We will be in Paris for just two days. The first day we have booked a private four-hour tour to see some of the city. The second day we were thinking of going on the HOHO batobus water taxi that has a bunch of stops at various Paris sights. Since I have some knee issues, I'm wondering about the stairs at each stop after getting off the boat--are there a LOT of stairs at each stop to get up to the main walking areas? Is the Batobus a good way to see a lot of different areas of Paris along the Seine? Or is there a better way that doesn't involve a lot of walking? (some walking is fine, I just can't do a lot at one time).
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2850 posts
The Seine is lower than street level in Paris, so you would have a set of stairs to climb, then descend upon return to the boat. I would recommend using Google Earth to view the stairs so you know what to expect.
There is a bus #69 passes most of the big sights in central Paris. This might be an easier, and cheaper, option. Use the Bonjour RATP app for details. https://www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes/busratp/69
Posted by
Paris
10938 posts
I would just take one of the cruises that is designed to let you see the city from the Seine - Bateaux Mouches or les Vedettes. In that case, you only have to climb twice - to get on the boat and get back off — and in between you just sit and let Paris unfurl on either side of you.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35518 posts
I've never taken those boats, but accessibility is uppermost with me. I had a look at the Bateaux Mouches at Port de la Conférence (picked a stop randomly) and noticed that Google Maps Streetview bubbles show ramps not steps, flat decks, spiral staircase between decks. Disappointed that there is no disabled info at all on their website, but there is contact information.
Posted by
Chicago
9243 posts
The Seine Cruise at Pont d'Alma has a ramped dock. Vedettes Pont Neuf is the worst for difficult stairs down to the Quai.
The Batobus stops are of course not at the places they note because that involves a climb from the bank to wherever those sites are. I'd do the cruise instead and use buses to get to sights around town.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1949 posts
Just back from Paris and we used the Batobus. Do NOT buy a ticket until you are ready to use the Batobus - the ticket is good for 24 or 48 hours from the time of purchase. The Batobus docks are accessed by a flight of about 20 to 30 steps, although I think ( not 100 % certain) that the access at the Orsay museum was mainly a long ramp and only a couple of steps. None of the stairs we used had a railing. However, I managed them OK by keeping my hand flat against the wall - I have a well-healed knee replacement. l We also did a sunset river cruise with Vendettes Pont Neuf. There were also lots of steps to access that boat but we really enjoyed the beautiful cruise.
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
11 posts
Thanks so much, fellow travelers, for this great advice! I appreciate all of your responses! We are rethinking the Batboys as a result.
Posted by
Chicago
9243 posts
I would ordinarily not recommend this as I think it is boring and slow BUT if I had mobility issues then I would consider the canal boat trip that goes underground near Bastille and then through part of Paris you are not likely to usually see and then ends at Villette. You get to ride along, go through locks, and see Paris off the beaten path. St. Martin Canal