are very old and not adapted for wheelchair users, line 14 is fully accessible however and allows visitors to cross Paris. Paris’ RER, which allows access to Paris’ suburbs, Versailles, Disneyland etc., has 90% wheelchair accessible stations and the RER A and RER B have lifts and widened passageways.
By Taxi, Driver or Rental Car:
G7 taxi company has over 150 wheelchair accessible vehicles and specially trained drivers.
Ulysse “Ulysse is at the same time a travel agency and a transport company specialised for disabled people. Transport and personal service for school transport, medical appointment, professional meetings, shopping in town, leisure activities, etc – all in functional, adapted, air-conditioned vehicles. All distances, reception and customized journeys for individuals or groups. Also: www.ulysse-travel.com”
Wheeliz has accessible car rentals.
Handi-Lib has accessible scooter rentals.
Where to Stay:
Use this Site to find the best prices for accessible rooms
Luxury Wheelchair Accessible Stay: Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme (Around 600 euros/night)
From their Site: All areas and equipment in our hotel are accessible for those with reduced mobility. Our hotel offers rooms specifically designed for those with reduced mobility, which can be requested when the booking is made. Our team is trained to welcome disabled people. Our team is at your service to respond to any specific questions or requests.
Budget Wheelchair Accessible Stay: Citadines Republique Paris (Around 120 euros/night)
From their Site: Lift or ramps and only small thresholds, private accessible parking available, minimum door width is over 75 cm, toilet with grab rails, roll in shower with chair, bathroom with 1.5 m turning circle.
Potential Wheelchair Accessible Day in Paris:
For Breakfast: Head to the wheelchair accessible Boulangerie Poilane for a traditional French Breakfast in the Marais. Get a pain au chocolat and a cappuccino and a baguette for later because the bread here is exceptional.
Take the Secret Paris Accessible Guided Tour which is step-free and will show some of the most beautiful sights in Paris.
For Lunch head to a classic French Brasserie like the wheelchair accessible Brasserie Gallopin in the second arrondissement.
Head from there to one of Paris’ amazing, accessible museums (free to persons with disabilities) which includes but is not limited to: the Musée d’Orsay which includes the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, the Musée de l’Orangerie which houses Monet’s incredible Water Lily paintings, and the Centre Pompidou which may be the most wheelchair accessible of them all and houses an amazing collection of modern art.
From there, head to the eiffel tower, which has a 4 euro reduced rate for disabled vistors and their guests who can then visit the tower’s first and second floors. We highly recommend going for sunset and watching the golden pink light wash over this magnificent city.
Then, get drinks and dinner at Le 114 Faubourg at Le Bristol Paris and try the Michel star awarded French cuisine.
This guide is intended to show that a trip to Paris is not out of reach for those in a wheelchair and that there are an incredible number of resources for visitors in wheelchairs. We will list some of those resources below. This guide is also made during the period of Covid-19 where most of these attractions/tourism itself are not really possible in the hopes that those things will soon become possible and that maybe dreaming about a Parisian vacation will provide a light at the end of the tunnel that has been this time.
This Site is Paris’ Official “Visiting Paris with a disability” Guide
This Site Is a Fantastic Wheelchair Travel Resource
This Site Provides Information for Wheelchair Accessible Car and Scooter Rentals
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